ROCHESTER, NY — 92-year-old Thomas Chase was killed in a crash in Brighton on Wednesday when he attempted to turn left from East Avenue onto Elmwood Avenue and was struck by a stolen car being pursued by police. The driver of the stolen car is only 17 years old.

Senior investigative reporter Berkeley Brean uncovered more information about the 17-year-old driver. The teen is currently on probation for burglary and was arrested last year for 12 “smash-and-grab” incidents in which stolen cars were used to break into stores.

“After a cursory review of all events yesterday, I cannot initially identify any violations of our pursuit policies,” said Police Chief David Smith of the Rochester Police Department.

“I wonder if the circumstances of yesterday will at least lead to some kind of review of your actions,” asked Berkeley.

“Yes, we can always do things better, no question. We review everything we do and always strive to improve. Of course we will,” Chief Smith responded. “But from what I saw yesterday, it was within the guidelines given to those officers.”

According to police, the 17-year-old was driving the car that Rochester police and state police pursued through the city and into Brighton. An 18-year-old and a 19-year-old were in the car. According to police, the 19-year-old was involved in a shooting in the city and another stolen car on Wednesday afternoon. When he crashed the car, he jumped into the 17-year-old’s car, according to police.

In addition to being arrested 12 times for auto theft in the past year and on probation, the 17-year-old was arrested for a car theft outside Buffalo four weeks ago. Cheektowaga police charged him and notified the probation department, but somehow he was back on the loose and in a stolen car on Wednesday.

News10NBC’s Antonina Tortorello learned more about the victim, Thomas Chase. Click here to read the story.

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