Driver in pursuit crash in Lincoln was 13-year-old girl, patrol says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The driver accused of leading police on a chase before crashing into a pole Sunday was a 13-year-old girl.

The vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, was reported stolen near 17th and South streets around 9:30 p.m.

About a half-hour later, a state trooper recognized the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

The driver immediately accelerated, the patrol said, and the trooper began a pursuit.

The chase went through a residential area near 14th Street and Julesburg Drive before continuing south in the northbound lanes of 14th Street.

The trooper backed off after the vehicle turned east on Fletcher Avenue and increased its speed to 70 miles per hour.

The 13-year-old then ran a red light at 27th Street and lost control, running into the pole, according to the patrol.

Officials said the chase took place over the course of three minutes.

The driver and her passenger, a 17-year-old girl, were taken to Bryan Medical Center’s west campus with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The driver was then lodged in a youth detention facility on suspicion of theft by unlawful taking of more than $5,000, flight to avoid arrest and having no driver’s license.

Her passenger will be cited on suspicion of aiding and abetting once released, officials said.