Two alleged auto thefts, crashes, hospitalizes two teenagers in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – Two teenagers have been hospitalized after a pair of cars were reportedly stolen and crashed, one into a home, another into a tree, in two separate incidents early Wednesday morning.

According to Columbus Police Sergeant Joe Albert, a 13-year-old lost control of what is believed to be a stolen car and crashed into a home at around 1:30 a.m.

Officers responded to a home on Lockbourne Avenue near Thurman Avenue in the Deshler Park neighborhood, where police confirmed that the car, a black Hyundai, was stolen, and a teenager was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The front of the vehicle had extensive damage to the front after it crashed into the front steps of the residence.

Approximately two hours and 15 minutes later another vehicle, also reportedly stolen, was crashed into a tree in west Columbus after it fled police during an attempted traffic stop.

Sgt. Albert said the incident began when officers attempted to pull over a Kia Optima in the area of Bonnie Court and Demorest Road. The driver of the Kia fled the scene at a high rate of speed and briefly escaped police.

A couple of minutes later, police said the vehicle was found about a mile northeast after it struck a tree in the 3200 block of Briggs Road. A 16-year-old passenger was located at the scene and taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Police said that the driver ran from the scene, but at 4:30 a.m., two 17-year-olds were located in the 900 block of West Stephen Drive, and they were taken into custody

Both vehicles showed evidence of being stolen. It is not yet known what charges the teens will face.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.