Four teens were arrested Wednesday and an officer was injured, after two vehicles were stolen from a Racine car dealership, according to Milwaukee Police.
At about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, officers observed one of the stolen cars traveling in the area of the 3100 block of N. 74th Street. When they attempted to stop the car, the four occupants left the vehicle while it was still moving, according to police.
Officers pursued the subjects on foot and with the help of neighborhood residents, all four people were arrested a short distance away.
“When the subjects alighted from the car they left it in drive. As the car began to roll in reverse, an officer attempted to stop the vehicle before it could injure citizens in the neighborhood or cause additional property damage. While doing so he lost his balance and was dragged by the vehicle. The vehicle came to rest when it struck a light pole,” police said.
The 51-year-old officer received several injuries from the incident. He was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Two 17-year-old males, and two females, ages 16 and 15 years-old were taken into custody.
The first vehicle was located Wednesday afternoon on the 6500 block of Keefe Avenue, while responding to a traffic stop.
According to Mt. Pleasant Police, two cars were seen drag racing westbound on State Highway 20/Washington Ave. near Commerce Dr. around 2:06 a.m.
A Mt. Pleasant Police squad on patrol attempted to pull the vehicles over, but they didn't stop.
A high-speed chase ensued. Mt. Pleasant P.D., the state patrol, and the Racine County Sheriff's Department all pursued the vehicles.
Ultimately the chase was ended "with public safety in mind" when the cars continued speeding into Milwaukee County, a news release from Mt. Pleasant Police said.
During the chase, police observed both vehicles had car dealership license plates on them.
Around 2:30 a.m., a break in was discovered at Racine Hyundai on Washington Avenue in the Village of Sturtevant. Police determined the two vehicles spotted speeding were stolen from there.
Workers at the dealership said the two cars were taken off of the showroom floor and driven right through a garage door.
"They're in and out so fast, I don't think anyone would have the time to react to it," said Eric Greskoviak, GM of the Honda dealership next door. Both dealers are owned by Home Run Auto Group.
This is the fourth break in at a car dealership in Racine County this month.
"I think all the dealerships are aware and they're worried," Greskoviak said. "It's in this area. It was in Milwaukee, now it's in Racine. It could go to Kenosha -- who knows where they're headed next?"
Greskoviak said he thinks the dealerships on Washington Avenue are being targeted because of their proximity to the interstate.
"They can get out of here quickly," he said.
