Racine PD: 15-year-old stole car with baby and toddler inside, led police on high-speed chase

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Dec 10, 2021 10:34 AM CDT | Updated: Dec 10, 2021 5:43 PM CDT

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 15-year-old from Racine was arrested after police say he stole a vehicle with two young children inside and led Racine police on a high-speed pursuit.

Racine police were called to 16th Street and Taylor Avenue on Wednesday, Dec. 8, just before 4:30 p.m., after a vehicle was stolen with two children, ages 1 and 3, inside.

Police quickly located the vehicle and a chase began. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and due to the extreme danger, police ended the chase.

A short time later, the children were located on Washington Avenue and Deane Boulevard, near the Washington Park Golf Course. The children were evaluated and returned to family.

On Dec. 9, police located the stolen vehicle on the south side of Racine. A stop was attempted but the driver took off again at a high rate of speed. Police said the driver, identified as a 15-year-old from Racine, was eventually taken into custody near 21st and Ohio.

According to police, the driver was arrested in reference to both incidents for two counts of reckless endangering safety, two counts of fleeing and eluding, and two counts of operating a vehicle without owner’s consent.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason released a statement to CBS 58 saying, "As a parent myself, I can't imagine going through this ordeal, and I am incredibly relieved that the family was reunited quickly and that there were no physical injuries to the children. I am also grateful for the quick response and great work of the Racine Police Department in locating the children and bringing the suspect into custody."

Racine police investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have about this incident. Any witnesses or citizens with information are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at (262) 635-7756. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app by using the p3 app.