First responders jump into Lake St. Clair to save teen who crashed after leading officers on chase

Teen’s parents say he threatened to harm himself

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – First responders jumped into Lake St. Clair to save a teenager who crashed into the water after leading officers on a chase Sunday night.

Waves were about 1-2 feet high when the teen launched over the seawall and into the lake in his parents’ SUV.

A Chesterfield Township officer went into the water to rescue what police called a suicidal 16-year-old as the GMC Terrain sank. Police said the boy’s parents called 911 shortly before to tell police he stole their vehicle as was threatening to harm himself.

Police saw the teen at 23 Mile and Nicolette Drive and a chase ensued, but officers ended the chase in Lenox Township because the teen was driving recklessly and speeding.

Moments after the chase was terminated, police spotted the teen driving on 21 Mile Road.

“The driver accelerated, launched into Lake St. Clair,” said Chesterfield Township Police Chief Bradley Kersten.

Police said the officer who jumped into the water was telling the teen to get out of the SUV, but he wouldn’t listen. Firefighters wearing emergency water rescue gear had to smash the vehicle’s window to get the teen out.

The teen was taken to a hospital for treatment.


About the Authors:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism