A grandfather is speaking out after losing his 18-year-old grandson in a crash last Friday at 31st and Capitol Dr.
Oscar Rash died along with Antoine Jones, 15, while they were allegedly running from police after a taking the car. Investigators say Rash was thrown from the car when it hit a pole and split in two.
"It's tragic," said Vincent Lewis, Rash's grandfather.
Lewis raised the teen. He rushed to the scene that night. The crash happened at the intersection of N. 31st St. and W. Capitol Dr. when the stolen car failed to stop at a red light and slammed into another vehicle.
The driver of that car, a Chevy, suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, according to police. Lewis said he could not understand what his grandson was doing in a stolen vehicle.
"I heard that. I didn't believe it," said Lewis.
"Why is that?" asked reporter Rebecca Klopf.
"Because that's not him," said Lewis.
Surveillance video from outside a gas station at 29th and Villard Ave. showed a teen approach a gold car. It appeared he spoke to the two men inside for awhile before getting in the back passenger seat. The men in front eventually get out and the teen climbed into the front and drove off.
Police said the car was taken during an armed robbery. Lewis says although police were chasing the car, he does not blame them for his grandson's death.
"No, they was doing their job," said Lewis.
Police said they found a gun in the Volkswagon Passat.
Lewis had a message for other teens out there who might be thinking about stealing cars.
"If you are in the same situation don't try to flee or outrun the police just stop. Or don't even do it period," said Lewis.
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