A 17-year-old is in custody following a cross-county vehicle pursuit that started in Midland.
U.S. Marshals alerted Midland police that a Chevy Tahoe confirmed stolen out of Odessa Thursday morning had been located in Midland. At approximately 11:39 a.m., MPD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near Loop 250 and Wadley Avenue, however the driver did not comply and a pursuit began. The pursuit was momentarily stopped after the suspect accelerated, striking an MPD vehicle. The officer was not injured but was taken to the hospital as a precaution and was released.
Midland police assisted in the pursuit again after the SUV was later located driving on Highway 191 near Faudree Road, close to the Midland and Ector County line. The SUV continued driving to Odessa and into a residential area before colliding with an unmarked unit from the Midland County Sheriff’s Office. Four teenagers fled from the vehicle, but all were apprehended.
The driver, 17-year-old Marcus Duarte, is facing charges in Midland for aggravated assault against a public servant, felony evading, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. More charges against Duarte and the other suspects involved are pending with the Odessa Police Department. Duarte was taken into custody and booked into the Midland County detention center.
### Media Contact: MPD Communications Specialist Geena Martinez