WILLMAR – A 15-year-old Willmar boy is in custody at the Prairie Lakes Detention Center after fleeing police early Thursday morning in a vehicle that sped through streets on the northwest side of town before crashing into a tree.
The driver and two passengers – a 14-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy – were not injured and did not require medical attention.
The incident was reported at 3:35 a.m. when a Willmar police officer attempted to stop a 2004 Toyota Rav 4 for not having any tail lights near the intersection of Tenth Street Northeast and North Business 71.
When the officer activated his emergency lights, the vehicle increased its speed and fled westbound on Ella Ave.
The officer continued to follow the Toyota as it drove through various streets on the Northwest side before turning and striking a tree at Twelfth Street and Gorton Avenue Northwest and tipping on its side.
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According to a news release from Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt, it was learned that the driver had taken the car without permission and did not have a driver’s license.
He was taken to the Prairie Lakes Detention Center pending charges of fleeing police in a motor vehicle, reckless driving and stop sign violations.
The passengers were released to their parents.
Willmar Police were assisted by the Willmar Ambulance, Willmar Fire Department and Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad.
The vehicle was towed from the scene with significant damage.
