14-year-old Leads SPD on High-Speed Chase After Taking “Joyride”

A 14-year-old, “joyriding” without a driver’s license, led Slidell Police on a high-speed chase yesterday evening.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, a Slidell Police officer attempted to stop the driver of a black 2013 R35 for driving with no headlights. The driver fled, and led Slidell Police on a chase through Olde Town Slidell, ultimately ending after the driver crashed head-on with another vehicle on Bayou Liberty Road.

After the crash, the driver fled on foot, but was later apprehended by Slidell Police K-9 Quest, and his handler, Officer Clint McCall. Slidell Police were shocked to discover the driver was a 14-year-old boy from Slidell.

It was discovered that the 14-year-old took the Lexus SUV, which belonged to his friend’s father. The vehicle was for sale, and the 14-year-old allegedly was taking the SUV for a “test drive” because he was considering purchasing the vehicle. Slidell Police officers obviously didn’t buy that story.

After contacting the vehicle’s owner, he stated the vehicle was indeed for sale, but the 14-year-old did not have permission to drive the vehicle. It was later discovered that the young teen took the keys to the SUV, unbeknownst to the owner, or his son. The teen claimed he fled from police because he knew he didn’t have a driver’s license, and did not want to go to jail. His decision to flee obviously landed him in a lot more trouble.

The 14-year-old, and the driver of the vehicle struck on Bayou Liberty Road, were both transported to local hospitals to be treated for minor injuries.

The 14-year-old was booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center with the following charges: Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Resisting an Officer by Violence, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Negligent Injury, No Headlights, No Driver’s License, and Unauthorized Use of a Movable.