Officer Chris Biggerstaff and a citizen had to pull a juvenile from the vehicle, which struck several trees in the area of West Thirteenth Street and caught fire, Chief Chuck Hasty said.
Biggerstaff and the citizen pulled the juvenile out before the vehicle became engulfed.
The police department believes the driver of the vehicle, which is still trying to be determined, may have taken the curve too fast, causing the crash around 3 a.m. Existing weather conditions at the time of the crash are also believed to be a factor, the chief said.
At least three juveniles, including the one pulled out, were believed to be in the vehicle, Hasty said. The one pulled from the vehicle was treated and released for minor injuries. The others reported no injuries, Hasty said.
Investigation of the crash led officers to discover the vehicle was taken without permission. They also learned the home of the vehicle’s owner had been broken into and items such as cash, electronics and jewelry were taken.
Investigator Gorton Williams is currently following up on all leads in the case, Hasty said.
In a statement on the matter, Hasty said, “We know there were at least three juveniles in the vehicle at the time of the crash. We are investigating to determine who was driving the vehicle. There will be petitions obtained in the case after the officers and investigators consult with Juvenile Services and the District Attorney’s Office.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Williams at 252-533-2810.