KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Police are right now investigating a robbery that ended in a police chase and a fiery highway crash on I-94 outside of Kalamazoo, involving five teenagers and a stolen vehicle.
Five teenagers reportedly snatched a purse from a shopping cart in a Paw Paw grocery store, said Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott, and then took off in a stolen car that police say was taken out of Grand Rapids.
The driver was 14 years old, said the sheriff. The other four occupants were between the ages 14 and 17.
The sheriff said that the police started the chase in Paw Paw after attempting a traffic stop. We're told the suspects took off, initiating a pursuit through Lawrence at speeds reaching 110 miles per hour, and then deputies found the suspects crashed on I-94, just outside of Kalamazoo.
The stolen vehicle had crashed into civilian vehicle on I-94, very close to the South Westnedge Exit. The stolen vehicle then rolled over and caught fire after the crash.
Two suspects were immediately apprehended, says Sheriff Abbott, and two others were quickly located after a short foot chase. With the help of a K9 unit, deputies tracked down and the fifth suspect, the driver.
We're told the driver was treated and then lodged at the Kalamazoo Juvenile Detention Center on multiple charges. Charges are still pending for the other suspects, who are being treated for minor injuries.
The civilian whose car was hit on I-94 was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries, authorities say.
Those with more information regarding the incident are asked to connect with Van Buren deputies at 269-657-3101.
