SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - One of two passengers in a stolen Kia that fled from Southfield police and crashed on Tuesday, killing the 19-year-old driver, believed she was getting into an Uber, police revealed.
The Southfield Police Department said both passengers — identified as 17-year-old girls — sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash that occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13th.
In a press conference on Thursday, police identified the deceased driver as Jarrell Dewand Newman II of Taylor, 19, adding they were still working to piece together what led up to the fatal incident.
According to authorities, officers were notified by a license plate reader on Tuesday evening that a Kia reported stolen out of Detroit earlier in the month had crossed over into the city.
Police on patrol then attempted to stop the Kia on Westhampton and Evergreen Road, but the driver took off and immediately struck a chain-link fence on Evergreen between Westhampton and Westover.
In Thursday's update, Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said the Kia was found to have also struck a concrete barrier behind the fence in front of a DTE Energy substation.
The pursuit was short-lived, lasting approximately 30 seconds at speeds of 40 mph.
Newman was rushed to a local hospital were he was later pronounced dead, while the two female passengers were treated for their injuries.
Police did not reveal if they believed Newman was responsible for stealing the car, but they did confirm the vehicle was not linked to any other crimes and no weapons were recovered from the crash scene.
Barren said Newman didn't have prior run-ins with the law. He urged anyone who finds themselves the subject of a traffic stop -- for whatever reason -- to comply with officers for everyone's safety.
"When a police officer activates the lights and sirens, that is a lawful order to stop that vehicle,” Barren said. “It’s just not worth the consequences of attempting to flee from the officer. Just stop, even if you find yourself in some trouble.”
Police are still working on confirming the relationships of the three people in the car. At this time, Barren believed the two girls won't be facing any charges.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!