Teens steal car, lead police on high speed chase

PLAINFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Two teens were arrested after allegedly stealing a car and leading police on a high speed chase before crashing into a guard rail in Plainfield Saturday.

The incident occurred just before 4 a.m., on I-395 Southbound.

A trooper saw the slow-moving vehicle and performed a DMV check of the vehicle's registration. The check revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen shortly after midnight.

The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle just north of Exit 88, but the operator refused and engaged in a pursuit.

Police said the stolen vehicle reached speeds of 140 mph, continuing on for 9.7 miles. The driver then attempted to get off I-395 at Exit 84W, but lost control and crashed into a wire rope guard rail and an illumination pole.

The driver, Troy Lawrence Phillips, 19, of Railroad Ave., Plainfield, and a 17-year-old passenger both fled the vehicle on foot, south on River Rd.

The trooper was able to apprehend the suspects at gunpoint without incident.

Phillips was charged with third-degree larceny, interfering, DWI, reckless driving, engaging officers, evading responsibility, unlicensed operator, and making an improper turn.

The 17-year-old juvenile was charged with third-degree larceny and interfering.