3 Arrested in Auto Theft After Chase Through 3 Cities
Two 15-year-olds and an adult were arrested Sunday on suspicion of auto theft and evading arrest after allegedly leading police on a 30-minute car chase that passed through three cities and reached speeds of 100 m.p.h.
Police said the two juveniles and Jose M. Cortez, 18, all of Santa Ana, stole a car in Garden Grove and were later spotted in Orange by an Orange police officer. A chase began that lead police and California Highway Patrol along freeways and streets in Garden Grove, Orange and Anaheim, authorities said.
The pursuit ended at Euclid Street and Hazard Avenue in Garden Grove, where the alleged thieves jumped out of the car. Police reported capturing the three as they tried to flee on foot.
“It’s a miracle there wasn’t a major accident. These guys drove like utter maniacs,” Orange Police Department Lt. Trey Sirks said. The two juveniles were sent to Juvenile Hall, and Cortez was being held at County Jail, Sirks said.
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