Five teenagers under 16 arrested after police chase after stolen vehicle

COVINGTON, Louisiana – Five teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 were arrested in the Hammond area last Friday after being chased in a stolen car while wearing masks and gloves, according to Covington police.

According to police, the teenagers drove their car through a residential area without their lights on. They say this tactic is often used by people who want to commit car break-ins.

When police attempted to stop the vehicle, it sped away and a chase ensued, involving the sheriff’s office and Tangipahoa State Police, first onto I-12 and then onto I-55 before the vehicle came to a stop in the Hammond area on Wardline Road.

Police said the teens then attempted to flee. A 16-year-old girl was arrested at the scene and four teenage boys were arrested a short time later at various locations nearby.

The following charges were brought against the young people, whose names are not mentioned:

• A 16-year-old female was booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on charges of possession of stolen goods, aggravated escape, and resisting an officer (on foot).
• A 15-year-old boy was booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on the same charges as the woman, but was also charged with auto theft.
• A 14-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on charges of two counts of auto theft, one count each of aggravated fleeing and one count each of resisting an officer (on foot).