A routine traffic stop over a missing license plate turned into a high-speed chase that ended with a stolen car crashing into an Oak Creek pond late Monday, leaving four teenagers in custody, including the driver, who faces recommended charges. Police say the driver hit speeds above 80 mph and switched off her headlights in the dark before losing control of the vehicle.
According to FOX6 News Milwaukee, a Caledonia police officer first noticed the car driving without a license plate and attempted a stop on Highway 32 as the vehicle headed north into Oak Creek. Rather than pulling over, the driver sped up, passing Elm Road before turning off her headlights entirely, per the outlet's reporting. The station reports that CBS 58 also confirmed the same sequence, noting the driver attempted a turn onto Oakwood Road, lost control and crashed into the water.
Four Teens Taken Into Custody After Pond Crash
Once the car went into the pond, three of the four occupants ran away. A Caledonia officer and a police K-9 apprehended one person who remained at the scene, while the other two ran, the FOX6 report states. CBS 58 identifies that person as a 16-year-old girl, apprehended by the K-9 unit and treated for minor injuries at a hospital before she was released to her parents.
The other three fleeing passengers didn't get far. Officers from the Oak Creek Police Department joined the search and caught up with them, according to CBS 58's account of the cross-agency response. All four juveniles were in custody by 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, per FOX6's reporting.
Driver Faces Recommended Charges, Car Traced to Green Bay
The driver faces recommended charges including fleeing an officer and recklessly endangering safety. Investigators also determined the car had been reported stolen out of Green Bay, and officials are preparing an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent once that theft was confirmed.
The driver faces a recommended charge of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer.
Different Custody Outcomes for Juveniles
The three passengers, all juveniles, weren't treated the same way once caught. The 16-year-old girl apprehended by the K-9 unit and a 16-year-old boy were both turned over to their parents. But the 15-year-old boy was sent directly into juvenile custody. Police have not said whether the three juveniles who ran from the scene were injured, nor have they clarified what charges the 15-year-old boy may ultimately face.
Caledonia police are asking anyone with additional information about the stolen vehicle or the pursuit to call the department at 262-835-4423.
