MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana State Police attempted a traffic stop on a 2002 Dodge Caravan December 1st around 8:30 p.m. due to a missing license plate and an alleged broken taillight. The van was traveling south on U.S. 31 and did not stop for police.

Police attempted the traffic stop on U.S. 31 near Miami County Road 500 South.

The chase was short-lived as the van crashed in a field about a mile away near State Road 218.

The driver, later identified as a 17-year-old male runaway from South Bend, ran on foot from police after the crash.

Police found three other teens, aged 13, 15, and 17, in the van who all received injuries such as a concussion and teeth knocked loose. All three were also from South Bend.

Four hours after this chase there was a report of a stolen vehicle near where the van had crashed.

Officers from the Miami County Sheriff’s Department found the stolen vehicle and took the 17-year-old into custody.

Police are seeking charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and operating a vehicle without a license.