Three teens charged after stealing vehicle in Halfmoon, fleeing from police and reckless driving

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office says they charged three teens, aged 14, 16, and 17, for stealing a vehicle, fleeing from police, and reckless driving on Thursday.

Officials say they got a call reporting a stolen motor vehicle on Saratoga Drive in Halfmoon at 6:45 a.m.

At about 12:45 p.m. later that day, police were told that the stolen vehicle was involved in a larceny of gasoline at the Stewart’s Shop on 1403 Route 9 in Halfmoon. Police attempted to search for the vehicle, but were unsuccessful.

Later in the day, at around 9:20 p.m., a Sheriff’s patrol vehicle observed a vehicle that matched the description of the stolen vehicle, traveling northbound on the Crescent Bridge.

The Sheriff’s Office says they followed the vehicle to attempt to retrieve the registration, but the vehicle proceeded to accelerate at a high rate of speed, turned off the headlamps, and passed a civilian vehicle on the shoulder without decreasing speed. Police were able to confirm that it was the stolen vehicle.

Authorities say the vehicle stopped for a moment after, which the front seat passenger got out of the vehicle and was taken into custody.

The vehicle continued to flee from police, and eventually drove off the roadway near Milltowne Drive in Halfmoon. It proceeded to strike a Sheriff’s patrol unit as the vehicle attempted to get back on the road, said police.

Officials say the operator of the vehicle fled on foot, and was taken into custody shortly after. In addition, the rear passenger was taken into custody at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office charged each of the three teens with third-degree criminal possession of stolen property. The operator of the vehicle was additionally charged with third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, and several vehicle and traffic law infractions.

The Sheriff’s Office says each of the teens were released on appearance tickets to the appropriate courts of jurisdiction.