09/01/13 Mesa, AZ – Teen From Alcohol Party Steals Mesa Patrol Car – Backs Into Patrol Car – Hits Ambulance – Foot Chase

September 1, 2013

abc15.com

A Valley teen is facing a number of charges after allegedly stealing a Mesa police patrol car Saturday night.

Officers were called to an apartment complex near Mesa and University drives for complaints of a loud party. When they arrived police found underage kids drinking alcohol.

“Many of them were running away, hopping over the balcony to avoid the cops,” said Sgt Tony Landato.

Police said one minor was highly intoxicated, requiring assistance from paramedics and officers. Officers were helping transport the minor into an ambulance when a 15-year-old boy who attended the party jumped into one of the patrol cars.

“Our officer saw the teen out of the corner of his eye get in the patrol car. He opened the door and tried grabbing him, but the boy accelerated,” Landato said.

Police said the teen backed into another patrol car and clipped the door of the ambulance on scene before speeding away.

Police were able to track the patrol car within minutes, rolling backward down a second street toward Mesa Drive. They found the boy running away on foot and took him into custody.

“The boy was highly intoxicated when we arrested him and he will be facing numerous charges,” Landato said.