Teenagers drag racing stolen cars in National City ended with a crash that trapped one of the suspects, a 14-year old boy, in the driver's seat.
The group of teenagers drove with their headlights off at speeds up to 70-80 mph eastbound on Plaza Boulevard when they were spotted by a National City police officer just before 2 a.m. Monday.
The cars were going too fast and sideswiping each other, according to Sgt. Mike Harlan with National City police.
The officer ran the plates of one of the cars and found it was stolen so he called for backup.
When the cars reached National City Boulevard, one car continued on Plaza, the other driver however couldn't negotiate the turn and sheared off a traffic light pole, police said.
The 14-year old driver was trapped behind the wheels and had to be extricated by emergency crews. He was sent to the hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. His passengers were 14 and 16 and were also transported to the hospital.
The other vehicle tried to escape police but eventually pulled over in the 4400 block of Delta Street where the driver and passenger jumped out and took off running, Sgt. Harlan said.
The passenger, 14, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Officers are still looking for the driver. He was originally reported as 16 years old by other media outlets but National City police say his age is not known.
All the minors are facing felony charges for auto theft.
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Fourteen year olds have no business being out this late, Harlan said reminding parents to know where your kids are.
