KEARNEY, Neb. — A 14-year-old boy is in custody after Kearney Police say he stole a car, crashed through a neighborhood and led officers on a foot chase.

It started at East Lawn Trailer Court around 10:40 Wednesday morning. Police say a woman started her car, went inside to grab a coat, and returned to find the car gone. Soon after, the victim’s mother saw the car, started following it and called police. She told police she followed the stolen car at high speeds until it crashed near 33rd St. and I Ave.

After crashing, police say the suspect fled the scene on foot and was arrested a couple blocks away. The car is totaled and damaged a truck, power poles and at least one house near the crash scene. Police say there is additional damage at the trailer park.

A drone team was on scene mapping the area.

“We’ll map this really well, get as much evidence as we can compiled from here, take evidence from the car that’s remained here, match it up to the stuff that’s left over at East Lawn and start putting together the case on this particular suspect,” Kearney Police Captain Kevin Thompson said.

Police announced the suspect’s age in an afternoon news release. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

The news release says officers are working with Juvenile Probation and the County Attorney’s Office on pending criminal charges to include Felony Theft, Felony Criminal Mischief, Felony Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident, Obstructing a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Willful Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Unauthorized use of a vehicle. 

Police believe this stolen vehicle as well as another stolen vehicle recovered Wednesday morning are related to a recent spike in vehicle thefts in Kearney. Over the past four weeks, KPD has taken 17 reports of stolen vehicles. The keys were in at least 15 of the 17 stolen vehicles and the vehicles were unlocked.

“We have seen an alarming rise in vehicle theft over the past several weeks and have taken proactive measures to prevent theft through public outreach, selective deployment of patrol resources, use of technology, and follow-up investigation. As with any crime, our goal remains to partner with our community toward prevention and solving these crimes. We are certain other individuals are involved and someone has information which may lead to arrests in each of these cases. I appreciate the hard work from our Uniform Patrol Officers and Investigators and remain thankful there were no injuries in the incident this morning. If you have information, please contact the resources listed.” – Chief Bryan Waugh  

Tips to Prevent Vehicle Theft:

1. Turn it off: Never leave your car running unattended. 

2. Take your keys: Never leave your keys or remote key fob in your vehicle. This is the easiest way to prevent your car from being stolen.

3. Lock it up: Always lock your vehicle, even if you are just running a quick errand. Unlocked vehicles are an easy target for thieves.

4. Be Vigilant: Report all suspicious activity you see by contacting Kearney Police Department at (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers (308) 237-3424, or through the See It Say It Send It App.