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East Lampeter Township police were called to a report of a vehicle break-in in progress in the first block of Oxford Village within the Bentley Ridge housing complex at 3:42 a.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 15, according to a release by the police department.
Police had been told "three teenage males wearing 'Covid masks' were observed inside of an Audi and had fled on foot," but they arrived to find a maroon Mazda CX5 traveling with its lights off and with three occupants— all wearing masks.
When police followed the vehicle, the driver drove over a raised flower bed at the intersection of Bentley Ridge Boulevard and Hobson Road, according to the release.
That's when the police put on their lights and sirens to attempt a traffic stop, but the Mazda continued at a high rate of speed, losing a tire in the 1600 blk of Lincoln Highway East, police say.
The chase continued into Lancaster City, where the vehicle stopped on Church Street and the front seat passenger, a 13-year-old boy, was taken into custody, the release shows.
The 12-year-old boy who had been driving the car fled on foot and was taken into custody in the 600 blk of Lafayette Street.
The Mazda had been stolen from the 500 block of Elm Street in Lititz, police say. Inside of the Mazda was a stolen .22 caliber rifle, along with keys to additional cars.
The driver has been charged as a juvenile with multiple felonies and misdemeanors for Receiving Stolen Property of a Firearm and of a Vehicle, Fleeing and Eluding, Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Theft from Motor Vehicle, in addition to summary driving offenses, according to the police release.
The 13-year-old passenger has been charged as a juvenile for Receiving Stolen Property of a Firearm and of a Vehicle, Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, and Theft from a Motor Vehicle, police say.
Both minors have been transferred to the Youth Intervention Center according to the police.
Police continue to search for the third occupant of the car, who is thought to be another boy. Contact the police if you have any information on his whereabouts.
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