BRADENTON, Fla. — A teenager was killed, and four others are facing charges after police say they crashed a stolen SUV following a chase around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.
Deputies say there were five people in the SUV when it crashed into a power pole, all teenage males between the ages of 14 and 17.
A deputy noticed the SUV parked, with the headlights lights off on 17th Ave. W. When the deputy turned his cruiser around, the vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed, according to the sheriff's office.
Another deputy started following the teens as they continued driving at high speeds north on 14th Street W. As the SUV turned east on 11th Ave West it crashed into a power pole.
Deputies say the 17-year-old driver and one of the passengers ran away from the scene. The other three passengers were detained. The passenger who ran away was quickly detained by a deputy, while a K9 attempted to find the driver.
One of the passengers, a 16-year-old, was pronounced dead on scene. Three of the other passengers were taken to the hospital, two were flown by Bay Flight to All Children's Hospital while one was taken by EMS to Manatee Memorial Hospital.
The 17-year-old driver of the SUV later showed up at Manatee Memorial Hospital with family members.
Deputies say all the teenagers have been charged with burglary and grand theft auto. The driver could face further charges by the Traffic Homicide Investigation Unity, deputies say.
