Lincoln Police say four teenagers were taken into custody after two vehicles were stolen earlier this week. Captain Todd Kocian says around 2:45 Wednesday afternoon an officer found an unoccupied 2015 Red Kia Optima parked in a lot near 14th & Rose Street.
It had been reported stolen from a home near 11th and Peach the day before. Officers were doing surveillance on the stolen vehicle when a white 2013 Honda Pilot pulled up. Kocian says it had been reported stolen on Tuesday from a residence near 26 & Rathbone.
He says officers saw a 16-year-old boy get out of the driver’s seat of the stolen Pilot and another 16-year-old get into the driver’s seat. “The Pilot then left the area and a traffic stop was conducted near 17 & ‘C’ Street where the occupants were ordered to exit the vehicle,” Kocian says.
“The 16-year-old driver refused officers commands and instead backed up and intentionally rammed an unmarked police vehicle.” Kocian says no officers were injured. Three 16-year-olds and 18-year-old Jasavier Eggleston were arrested. A set of keys found in the pocket of one of the 16-year-olds belonged to the stolen Kia.
While at Lincoln Police Headquarters for further interviews, Kocian says one of the 16-year-olds tried to escape by fleeing the interview room, but was quickly apprehended. Eggleston was booked into jail for theft by receiving stolen property.
Two of the 16-year-old boys were booked at the Youth Detention Center for theft by receiving stolen property. The other 16-year-old was booked into the center for two counts of theft by receiving stolen property, resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and escape.