Teen arrested after police chase, fiery crash involving police cruiser on I-95 – Action News Jax

The incident began with an investigation into a stolen car, and police said the suspect was driving on the sidewalk before the traffic stop and struck a woman who was sitting in her car at an intersection.

(DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for breaking news alerts)

Action News Jax’s Ben Ryan spoke with this woman who said she was shaking but was thankful it wasn’t worse.

Police said the crash began after a teenager was seen driving a stolen car that was stolen from an apartment complex on Cleveland Road. Investigators saw the 17-year-old driving recklessly and said he then hit Krystle Richardson’s car at a traffic stop, knocking her into the middle of an intersection.

“It’s good that no cars are coming at the moment,” she said. “The impact made me wince really badly. I said I was in pain, but as for the damage, my taillight and the bottom of the trunk are cracked.

Read: Sources and neighbors said three people were injured and one killed in a knife attack in Oakleaf

Officers began the pursuit as the teen entered I-95 South at Golfair Boulevard. A police report said he was driving more than 60 miles per hour and “weaving in and out of traffic, nearly hitting multiple vehicles.”

The car broke down on the highway, started smoking and caught fire. It then hit a JSO cruiser and set the police car on fire.

Read: ‘It’s disturbing:’ University Park home, abandoned for years, is seeking $350,000 in fines

Richardson said she was glad it wasn’t worse.

“I feel very lucky and very blessed. That could have been my car that caught fire,” she said. “There is no telling what could have happened afterwards. I’m just upset that I had to be one of those involved, even if it seems insignificant to others. I just don’t like that I was even involved, but it could have been worse.

According to police, the 17-year-old was found with a semi-automatic pistol. There was another person in the car, but it is unclear whether charges will be filed against that person.

Read: INVESTIGATED: Controversial police training banned in nine states is now welcome in Florida

(LOG IN: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter)

Click here to download Action News Jax’s free news and weather apps, Click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and Click here to stream Action News Jax live.