Cape Coral, FL - A 13-year-old Southwest Florida teen faces multiple charges after stealing a car, leading police on a chase, and causing property damage.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office notified Cape Coral police around 9:00 a.m. Saturday that 13-year-old Lukis Ayala was reported missing and may have stolen a vehicle.
Officers arrived at a residence on Everest Parkway, where a family member confirmed Ayala had left in a white Mercedes SUV.
Shortly after, a matching SUV was spotted with Ayala behind the wheel.
When police activated their sirens, the teen accelerated, putting pedestrians in danger.
The chaotic chase continued through medians, parking lots, and curbs, leaving a trail of damage.
The stolen SUV eventually came to a stop after a flat tire on SE 33rd Street.
A witness reported seeing two teenagers flee from the vehicle after striking a mailbox.
Officers apprehended Ayala and another juvenile hiding nearby.
The other teen's identity hasn't been released, but police confirmed they were not involved in the vehicle’s theft.
Ayala faces charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, grand theft auto, resisting arrest, reckless driving, and hit-and-run.
Ayala is being held at the Lee County Juvenile Assessment Center.