Friday, February 26th 2021, 9:13 pm
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said a 14-year-old boy led them on a 15-minute chase Thursday afternoon, then wrecked near 21st and Garnett.
Troopers said the SUV the teen is suspected of crashing into had three people inside: 31-year-old Lanise Dade of Tulsa, along with a boy and a girl. Dade and the girl died, and the boy was hurt.
Related Story: 2 Dead, 1 Hospitalized After Driver Hits Vehicle During Tulsa Pursuit
Troopers reported the crime spree began 15 miles away at the Fast Wash car wash in Coweta, where surveillance video showed at least four people pulling up next to a truck while a man was vacuuming.
The video showed when the man left the truck running, one of the guys hopped in and drove off. Witness video also showed the pick-up running a red light with law enforcement chasing him.
Related Story: Video Captures Moments Before Multicounty Chase Ends With 2 Killed, 1 Injured
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler told News On 6 because the chase ended in a deadly crash, the teen could be charged with several felonies.
"If you're 13 through 17 and you're committing murder in the first degree. In this instance, the allegation, as I understand it, would be eluding an officer," Kunzweiler said.
Kunzweiler said no charges have been filed and that the U.S. Attorney's Office may handle this case if the suspect or victims are tribal members, which is under investigation.
He also explained defendants who are 13 or 14 years old have the option to ask the court to not be tried as an adult.
"It would be up to the judge to make a determination whether you get treated as a youthful offender or as a juvenile or you're going to remain as an adult," said Kunzweiler.
News On 6 reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office, and a spokesperson declined to comment on how federal prosecutors would handle a juvenile defendant.
Troopers have not released the name of the young suspect and said he is at the Tulsa County Jail.
February 26th, 2021
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