
MERCED, Calif. (KMJ) — A teen suspect was booked into juvenile hall after police say they were caught driving a stolen vehicle in Merced.
Merced Police Department says an officer spotted a stolen vehicle Wednesday around 2:30 a.m. near 3rd and S Streets.
When the officer tried to pull the vehicle over, however, the driver took off and led the officer on a chase before crashing into a freeway embankment near 13th and S Street.
An Officer walked up to the vehicle and found it empty. They did find a loaded 9mm ghost gun just outside the car and the driver hiding in bushes about 20 yards away.

Investigators say the driver is 17 years old and now faces multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, illegal weapons, pursuit, and gang enhancements.