Three Milwaukee youths, ages 12, 13 and 14, were arrested Wednesday after police say they forced a driver out of a car at gunpoint and sped off in the vehicle during an armed confrontation. Officers tracked the stolen car into north Milwaukee, and the chase ended when the driver abandoned the moving vehicle and ran on foot. No life-threatening injuries were reported; the juveniles were taken to a hospital for medical clearance, as reported b the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, police were first called after armed suspects approached a motorist in the 5400 block of North Lovers Lane Road and demanded the victim's vehicle. Officers later spotted the car in the 5900 block of North Sherman Boulevard and tried to pull it over. When the driver refused to stop and took off, officers pursued until the driver exited the rolling car and ran. The outlet reports that all three youths were taken into custody and that criminal charges will be referred to the district attorney for review.
How the pursuit ended
Police say officers moved in after the fleeing driver left the stolen vehicle and ran. The remaining occupants were detained at the scene. The department transported the juveniles to a local hospital for medical checks while investigators processed the area. Authorities have not said whether any weapons were recovered.
Legal next steps
Police told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the case will be forwarded to prosecutors, who will decide whether to file delinquency petitions or other counts. Because the suspects are juveniles, any formal charges will move through the juvenile system and be reviewed by prosecutors and the courts.
The investigation is ongoing, and Milwaukee police are asking anyone with video, information or other evidence to contact investigators. Prosecutors will review the case once police submit their referral.
