Teens accused of stealing car, nearly hitting officers

SARASOTA, Fla. – Two Florida teenagers are accused of stealing a car and almost hitting law enforcement officers.

Sarasota police spokeswoman Genevieve Judge said in a news release that officers were assisting the nearby North Port Police Department in tracking a stolen vehicle on Wednesday morning. The Sarasota officers spotted the car and attempted to stop it. But it sped away.

The release says officers set up stop sticks on the northbound side of the road before realizing the car was coming directly at them from the south. Officers threw the sticks at the car’s hood and leaned against their patrol car as the vehicle sped past within 3 feet (1 metre).

The car was stopped a short time later. Police arrested the 16-year-old driver and a 13-year-old passenger.

They’re charged with felonies.