Snack theft leads to Cincy police car chase, crash

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati police say the theft of snacks from a convenience store triggered a chase that ended when a car full of girls crashed into a utility pole, leaving a 12-year-old in critical condition and two teens injured.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the pursuit began early Tuesday after a store manager reported girls had stolen potato chips and other items and took off in a car. An officer who responded the store saw a similar vehicle pass by and unsuccessfully tried to pull it over, leading to the pursuit.

Police say the 16-year-old driver, the 12-year-old and a 14-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital and charged with theft. Two more teens who were not hurt were cited for curfew violations.

Police were investigating whether the officer followed proper procedure.