Unlicensed teen driver in critical condition after crashing stolen Dodge Challenger during I-696 police chase in Oakland County
A teen passenger was also injured in the wreck, trooper said
FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - An unlicensed driver remains hospitalized after wrecking a stolen vehicle on Tuesday evening during a police chase on a major Oakland County freeway.
Michigan State Police said the incident began when an eagle-eyed trooper patrolling the Lodge Freeway in Southfield noticed a white Dodge Challenger heading north near Telegraph with a dealer plate.
A check on the vehicle revealed it was a stolen car. As the trooper tried to pull the Challenger over, the driver refused to stop and took off west on I-696 and into Farmington Hills.
"The suspect driver attempted to split traffic near Orchard Lake Road and ultimately went onto the shoulder to pass a Lincoln SUV," MSP said in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon. "The suspect struck the Lincoln which caused the Challenger it to lose control and flip several times."
The trooper pulled over and rushed to the wrecked vehicle. He noticed as her got closer that the driver's seat was empty with the seatbelt still fastened.
He then saw a girl, identified as a 17-year-old, sitting in the front passenger seat with non-life threatening injuries.
Apporximently 20 feet from the vehicle in a ditch, the trooper found the suspect driver, later identified as a 16-year-old male from Detroit, who was ejected from the Challenger in the crash.
The teen was unconscious, but still breathing, MSP added.
Both teens were rushed to a local hospital where the driver was listed in critical condition.
During their investigation, troopers discovered the injured 16-year-old didn't have a drivers license, both the plate and Dodge Challenger were reported stolen and a hand gun was found near the vehicle.
No other details were released. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.
