Five teens arrested after police chase and crash in Malden, officer opens fire

Five juveniles were arrested in Malden, Massachusetts after a stolen car chase ended in a crash. An officer discharged their firearm during the pursuit; no one was hit.

Five juveniles charged after stolen car pursuit ends in Malden crash

Five teenagers were arrested in Malden, Massachusetts on Tuesday following a police chase that began with an attempted car break-in in Medford, whdh.com reports. The pursuit ended when the suspects' vehicle crashed into a fence in a residential neighbourhood, and an officer fired shots during the incident.

At around 4:30 a.m., Medford police responded to Barbara Lane after reports of a breaking and entering into a motor vehicle. Officers located a vehicle matching the description on Lincoln Road and attempted to stop it. According to police, the vehicle drove directly at an officer, who then discharged their firearm at the car.

The vehicle fled the scene, striking a parked car and sustaining significant damage before beginning to smoke. Despite the condition of the car, the driver continued to flee, prompting a low-speed chase through Medford and into Malden. Massachusetts State Police and Malden police joined the pursuit.

The car eventually crashed into a fence in a Malden neighbourhood. Several suspects attempted to flee on foot, but all five were taken into custody.

"This is such a quiet, quiet neighbourhood, hardly any noise let alone five gunshots. I was shocked," said Bob Galasso, a local resident who has lived in the area for 46 years. "Never, ever had anything occur like that here."

Investigators established that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Woburn the previous Monday morning.

All five suspects are juveniles — three aged 16, one aged 14, and one aged 17. All five face charges of Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle. The 17-year-old faces additional charges including Assault to Murder, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop, Marked Lanes Violation, Speeding, Resisting Arrest, and Leaving the Scene of Property Damage.

Three officers and one suspect were transported to hospital but have since been released. No injuries from gunfire were reported.

All five juveniles were taken to Cambridge Juvenile Court for processing. The officer who discharged their firearm has been placed on administrative leave. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)