Teen crashes into restaurant during police chase, injuring 5 diners, California cops say

A police chase ended Thursday evening when a teenage driver crashed into a California restaurant’s outdoor dining area, police say.

Salinas police said an officer tried to stop a car being driven recklessly by a 16-year-old male, but the teen sped away and a chase ensued.

Another vehicle pulled in front of the teen’s car, causing a rear-end collision, according to police. The teen then drove into the outdoor dining area of Gino’s Restaurant and hit several diners.

At least five people were injured, CBS San Francisco reported.

“Their injuries ranged from minor to serious,” police said in a news release. “None of the injuries appeared life threatening.”

The driver left the scene, police said, and witnesses pointed out the direction he was running. Officers apprehended the suspect, who was “uncooperative” and “did not provide a statement.”

Police said they were still investigating the incident and that the car was registered to the suspect’s father.

The teen was taken to a juvenile facility and faces charges that felony hit and run and.

This story was originally published November 20, 2020 at 10:12 AM with the headline "Teen crashes into restaurant during police chase, injuring 5 diners, California cops say."