High speed chases where law enforcement tries to apprehend suspects through residential neighborhoods for something material like a stolen car rarely make sense, especially when an innocent person is killed.
This story brings a new dimension to the frightening prospect of a police chase.
Clay County deputies on Thursday began a high speed pursuit after they thought they could catch up with a trio allegedly trying to steal a pickup truck from the parking lot of the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Orange Park.
When someone asked them what they were doing, they took off in their Pontiac Grand Am.
The witness called 911 and provided police with the license plates’ first two numbers. With police in pursuit, the Grand Am headed north on Blanding Boulevard. Lights and sirens blaring, the Grand Am sped up.
After turning into a neighborhood and becoming trapped in a cul-de-sac, the three were taken into custody, two women, ages 20 and 30 and a 27-year-old man.
But police found more than they bargained for.
A two-year-old and a five-year-old were in the back seat of the car without any car seats or restraints.
Now the adults are facing charges of attempted grand theft auto, attempt to elude AND child neglect.
The kids have been turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families. No word on whose children they were.
PursuitSAFETY is a nonprofit organization trying to educate in order to avoid having anyone hurt from pursuit policies. See pictures of those killed as a result of police chases, an average of three bystanders every week in the U.S.
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