Teen accused of nearly running over Tavares police officer in stolen car

TAVARES, Fla. — Police in Tavares said they arrested a 15-year-old who almost drove over an officer in a stolen car.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Investigators said the trouble started Sunday morning after they got a call about two cars at the Atwater apartment complex.

Witnesses said the people in the cars were wearing ski masks.

Watch: Double Vision: 2 tropical waves off Africa’s coast could develop in Atlantic this week

Police were able to locate both cars and confirmed one of them was stolen.

Police then said when they approached the cars, the drivers sped off.

Read: Marion County deputies search for answers after teen found shot to death in woods

One car was later found in Eustis with no one inside.

Officers said the teenager they arrested was driving the other car.

Read: $5K reward offered for tips leading to person who shot, killed woman in Orange County

They said when he sped at officers, he missed one of them by just inches.

But the Lake County Sheriff’s Office eventually caught up to him and took him into custody.

“I know that they may not have the processes or maturity of an adult yet, but what they don’t realize is they’re being charged with these adult crimes. And even though it’s just a kid, it’s just as severe as if an adult would do it,” said Theodore Pearl with Tavares Police Department.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group