Centralia Police say one juvenile is in custody and another is still being sought after a vehicle fled following an attempted traffic stop on Sunday.
After fleeing down various roadways and committing several additional traffic violations, the driver eventually pulled into a driveway of a residence on East Kell Street. The two fled on foot without the vehicle coming to a complete stop.
During the foot pursuit, the passenger was observed throwing an object under an orange cart. The driver was eventually taken into custody, but the passenger was not apprehended and remains at large.
The officers recovered the item thrown by the passenger which was a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun. The handgun was reported stolen. A check of the vehicles identifying information revealed it was also reported stolen. Additional firearm ammunition was also discovered in the vehicle.
The driver whose name is not being released because he is a juvenile was charged with Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony), Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony), and Possession of Ammunition without FOID (Class A Misdemeanor). The driver was also issued several traffic citations.
The Department is pursuing promising leads regarding the identity of the passenger. Anyone with information is asked to contact Centralia Police at 618-533-7602.
