Gas Theft Getaway Ends in Car Crash

After stealing from a gas station on Port Washington Road last week, an 18-year-old Milwaukee man sped through residential streets before crashing near the Jewish Community Center.

The driver told police that he stole $7.68 in gas from Heinz Service station, which sent a tow truck chasing after his vehicle. With the tow truck in pursuit, the driver admitted to driving about 50 mph down Santa Monica, a 25 mph zone, when he crashed at School Road at 5 p.m. April 3.

The vehicle – a 1994 Lexus –  crashed into a village traffic sign, utility pole, chain-link fence, a tree and a wrought-iron fence before coming to a rest on the small hill that separates the parking lot of the JCC's Peck Aquatic Center and the Milwaukee Jewish Day School. 

The driver was bleeding from a head injury, and his passenger – also an 18-year-old Milwaukee man – said he had pain in one of his arms. Both of the men were treated by North Shore Fire Department paramedics.

Police cited the driver for operating at an unreasonable speed and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. Glendale police also issued a retail theft ctiation for the stolen gas.

The passenger received a Whitefish Bay citation for not fastening his seatbelt, and he was taken into custody for two warrants through the Cedarburg Police Department.