CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) - Rescue crews took two teens to the hospital in critical condition after they and a third teen were involved in a car crash while riding in a stolen SUV in Coral Gables.
According to Miami-Dade Police, at around 6 a.m., Monday, they received a call from a homeowner in Southwest Miami-Dade.
“The homeowner was observing through their video surveillance cameras two individuals with hoodies had apparently jumped a fence and were testing the doors, trying to open the doors to their cars,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta.
Officers who responded to the scene, in the area of Southwest 78th Street and 83rd Court, spotted a vehicle matching the description given by the homeowner.
An officer followed the red Honda Element for about five miles before trying to make a traffic stop in the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 near Granada Boulevard in Coral Gables.
“That’s when the subjects hit the accelerator to speed up from the officer, the road was wet, from what I’m being told,” said Zabaleta. “The vehicle lost control. It starts sliding sideways into the median.
Police said the Honda clipped a tree before it careened into the southbound lanes. It came to a stop near Orduna Court.
“During this incident, the driver is ejected from the vehicle. The back passenger is also ejected from the vehicle,” said Zabaleta. “The front passenger remained inside.”
When they approached the mangled vehicle, officers made a dangerous discovery.
“When they approached the vehicle, the rear passenger did have a firearm in his waistband, in his possession,” said Zabaleta.
Police said the driver and the front-seat passenger were 16 years old, while the back-seat passenger was 15 years old.
Paramedics transported all three teens to Ryder Trauma Center. Two of them were last listed in critical condition, and the third is listed in stable condition.
“Most likely, that passenger was wearing a seat belt, which is why he was able to stay in that vehicle,” said Zabaleta.
U.S. 1 was shut down for several hours, backing up traffic for miles. It was reopened late Monday morning.
Police later discovered the red Element was stolen. They continue to investigate.
Officials said it is too early to know if any charges will be filed.
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