Teen leads police on car chase west of South Bend
Teen leads police on car chase west of South Bend Save Email Print
Officers fire weapons at suspect's car


Posted: 12:14 PM Nov 15, 2007
 Last Updated: 6:32 PM Nov 15, 2007

61 comments
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A 16-year-old boy lost control of his car during a police chase west of South Bend this morning. Police approached the car to question the driver about a police report filed overnight.

St Joseph County Police received a report of a broken back window of a car on Elmer St. Police received a description of the car that might have been involved in the incident and saw a vehicle that matched that description this morning.

As police walked up to the car at Floral Place and Mayflower, the driver sped off, eventually heading west on State Road 2. Police pursued the suspect. Police tell NewsCenter16, the teenager attempted to turn North onto Quince Road when he lost control of car and hit a pole.

An initial report from the scene says the officers approached the car and discharged their weapons into it. Police say the teenager was not hit by any of the shots fired by St. Joseph County Police.

The suspect fled on foot North on Quince and was eventually apprehended near the intersection of Quince and Edison.

The 16-year-old was transport to Memorial Hospital for injuries related to the car crash. Police say there were no injuries to any officers.

A spokesman for the St. Joseph County Police reports that stolen items were recovered from the car.

The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit is currently investigating the incident. Police tell NewsCenter16 it is common practice for Metro Homicide to take the case for any incident involving police officers discharging their weapons.

Stay with NewsCenter16 and WNDU.com for more on this developing story.
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Posted by: T Location: South Bend on Aug 17, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Wow, the poor thief was scared out of his teeny-tiny mind. Too bad the cops missed. Here's a straight fact, your spelling is simply atrocious.
Posted by: the 16- year old Location: sb on Feb 9, 2008 at 06:26 PM
yeah, all you people can go somewhere. i know what i did was wrong but i agree with wat jay said. fear makes people do irrational things. i would have never did what i did if i wasn't scared out of my mind. all you people who agree with what the cops did, get your facts straight first!
Posted by: jay Location: south bend on Dec 5, 2007 at 01:02 AM
this seems like a "burn the witch" attack. i can see both good and bad things in the article, both from the boy, and the police. i have met this boy on several occasions. hes had his good points and bad. maybe this accedent will help him get his priorities together. maybe this is his chance to turn his life around. and yes, our school system is horrible, blame that on no child left behind. but have you ever noticed when the police get new toys, they forget less lethal measures? you never hear of pepper spray being used since there "cool" new tasers. i have even herd cops braging about using them in that 7-11. i'm betting that stop sticks could probably have been used ahead of time. i'm actually suprised they didnt taser him. yes he did something wrong. you cant deny that. so he should face those charges. but as far as shooting him? come on people, life is the last thing we need to lose here. fear makes us do irrational things, like try and back up, to flee agian.keep your head up court
Posted by: Courtney Location: WHS on Nov 29, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Seeing as most people who are posting are adults, yeah, it is sad. Thanks R, I have grown up. I didn't repost under any names. I really don't know what that was about. All I know is that this kids situation is getting under control, and he's going to be in trouble. Doesn't that make everyone happy?
Posted by: R Location: SB on Nov 22, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Well, Joe its no suprise at all with the educational system in this country. And Courtney, HAHA, sounds like you have really "grown up alot." How many names did you post under? HA!
Posted by: Joe Location: Fort Lauderdale on Nov 21, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Have you noticed that the people writing in to defend the 16-year old have no clue how to compose a sentence and/or paragraph properly? Is this what the school system is handing to us as GRADUATES these days? Yikes! As far as behavior is concerned; when I was 16-years old and if I had ran from the police, I can assure you my Father would have told the police to shoot at me. Then, he would have taken off his belt and used it for good measure. ;)
Posted by: Courtney Location: WHS on Nov 21, 2007 at 02:42 PM
I have grown up a lot, and you do not know who I am or how old or mature I am. I stand up for those close to me and try to help them however possible. Im not saying he did the right thing, but he did it and its overwith. Deal with it, we're all people here and make mistakes. YOu arent here at this stupid school anymore and I dont care how you feel about me but I dont wanna hear your stupid crap on here either. We both have opinions so live with mine.

Please do not post in the same threat with multiple names. Keep the conversation fair. Do not try to agree with your own opinions using a different name. All other posts made from a name other than "Courtney" have been removed. Thank you. -WNDU.com

Posted by: R Location: SB on Nov 20, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Courtney, maybe someday when you grow up and realize a thing or two you will understand. Your defending this person because hes "basically your family"?? I don't care if he is your brother. Running a bad crowd can alter someone's behavior, but at some point a person has to make a choice. He was an idiot, he broke the law, he ran from the police, he endangered countless of people in the area. He would "swerve into a ditch or whatever before hitting someone."?? What happens when he loses control of the car because hes driving at a high rate of speed, or flying through intersections, or blowing red lights?? You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Dont give my almamater a bad name by posting that kind of stupid crap.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2007 at 03:08 PM
No, you don't run stop signs, and no, you don't run from police! I hope you don't have a license, Courtney! Glad to know he would swerve into a ditch or "whatever" (another car, house, whatever)... And cops have to act in a split second when someone is running away... 16 year-olds kill people. His age is no excuse.
Posted by: Courtney Location: WHS on Nov 20, 2007 at 02:19 PM
I understand that it isn't correct to push the law, but everybody does it. Run a stop sign here or there or even worse, as long as no one's looking right? I don't think that he should have acted that way. I'm saying the cops should not have reacted like that. He was 16. He's basically my family so I know he wouldn't do that, he'd swerve into a ditch or whatever before hitting someone in the family. So, yeah. I would still be defending him. I believe he should do a little time, but also seeing him out in public is ok. He did what he did and feels bad for it. I hope he learns his lesson and if that doesn't teach him I know somee people who will.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Nov 20, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Courtney- what if my son/daughter/nice/nephew was on the street that this kid was barreling down? The kid is hurt because he drove his car into a pole, not because a cop shot at the car. The kid is lucky that he ran into that pole and not some pedestrian. The kid is lucky the police didn't have to take more drastic force. Laws are made to protect people, NOT to be pushed. If he didn't FLEE, this wouldn't even be an issue. Learn a lesson here.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: SB on Nov 19, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Courtney.. Just because people push the law, it doesn't mean that it's right. I agree that guns shouldn't have been used, but do you really think that it's okay for this boy to act this way? He could have killed a number of people. To take from something that you said, what if this person hit someone in your family? Would you still be defending him, or would you want him to pay? Granted, he's only 16 and shouldn't spend the rest of his life in jail, but he should do some jailtime. Maybe then he'll learn a lesson and stay away from the people that are a bad influence on him. He needs to learn a lesson some way.
Posted by: Courtney 61085 on Nov 19, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Yeah, well, God instilled in all of us the right to mind our own business. But here we all are arguing over the actions of most teenagers in todays day and age. Yea this kid messed up, and i bet we've all done some stupid stuff in our lifes, the law was created to be pushed, we've all done it. Nobody cares about the law until something they deam over-done happens then they know everything and dont care about the circumstances. I dont believe guns should have been shot at all, but a bunch of people do. Tell me this, what if it had been your son/daughter/niece/nephew, etc. Would you still be saying they should have shot the criminal.
Posted by: Scott Location: Lydick on Nov 19, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Sorry to you Bleeding hearts, I hate to break your hearts, but there is no one responsible for the boys actions but the boy. Not his parents not his friends only He himself. God instilled in all of us discernment of right and wrong.
Posted by: Se Location: South Bend on Nov 18, 2007 at 06:08 AM
Didn't get kissed. Please, Im sure you think you are real funny. Actually you are pathetic. Cops put their lives on the line every day to protect this community. Arm everybody, how ignorant
Posted by: RUSSELL Location: INDIANA on Nov 17, 2007 at 03:15 AM
i think the cops did a good job this kid did not kill anyone and that is the main thing kids are out of control and it is not the parents fault kids have no respect for anyone or anything now days it wrong for kids to act like this back in my day i would have been in so much trouble i just dont know where life is taking us now it dont look good,and the sad part is this kid will not pay for what he has done he will plea his way out of it so sad no one is scared of the law anymore it is to easy to do the wrong thing and get out of it.
Posted by: T Location: Granger on Nov 17, 2007 at 12:59 AM
Thanks all for the humor! Especially those of you who never made spelling a high priority in life. I would be ashamed to post a comment with words spelled incorrectly.
Posted by: tells it all Location: classic on Nov 16, 2007 at 04:46 PM
That is funny. "between schools". I have heard of people between JOBS before. Never heard between schools--sound like a real winner.
Posted by: Bill Location: Gore, VA on Nov 16, 2007 at 04:09 PM
After reading the article about this 16 year old criminal and the comments from you people in South Bend I can understand why you have so much crime. No where in the article did they say there was another person involved. As for the police officers shooting the car...Why? They should have shot the criminal and save the taxpayers some money...all he will get is a slap on the wrist and the victim will have lost. Officers if you can read this comment, PLEASE shoot the criminal NEXT time and not the car. Save what is left of the GOOD citizens of South Bend some tax dollars and eliminate the BAD GUYS. However after reading the comments, one bad guy caught and these people will take his place. Loser, South Bend citizens. Hopefully this was the criminal that ripped off the urns on my dead mothers grave in Highland cememtary. You can't even Rest In Peace in South Bend without being a victim of a crime.
Posted by: ummm...Courtney Location: here on Nov 16, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Courtney you may want to realize this is a public forum full of ignorant comments and people will say what they want to. When a story is on the news it becomes everyone's business-------STAY IN SCHOOL
Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Nov 16, 2007 at 03:19 PM
Paul, the police did a GREAT job. Your a %@#$ PAUL.
Posted by: Courtney Location: WHS on Nov 16, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Why isnt the other suspect caught? Why is this kid taking all the blame? This kid was between schools and you do NOT know the whole story! Get out of his business if you dont know whats happening.
Posted by: Yep Location: Here on Nov 16, 2007 at 01:52 PM
ND Fan I seriously think you are missing the point of the comment sections here. They are used to twist a story to fit every crackpot conspiracy theory you could think of. I mean seriously do you think you can let the average person write a comment with any kind of unbias or intelligent thought? ABSOLUTELY not---it just goes to show you its not only the kids but the adults are just as bad. Maybe its the adults that should be prohibited from making children that are the cause of all these messed up kids??
Posted by: Paul Location: North Liberty on Nov 16, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Just another example to St. Joe Counties finest...trigger happy, power hungry, out of shape gun toting criminals...
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Nov 16, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Last I knew, the tires are part of the car as a whole, so when they say they discharged weapons into the car, tires count. Also, some kid driving down the road failing to yield is certainly "armed and dangerous"- a car is a deadly weapon. You can't tell me they didn't have a right to try to shoot the tires out to stop this kid. The driver "sped off" after the cops approached the car to talk to him. He ended up losing control of the vehicle- he was a danger on the road to everyone, especially the cops he could have hit as he took off. Thsi sin't about race, this isn't about taxes, this about cops doing what they are supposed to do. Don't twist it.
Posted by: Todd Location: Mishawaka on Nov 16, 2007 at 11:49 AM
My correction...it does not say if the vehicle was his or not...he was caught breaking into vehicles.
Posted by: Kam Location: I.U.South Bend on Nov 16, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Nick you're the only one to mention anything about race. I believe people just want to understand the whole story. Sounds like you're the one with the race problem. Get over it...there are good and bad cops, good and bad doctors, good and bad teachers, good and bad ministers, etc. That is life. Hopefully the SBPD did their job accurately. A full investigation will allow us to find that out. Race is not the issue. The issue is the safety of everyone involved.
Posted by: Sherry Location: Indiana on Nov 16, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Steve, maybe you need something to wake you up. They didnt shoot at him they shot at his tires. Read the story. Im glad they shot out his tires, so then he wasnt able to harm some INNOCENT people, while he was RUNNING form the Police in his car. Im sure if he ran into you or a family member you would really be upset crying saying the Police should have done more. Read the story.
Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Nov 16, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Chaz it was SJCPD that was involved with this not SBPD.
Posted by: Great!!! Location: Nowhere near on Nov 16, 2007 at 08:43 AM
I want to commend WNDU for letting absolute morons voice their opinions on news stories that they have no clue about. I think it's great that people have a release for their stupidity and make unnecessary comments. I just wanted to add fuel to the fire. Relating to this story----the kid is a moron and obviously just another worthless contribution to society. To all who have made comments about the police---I am interested in your training for a similar situation??
Posted by: didntgetkissedfirst Location: intherear on Nov 16, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Chaz, Great job SBPD? The county police were involved with this, not South Bend. Get your facts straight. The South Bend police were still at the 7-11 keeping the county police coffee warm. Abolish the police departments, arm ourselves.
Posted by: BigRedEvil Location: Death Valley on Nov 16, 2007 at 06:15 AM
What does he care? They'll just ship him to Juvie, and he'll be out and record clean when he turns 18.
Posted by: Tracy Location: South Bend on Nov 16, 2007 at 05:42 AM
I would like to say thank you to all the police officers that responded. I live on 2 and saw them go by, but the real reason is that my child goes to a school that is on Quince. If the boy was careless with his own life then he wouldn't have cared about the life of another. Thanks again.
Posted by: Jackie Location: SB on Nov 15, 2007 at 11:33 PM
I'm sorry but the 16 year-old was like a brother to me from our frehman year of high school. I would do anything for that boy. He started hanging around the bad crowd and now look where he's at. He's in jail all cut up and everything. There was another young man with him and he can not be found. I just hope my brother will be safe and will get out soon and will NOT take the blame for the other boy. I'm sorry but like I said before this is not cool. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YA BRODER!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: larry Location: south bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Steve..the other news venues are saying the tires were shot out. They also did not shoot "just cause he hit a pole." Whether people want to believe it or not the Police are highly trained. They receive more training than our military (alot of cops are former military). Would any of you, without a military background, try and tell a soldier how to flank an enemy position. If you answered yes to that question, well, you're just an idiot. If you answered no what makes you think you know more than the Police do about how to do their jobs? Ever walk in their shoes? Leave the Police alone. They do one heck of a job for a lot of ungrateful people.
Posted by: Steve Location: Mishawaka on Nov 15, 2007 at 09:25 PM
I dont think people would complain about higher pay for the police if the funds already devouered by the county and city were properly allocated. As far as shooting at a 16 year old kid who just hit a pole.... well, thats a bit un-nerving. It says "shots were fired into the car" not 'at the tires'. Under this rational, if a cop suspected you of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, i guess he's in the right to take a couple shots at you b/c you 'could' be a danger to yourself or others. Think about that next time you leave the bar. Was the kid stupid? Absolutely. Did he deserve to get shot at? No, he didnt.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Great job SBPD! Please note however that people here will quickly forget this when it comes time for a raise because they won't want to pay higher taxes. They'll take about cutting out waste first. That or they'll comment about how the suspect was just down the street from a 7-11.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 08:19 PM
I knew this personand the other person and he's the one that threw the brick in my window but that's ok because are getting the other person too. Plus his mother don't take care of him The other person is 18 and he can get put in jail i know i did some bad stuff when i was in school but not like this because i would have got put in jail and i would have to walk around in the jail (in handcuffs) and think about what i did
Posted by: Dave Location: Westside on Nov 15, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Hey Nick , what if he turns out to be "The Dog's - Duane Chapmans" son ? what then? that would blow your theory on the idiot being a black kid ?
Posted by: Jackie Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 07:22 PM
This is honestly bull crap. I know who the teen and he was a very good kid until he started hanging out with the other suspect. I hope they do get the other suspect because my friend who is the girlfriend of the teen that crashed is very upset because they still have not found the other suspect. They need to find him because we know for a fact he is behind alot of it.
Posted by: SWEET Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 06:43 PM
I didn't know that cops still used their fire arms to shoot out tires! That's SWEET!!
Posted by: Dirty Harry Location: Cal. on Nov 15, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Take him out "make my day" get one more off the street
Posted by: Lucy Location: South bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 05:06 PM
Thank you S.J.C.P.D.!!! I am glad you guys are out there putting your lives in jeopardy so I can sleep at night, you guys deserve SSOOOO much more from this county. South bend P.D., the same to you!! You guys ROCK!!!
Posted by: Nick on Nov 15, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Maybe if cops were allowed to be use their guns more often to stop idiots like this punk more people would stop and think if they should run from them. Let me guess if this idiot turns out to be black, then some other idiot will claim racism, is that what Confused and Sarah are getting at maybe???
Posted by: Jen Location: Lydick on Nov 15, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Sarah, do you even have a clue....First of all he was 16..why isnt he at school? Im glad they SHOT at his tires. Good thing he didnt ram into a school bus full of children. Better yet, Im sure you would be crying if he ran into you while you were driving. Im sure then you would be asking why didnt the Police do anything to STOP him. Please read the article before you comment. It would make alot of sense to me before you post...Thanks!
Posted by: dUh Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Since people don't really care about the lives of police officers then let's put it to them this way... They shot out the tires to stop him before he could slam his car into your husband/wife/son/daughters car and kill them. There, is that better??? As with most things that law enforcement officials have to deal with, it's darned if you do and darned if you don't. I'm annoyed by this attitude that it's okay for people took act like fools and break the law. When did people start feeling so sorry for these fools? Seriously, when did it become okay to do all of this? I don't want to live in a society where people are more sympathetic to criminals than they are victims.. That's how we are RIGHT NOW.
Posted by: larry Location: south bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Sarah..Why don't you stand in the path of a moving car, fleeing from Police, and tell me if you fear for your life or not. Just FYI, a moving 2000 pound automobile is a dangerous weapon!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 15, 2007 at 03:01 PM
They never said they shot "at him". If they shot at the tires they had every right to. Let's not twist this story into a "Cops are Evil" tirade.
Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on Nov 15, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Look. If (as someone below said) he was driving at the officers they should have just shot him. Its that simple. A car is a weapon. The police were in danger. When you see the lights in the mirror you pull over. You don't ram police officers. In the event he didn't come at them I hope they shot the tires.
Posted by: josh Location: plymouth on Nov 15, 2007 at 02:22 PM
they shot at him because he was an immanent danger to himself and others
Posted by: Confused Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 02:05 PM
I want the question answered why did they shoot at him??
Posted by: LCB on Nov 15, 2007 at 02:01 PM
This kid obviously isn't too concerned with the law, telling him he can't have a car won't do a whole lot of good
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 15, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Sarah, the previous report said they shot at the tires when he drove at police officers that were not in their vehicles. Do you still have a problem with them shooting, or would you rather have another police funeral?
Posted by: devine Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 01:32 PM
This is so sad, If he was my son I would make him pay big time for what he's done. I would make him personally return all the items he stole and then publiclly say he's sorry for indangering the officers lifes and for being so stupid. Then I would take away his car until he graduated along with grounding him from attending anything but school or church. He needs to be tought a lession and he needs help. He should have been in school and why in the world was he out late last ngiht, his parents should be keeping a cloer eye on him, I know he's 16 but still he's not an adult yet and its their responsibilty to be his parents and try to keep him in line.
Posted by: book em, Danno Location: SB on Nov 15, 2007 at 01:27 PM
He ran from SR 2 all the way to Edison (about a mile) and needed an ambulance for injuries in the crash? Sounds more like he wanted sympathy. Should have put him right in jail.
Posted by: Jamie Location: SB on Nov 15, 2007 at 01:24 PM
It is my understanding they shot out two of his tires in order to stop the car. Better to do that than risk him getting himself killed or worse, killing someone else with his reckless driving. Yes, good question...why wasn't the little angel in school?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 15, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Why is "Metro Momicide" investigating?

It is standard practice for Metro Homicide to investigate any case where officers fire their guns. -WNDU.com

Posted by: Devine Location: South Bend on Nov 15, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Its sad to see something like this happen. There is no way I would let my kid get away with something like this... I would make him pay for everything, and hand deliever the stolen items, and to publicly say he's sorry to the police officers that were indangered because of his stupidity. Then he wouldn't have a car until he graduated and be grounded with until that time as well or until he proved himself trustworthy again.
Posted by: Sarah Location: Mishawaka on Nov 15, 2007 at 12:53 PM
doesn't say he was armed & dangerous...why would they shoot at him?!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: ssb on Nov 15, 2007 at 12:34 PM
mmm 16 year not at school and has a car???

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