GREAT VALLEY — Two Buffalo teenagers were arrested Sept. 27 after leading police on a chase and allegedly stealing items from unlocked vehicles in the Great Valley and Ellicottville areas.
Ariel Ramos, 18, was taken into custody at approximately 5:17 a.m., according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
A 17-year-old male was arrested at approximately 6:12 a.m.
Deputies initiated a traffic stop on Peth Road in Great Valley after observing the suspects’ vehicle parked in the middle of the road in front of a residence and seeing one person running back to the vehicle.
The 17-year-old driver refused to stop despite deputies activating emergency lights and sirens, initiating a pursuit.
The Ellicottville Police Department deployed a spike system that partially disabled the vehicle in the village of Ellicottville.
The driver continued operating the vehicle until losing control on Route 16 in the town of Machias.
Both suspects fled on foot after the crash.
Deputies apprehended Ramos immediately following a brief foot pursuit.
K9 Lex tracked and located the 17-year-old a short time later.
Deputies learned the vehicle was reported stolen from Hamburg.
The investigation revealed the suspects possessed multiple stolen wallets, car keys, a rifle and cash taken from unlocked vehicles in the Great Valley and Ellicottville areas.
Ramos was released on an appearance ticket for Great Valley Town Court on charges of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.
The 17-year-old was released to his mother on an appearance ticket for Cattaraugus County Youth Court on charges of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.
The minor also received 10 traffic tickets returnable to Great Valley Town Court.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
The Ellicottville Police Department, New York State Police Machias Barracks and Hamburg Police Department assisted in the investigation.
