Three Atlantic County teens face multiple charges after they allegedly led Galloway Township police on a chase in a stolen car.
A gun was found hidden in the 2013 Honda Accord after the 16-year-old driver crashed near the Home Depot in Absecon, police said.
Sgt. Kevin Costa saw the vehicle make an abrupt turn and speed away south on Second Avenue near Sterling Court, according to the report.
Costa was able to run the registration and found the car had been reported stolen earlier in the morning, police said.
He tried to catch up to the vehicle, and saw it turn east onto the White Horse Pike. He activated his lights and sirens around Damson Avenue, and tried to stop the vehicle, police said.
The driver kept going east at a high rate of speed as the officer followed into Absecon, according to the report. The teen then lost control just east of the Home Depot and came to rest in a marshy area on the norht side of the road.
Costa immediately ran to render aid, and found the vehicle was started to catch fire, police said.
The 15- and 16-year-old passengers were able to get out of the car on their own.
The was unconscious, and had to be pulled from the vehicle by Costa.
All three teens were taken to the Atlanticare Medical Center's City Campus.
The two passengers were treated and released.
The driver was admitted and treated for shock and a head injury.
Further investigation revealed a firearm was found concealed in the vehicle.
Criminal and motor vehicle related charges are pending.
The 15-year-old is from Pleasantville. The 16-year-olds are from Hammonton and Atlantic City, although the report didn't indicate which one was the driver.
Their names were not released due to their ages.
The Galloway Township Police Department thanked the Absecon Police Department, Absecon Fire Department, Absecon Ambulance Squad, AtlantiCare Paramedics and state Department of Transportation for their assistance with the accident scene and investigation.
Police also remind residents motor vehicle thefts and burglaries can often be avoided by making sure vehicles are locked at all times.
They also suggest parking in well-lit areas, limiting the amount of personal property and valuables left in vehicles and not leaving running vehicles unlocked and unattended.
