Bradenton 14-year-old starts high-speed chase after stealing car, cops say

A 14-year-old boy is facing multiple felony charges after stealing a car and leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase — twice, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say they received a report about a vehicle stolen from City Walk Apartments in the 2000 block of Seventh Avenue West on around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

Upon arrival, a deputy spotted the vehicle leaving the scene and attempted a traffic stop, but the juvenile sped away, reaching speeds of 80 mph on several area roads, according to the report.

Deputies eventually disengaged when driving conditions became unsafe due to heavier traffic, but the vehicle was spotted again and another chase ensued.

Stop sticks were deployed at 17th Avenue West and Fifth Street West where the chase came to an end, deputies say.

The teen was taken to the Juvenile Booking Center where he was charged with two counts of felony fleeing to elude, grand theft auto and driving with no driver’s license ever issued. The juvenile was probation and was charged with probation violation.