Juveniles Taken Into Custody After Officer Injured

Five juveniles were taken into custody after a police officer sustained minor injuries during a high-speed chase. According to reports, the incident began around 4:45 am when they received a report of suspicious activity involving a group of people in a white Kia looking into parked cars on South Goodman Street. Upon arrival, law enforcement confirmed an officer confronted the suspects, who quickly got back into their vehicle. The report states the driver of the Kia then deliberately drove toward the officer, striking him before fleeing.

Law enforcement reported a chase ensued for approximately 20 minutes through different parts of the city, ending when the suspects crashed into a house at the intersection of Dewey Avenue and Emerson Street. Three of the suspects were captured at the scene, while the other two sought shelter in a residence on Locust Street. After an hour-long standoff, law enforcement apprehended the remaining suspects hiding in the basement.

Authorities confirmed temporary road closures were added on Dewey Avenue and Locust Street, but they have since been reopened. They stated five suspects, three males aged 15, 16, and 17, and two females aged 12 and 17, are now in custody. The injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening upper-body injury. Law enforcement acknowledged the Kia used by the suspects caused minor damage to two houses and was found to have been stolen, with the registered owner unaware of the theft.

The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with video footage or information about the incident, especially in the areas of South Goodman Street or Locust Street, is encouraged to contact 911.