13-Year-Old Recovering After Leading Troopers On Chase, Crashing Car

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said a 13-year-old is recovering in the hospital after running from troopers and crashing in Tulsa Sunday morning.

A knocked over mailbox, tire tracks and car debris in front of some businesses near Admiral and Garnett mark the crash scene after the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's pursuit with the boy.

Trooper Eric Foster said the driver lost control of the vehicle, and it overturned.

“Because the suspect wasn't wearing a seatbelt, there was either an ejection or a partial ejection," said Foster.

Foster said around 3 a.m. Sunday, a trooper saw the boy driving recklessly near 21st and Garnett and tried to pull him over, but the boy took off.

"You very much are saddened by that because, for whatever reason, they're out when they shouldn't be out, and they're in a vehicle when they shouldn't be in a vehicle, and they often don't realize the danger that it poses," said Foster.

Foster said the pursuit lasted about two miles and speeds went as high as 70 miles per hour. The boy should survive, but troopers said all of the danger could have been avoided.

"No matter if it's a 13-year-old or an 83-year-old, decision to not yield to law enforcement puts so many at risk, and it doesn't need to happen," said Foster.

OHP said the car involved was not reported stolen but did not say who it belongs to or how the boy got it.

Because of the boy's age, his name will not be released. His case will be handled in juvenile court, where documents are sealed.