CASCADE, Mich. — Five people, including three teens as young as 13 years old were arrested overnight after the Kent County Sheriff's said they led authorities on two separate pursuits.
At 2:40 a.m., the Sheriff's Office said a deputy tried to pull over a blue Dodge Caravan with no taillights along 28th Street near Hotel Avenue.
Authorities said the van didn't stop, and continued at low speeds until two people jumped out of the van while it was still moving.
Meanwhile, a white Ford Fusion took off westbound on 28th Street, but the deputy stopped chasing it because of how the suspects were driving.
About a half hour later, an officer from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety spotted the white sedan in the area of 44th and Division.
Deputies responded and tried to stop the sedan on Division north of 60th, but it took off again.
Authorities chased the car northbound on Eastern Avenue until it took a turn too fast and crashed at 32nd Street.
Suspects ran from the car, authorities said, but a deputy arrested the accused driver following a foot chase.
Thanks to a Grand Rapids Police Department K9 and a Kent County Sheriff's Department drone, the remaining suspects were found nearby.
Investigators said the Ford Fusion had been stolen out of Gaines Township Sunday while the Dodge Caravan was stolen from Wyoming overnight.
"3/4 of the vehicles stolen in Kent County aren't KIAs or Hyundais so that leaves us to believe as we interview owners that keys are left behind either on purpose or on accident and that's how vehicles are being taken," said Sgt. Eric Brunner,- Spokesperson, Kent County Sheriff's Office.
The county is on pace with last year for stolen vehicles.
There were 202 vehicle thefts so far this year and in total last year, there were 358.
The ages of the suspects apprehended are:
- 16-year-old male City of Wyoming
- Two 13-year-old males City of Wyoming
- 13-year-old male City of Grand Rapids
- 18-year-old male City of Grand Rapids
They'll will face charges for fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, and vehicle theft.
Investigators believe the teens are linked to breaking into businesses, but detectives are still sorting through details.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office thanked the Grand Rapids Police Department, Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police, & Walker Police Department for their help.
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