Stolen vehicle leads police on Valleywide trek - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

UPDATE

Stolen vehicle leads police on Valleywide trek

Posted: Updated:
By Phil Benson - email
Authorities follow stolen vehicle across the Valley. Authorities follow stolen vehicle across the Valley.
Old booking photo of Christian Barron from a June drug arrest. Old booking photo of Christian Barron from a June drug arrest.
Latest booking photo of Christian Barron Latest booking photo of Christian Barron
Area of First Avenue and Tonto where the driver surrendered. Area of First Avenue and Tonto where the driver surrendered.

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PHOENIX (CBS5) -

The driver of a stolen vehicle under police surveillance led officers on a long trek across the Valley before being taken into custody Thursday afternoon.

Patrol officers spotted a minivan that had been reported stolen at about 12:30 p.m.,, Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Steve Martos said. They attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver, Christian Barron, 18, would not yield, Martos said. 

From central Phoenix, officers followed Barron on several major freeways, including Loop 101, State Route 51, Loop 202 and U.S. 60.

News helicopter footage showed Barron traveling at a high rate of speed once the vehicle headed westbound on U.S. 60.

"We understand at some point the driver allowed the female passenger to exit the vehicle," Martos said. The woman has been detained and police are questioning her about her possible involvement.

Martos said at one point, Barron was involved in a minor hit-and-run collision. 

After more than 30 minutes, the path eventually led the police helicopter and ground units to a neighborhood near First Avenue and Tonto, where Barron stopped.

"A number of unmarked vehicles and officers were able to stop the vehicle in this location and take him into custody without incident," Martos said.

It's not known at this time what led law enforcement authorities to initiate the surveillance.

Barron was booked into jail on charges of theft of means of transportation (stolen vehicle), possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful flight and an outstanding warrant.

His female passenger is not being booked, Martos said.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety assisted Phoenix police.

Stay with cbs5az.com and CBS 5 News for updates on this developing story.

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