WEST HAVEN — State police arrested five New Haven juveniles on Wednesday morning, in connection with a crash in West Haven that involved a stolen Jeep SUV.
The chase of the stolen, red, 2004 Jeep Wrangler began on Interstate 95 north near exit 34 in Milford, police said. Stratford police officers broke off the chase near exit 36.
State troopers saw the stolen Jeep heading north of exit 37 in Milford and began a high-speed chase.
Police said when they left the highway at exit 43, the Jeep crashed into a wood beam guide rail on Campbell Avenue. The five juveniles then took of on foot.
Police said they were able to find them and arrest them. Their ages range from 13-17 years old.
All five were evaluated at Yale New Haven Hospital for minor injuries related to the crash.
Police said all five were charged with interfering with police and larceny in the third degree. The driver of the stolen vehicle was also charged with engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, evading the scene of an accident, and reckless endangerment in the second degree.
They are scheduled to appear at New Haven Juvenile Court on August 28.
Police around the state have been investigating car break ins and thefts. In Fairfield county, there have been two incidents this month in which juveniles stole cars with keys inside and engaged police in chases that resulted in the stolen car crashing. A Hartford teen faces manslaughter charges in connection with the death of a woman who was hit by a stolen car. Three men were arrested after a stolen car was involved in a chase in Southbury.
In July, a stolen car recovery operation by Hartford Police resulted in the return of 16 motor vehicles recovered. Eleven of them were stolen with the keys inside.