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Teens in stolen vehicles lead Racine deputies on high speed chase

Posted at 6:20 AM, Feb 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-20 18:51:13-05
RACINE — The Racine County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two suspects who ran from a stolen vehicle after a high-speed chase.
 
Racine County deputies were notified of five stolen vehicles from Libertyville, Illinois that were headed northbound on I-94 Sunday night. According to the sheriff, the five vehicles were taken from an Infiniti car dealership.
 
The five vehicles were traveling very fast, with their headlights off, according to authorities.
 
"I could not imagine doing that," said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. "It's an utter disregard for human life, your own life, the community."
 
A deputy attempted to stop one of the vehicles but it accelerated rapidly, which began the pursuit just south of County Highway K.
The chase lasted more than four miles with speeds up to 115 miles per hour.
 
Spike strips were set at County Highway G and were struck by the fleeing vehicle. The fleeing vehicle continued a short distance then struck another vehicle. The fleeing vehicle then went into the ditch, where two males ran from it.

"My deputies gave chase with the use of our canine unit, we had a strong track for a period of time after setting up a perimeter," said Schmaling. "But unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we lost those two individuals."

The citizen vehicle that was struck spun into the wall. There were two people in the car, but they weren't seriously injured, just shaken up according to the sheriff. One complained of shoulder soreness, but refused rescue.
 
Police in Libertyville say the surveillance cameras at the Infiniti car dealership were not recording when the thefts occurred. The cars were stolen from the service department, according to police.
 
The only description of the two suspects who ran comes from when the deputies following them saw them briefly exiting their vehicle. Those two suspects are described as about 5’ 6’’ mid-teens with short dark hair, one wearing a black hoodie, the other wearing a blue hoodie.
 
The four other stolen cars escaped.
 
"Someone out there knows something and they have to know that by withholding information, that could prevent someone from getting caught that might end up taking someone else's life," said Schmaling.
 
He says his office is following up on multiple tips but he urges anyone with information to contact the Racine County Sheriff's Office. You can remain anonymous.
 

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