Underage Duo Crash Stolen SUV After Police Pursuit in Watervliet

Teens face charges including grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Two Capital Region teenagers, ages 14 and 15, are facing serious charges after a stolen-car joyride ended in a crash and a second vehicle theft on Sunday morning. State Police say the chain of events began around 9:26 a.m. when troopers were called to a Walmart parking lot in Brunswick for reports of a stolen SUV. An hour later, troopers spotted the vehicle in Watervliet and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to comply, leading to a pursuit that ended when the stolen SUV crashed into another car. Both teens were taken into custody at the scene.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing problem of juvenile crime and vehicle theft in the Capital Region, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to address these issues, especially among underage offenders.

The details

According to the report, the 14-year-old was behind the wheel of the stolen SUV and the 15-year-old was the passenger. During the pursuit, the 15-year-old allegedly stole a second vehicle in Albany, which was later found abandoned less than a block from where it had been taken. The 14-year-old faces charges including criminal possession of stolen property, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief, while the 15-year-old was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.

  • The incident began around 9:26 a.m. on Sunday, February 10, 2026.
  • Troopers spotted the stolen SUV and attempted a traffic stop roughly an hour later, around 10:26 a.m.
  • The stolen SUV crashed into another car just minutes after the pursuit began, around 10:30 a.m.

The players

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial report of the stolen SUV and initiated the pursuit.

Watervliet Police

The local law enforcement agency that located the stolen SUV after it crashed and apprehended the two teenage suspects.

14-year-old suspect

The underage driver of the stolen SUV who faces charges including criminal possession of stolen property, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.

15-year-old suspect

The underage passenger in the stolen SUV who also allegedly stole a second vehicle during the pursuit and faces charges including grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the 14-year-old and 15-year-old suspects to be released on bail at their upcoming court appearances.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stronger measures to address juvenile crime and vehicle theft in the Capital Region, including enhanced prevention programs, tougher penalties for underage offenders, and improved coordination between law enforcement agencies to combat these growing public safety concerns.