HOLYOKE — Holyoke police arrested two suspects early Tuesday morning after a chase involving three stolen Hyundai vehicles ended in a crash on Cabot Street.
Police Chief Brian Keenan announced that officers Luis Rivera, Jose Millan, Brandi Tourville and Nathan Cote made the arrests at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 2.
Officer Rivera observed three stolen Hyundai vehicles speeding in the area of South Street and Main Street shortly before 3:30 a.m.
Rivera attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Jackson Street, but all three vehicles sped away.
The other officers arrived to assist as Rivera pursued one vehicle.
The fleeing car failed to stop at multiple stop signs and nearly struck another police cruiser on Main Street.
The driver ultimately crashed on a sidewalk on Cabot Street near Bigelow Street.
Officers arrested the 16-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger, Larry Manuel Caliz.
The juvenile driver faces charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and failure to yield.
Caliz, of Springfield, is charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle.
Chief Keenan said there has been an increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts recently.
The thefts target vehicles produced between 2010 and 2021 that are not equipped with ignition immobilizers.
A social media challenge on TikTok and other platforms shows people how to steal these vehicles by damaging the steering column and starting them without a key.
Vehicle manufacturers offer free antitheft software upgrades for select vulnerable models.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Holyoke Police Department at 413-322-6900.
