WILMINGTON, Ohio -- Three teens in a stolen vehicle were involved in a high-speed police chase early Friday morning, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Troopers from the Wilmington Patrol Post spotted a vehicle driving erratically in a parking lot, Sgt. Jacques Illanz said.
"The driver decided not to stop and fled the scene, even after lights and sirens were activated," Illanz said.
According to the OSHP, speeds reached more than 100 mph during the chase along U.S. Highway 22.
The vehicle eventually crashed into the front bedroom of an apartment building.
"We were just sleeping about 4:40 (a.m.) when I heard the bang," resident Lauren Maxwell said. "It shook the entire apartment complex."
"I smelled smoke, so I thought the house was on fire," Maxwell added. "I got up, saw sirens outside -- you could hear everyone outside -- looked outside, and there was a van that went right through the apartment right there."
She said the woman who lives in the damaged apartment wasn't home at the time.
The driver, 17, was taken to Clinton Memorial Hospital with minor injuries; he was released later Friday. No other injuries were reported.
The teens face charges ranging from driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding, and receiving stolen property, according to the OSHP. All the suspects are minors.
"I can tell you in my career -- I have almost 10 years, about 9 1/2 years on as a trooper here with the Highway Patrol -- I rarely come into contact with juveniles that behave in this manner that are in stolen vehicles," Illanz said.
