Stolen Car Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Juvenile Suspect

Another late-night patrol by the Kearney Police Department turned into a high-stakes chase on Thursday, December 10. Shortly after 10:00 p.m., an officer patrolling the south end of Kearney spotted a vehicle that matched the description of a recently reported stolen car. The individuals inside the car were also suspected of prowling through other vehicles in the neighborhood.

When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped away, initiating a pursuit that wove through the city. The chase continued near 19th Street and Highway 33, where police successfully deployed stop sticks. Although the suspect ran over the devices, which slowed the vehicle, the driver continued heading south on Highway 33 into the county, approaching the Riverbend Estates neighborhood.

At that point, the suspect abandoned the still-moving car and fled on foot. Officers pursued and quickly located the individual hiding behind a building. The suspect, identified as a juvenile male from Kansas City, Missouri, was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Clay County Juvenile Detention Center. The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

The suspect is now facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated fleeing a detention/stop under Valentine’s Law, resisting arrest, tampering (stealing) with a motor vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless or careless driving.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.