Teenagers crash stolen vehicle in St Augustine

Corporal Catherine Payne informed Historic City News local reporters that a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder was stolen from North Orange Street in St Augustine last night — by 1:00 a.m. this morning, the vehicle was recovered and two juveniles were placed under arrest for its theft.

Officers with the St Augustine Police Department spotted the vehicle shortly after midnight on SR-207; based on the description broadcast and attempted a traffic stop.

The driver of the vehicle, a 12-year-old St Augustine boy, sped away and crashed into a 2000 VW Jetta that was stopped in the left turn lane on South Holmes Boulevard at its intersection with SR-207 — pushing it across two traffic lanes and onto the sidewalk.

According to the crash report, the driver was attempting to make a last minute right turn onto South Holmes Boulevard; but could not negotiate the turn at that speed he was traveling. After striking the Jetta, the stolen vehicle continued into a parking lot and collided with a sign post before coming to a final rest.

The 12-year-old driver was not injured; however, his 14-year-old male passenger and the driver of the Jetta, 28-year-old Saqib Raza of St Augustine, each suffered minor injuries and were transported to Flagler Hospital for medical treatment.

The crash caused about $ 9,000 in damages to the stolen vehicle and about $ 5,000 in damages to the Jetta.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating the crash and have charged the driver with careless driving and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license. They were both arrested by deputies and charged with grand theft and possession of stolen property. Additional charges are pending further investigation.