14-year-old suspect tried to steal car, fled after finding children inside: Beloit Police

BELOIT, Wis. (WTVO) — A 14-year-old is in custody for attempting to steal a car at gunpoint, but fled once he discovered there were children inside, police said.

According to the Beloit Police Department, the victim was getting gas around 6 p.m. Thursday night in the 1700 block of Park Avenue when the suspect arrived in a stolen Jeep.

The suspect, who was armed with a handgun, then attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle, but fled after finding children in the car.

Beloit Police pursued the Jeep south into Illinois, where the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office engaged it.

A deputy deployed stop sticks to deflate the Jeep’s tires at Andrews and Oakwood, causing the vehicle to crash.

The juvenile suspect was arrested without suffering injuries, police said.

The teen faces charges of Attempted Armed Robbery, Recklessly Endangering Safety, Felony Fleeing, and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person Under the Age of 18.

Police said the investigation into the crime is ongoing.

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