Crime

Stoneham police arrest minor after attempted carjacking, chase

Investigators are warning of a recent uptick in motor vehicle thefts in the area.

A car crashed into a home on Franklin Street in Stoneham Friday after a chase. Courtesy/Stoneham Police Department

updated on March 12, 2023

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Stoneham police arrested a minor on Friday afternoon following a car chase and brief foot pursuit.

The 16-year-old, a male from Woburn, was released into a parent’s custody later that day, according to police. He’ll face several charges, including receiving a stolen motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage, failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, officials said.

Stoneham Police Chief James McIntyre said officers received a “be-on-the-lookout” alert after a white Audi was reported stolen in Winchester.

Investigators said the Audi was later involved in an attempted carjacking in Medford. Police there pursued the car onto Interstate 93 north but lost contact with it, according to a statement.

Around 5:30 p.m., a police officer spotted the Audi in Stoneham near the intersection of Main and South streets and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle sped away, according to officials.

The Audi led the officer on a car chase, traveling north on Main Street, then turning right onto Summer Street, left onto Pond Street, and right onto Franklin Street, where the car crashed into a house, according to authorities. The home suffered minor damage. No injuries were reported.

Investigators said at least three juveniles fled from the scene of the crash. The officer chased one of them down and took him into custody, according to officials.

Police said Saturday that an 18-year-old from Woburn and a second 16-year-old juvenile male from Woburn would be charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, according to a statement.

Police said they could not identify the 18-year-old, because a criminal complaint against him would not be filed until Monday, and would not identify the 16-year-olds.

Following the incident, police warned of a recent uptick in motor vehicle thefts in the area and advised motorists to lock their cars and not leave vehicles running if they make a quick stop.