Charges are pending against three juveniles who led police on a brief chase in a stolen car and then a foot pursuit early Saturday morning in Antioch.
Antioch police officers attempted to stop a stolen 2001 Mazda in the 400 block of Route 173 around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, according to Antioch Police Sgt. Charles Smith.
The Mazda failed to stop and continued eastbound on Route 173. Heavy smoke was seen coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle as it turned onto Eagle Ridge Drive, Smith said.
Several juveniles exited the vehicle, which was stolen from Waukegan on Thursday, and ran away as the car rolled to a stop in the front yard of a home. Three of the suspects, who were between the ages of 15 and 17, were taken into custody following a brief foot chase, Smith said.
Charges are pending and police are working to identify the other suspects who got away.
“The Antioch Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind citizens to lock their vehicle, don’t leave spare keys inside, and take caution when leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running,” the department said.
This incident is just one of many following a recent surge in thefts and burglaries to vehicles in Lake County.