Teens lead deputies on a wild car chase in stolen vehicles — one caught hiding in a tree

Authorities chased a stolen vehicle in Dane County that ran through a ditch and lost two tires, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects as young as 14.

The chase took place about 6 p.m. Friday in the Town of Christiana, when Dane County Sheriff’s deputies pursued an Acura TSX that went through a ditch at a high rate of speed, losing two tires before crashing into a field. 

The car's three occupants fled on foot. Two hours later, police said, they found two of them near a barn and the third suspect hiding in a tree.

The search also resulted in the recovery of two other stolen vehicles. 

Altogether, seven suspects were arrested, including an 18-year-old man from Madison and three girls ages 14, 15 and 16.

They face a range of charges including operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, burglary and felony eluding of police. The burglary charges resulted from the suspects entering a garage and allegedly trying to steal another car while deputies were searching the area. 

Deputies said items in one of the stolen cars indicated the teens were likely involved in other area crimes.