A 14-year-old boy from Buffalo lost his life in a tragic accident on Sunday night after leading police on a high-speed chase. The incident happened around 11:30pm when officers from the Northwest District spotted a vehicle speeding south on Elmwood Avenue near Hertel Avenue.
According to a statement from the Buffalo Police Department, officers activated emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to catch up to the vehicle. The teenager was driving a Hyundai Elantra. The pursuit ended in disaster when the Elantra collided with another vehicle traveling east on Amherst Street causing it to spin out and strike a third vehicle heading north on Elmwood.
The young driver, who was the sole occupant of the Elantra, was rushed to ECMC by ambulance but soon thereafter succumbed to his injuries. Police have withheld the teenager's name pending notification of family members.
In the aftermath of the crash, BPD's Accident Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs Division have launched an investigation.
Additionally, the state Attorney General's Office has been contacted to conduct a separate inquiry into the incident. Police have not disclosed whether the vehicle driven by the teenager was stolen. No other serious injuries were reported among occupants of the other vehicles.
The speed at which the teenager was driving has not been released although the posted speed limit around Elmwood is 30 MPH.
Tragic Crash Claims Life of 14-Year-Old Driver Following Police Pursuit