2 teens charged after stolen vehicle pursuit in Cattaraugus County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two teenagers are facing multiple charges after they allegedly fled from police in a stolen vehicle early Saturday morning and were found in possession of stolen items, including a rifle, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office announced.

At 5:17 a.m., 18-year-old Ariel Ramos and a 17-year-old male, both of Buffalo, were stopped by police on Peth Road in the Town of Great Valley after their vehicle was seen parked in the middle of the road in front of a residence. One of them was reportedly seen running back to the vehicle.

Police activated their lights and sirens, but the 17-year-old driver allegedly refused to stop. The pursuit continued into Ellicottville, where police deployed spikes to stop the vehicle. The 17-year-old continued driving until he lost control on Route 16 in the Town of Machias, police said.

After they fled on foot, both Ramos and the 17-year-old were apprehended by police.

Deputies then learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Hamburg. Along with the stolen rifle, the two were allegedly in possession of stolen wallets, stolen car keys and stolen cash. Police said they stole the items from unlocked vehicles in the Great Valley and Ellicottville area.

Ramos and the 17-year-old were released on appearance tickets and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

The 17-year-old was also charged with third-degree unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle and issued 10 traffic tickets.

The investigation remains ongoing and more charged are expected to be filed.