LOMA LINDA >> Two Redlands teens are behind bars after they led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed pursuit through Loma Linda, and officials are investigating whether they are linked to a string of vehicle burglaries in the area.
The boys, 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime after they crashed into the center divider near the intersection of Loma Linda Drive and Barton Road, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials said. The 16-year-old driver was also booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of felony evading.
Around 9:30 p.m. Monday, Deputy Luis Mendoza was called to the 25300 block of Cypress Street for three teenagers walking through the neighborhood going into other neighbors’ yards and driveways, according to a sheriff’s statement.
The caller pointed out a vehicle to the deputy as it was leaving the area.
Mendoza tried to stop the 2001 black BMW but the driver refused to stop and instead drove off at a high rate of speed, allegedly running stop signs and red lights, officials said.
When the driver ran a red light at the intersection of Loma Linda Drive and Barton Road, he lost control trying to make a turn and hit the curb of the center island.
Both teens ran from the disabled car but were caught a short time later.
When the deputy checked the BMW, he reportedly found several items that were reported stolen out of the city of Redlands.
The boys allegedly told deputies they were in Loma Linda to check for unlocked vehicles and steal items left inside.
At the time of their arrests, deputies were already investigating several calls of vehicle burglaries, theft from vehicles and petty thefts in the area. Detectives are trying to determine if the teens were also involved in the string of thefts.
Anyone with more information on these crimes is asked to call the sheriff’s Central station at 909-387-3545.