Investigation by Violent Crimes Division detectives led to Wednesday night’s arrest of three teens, Demontae Darden, 18, and two 16-year-olds after they fled from officers in a stolen Kia SUV.
Detectives were observing an unoccupied Chevrolet Traverse, which had been carjacked earlier in the evening, in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Clarksville Pike when a Kia SUV pulled up. The driver, Darden, got out and briefly entered the Traverse before returning to the Kia. Detectives followed the Kia with the assistance of a police helicopter.
When officers attempted to stop the Kia, Darden fled at a high rate of speed. The helicopter pilot continued to give the vehicle’s location and spike strips were successfully deployed. The Kia stopped at Timothy Drive and Fairview Drive. All three occupants fled. After a brief foot pursuit, Darden was apprehended. Both16-year-olds initially eluded capture. Canine officers responded and located one hiding in a vacant house. He was in possession of a pistol. The second suspect was found hiding in brush. A stolen pistol (taken during a business burglary last October) was recovered nearby.
At present, Darden is charged with theft of a vehicle, evading arrest, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The teen found hiding in the vacant building is charged in Juvenile Court with possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony and evading arrest. The 16-year-old found hiding in the brush is charged with joyriding and evading arrest.
The investigation continues into the carjacking which occurred Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. The victims reported that two armed black men carjacked them of their 2017 Chevrolet Traverse on 26th Avenue North at Charlotte Avenue.
The Kia SUV was stolen Tuesday at 6:20 a.m. after the owner left it running to warm up in his driveway on Cain Harbor Drive.
Darden’s photo is being withheld pending lineups in additional cases.
