Three individuals, including two juveniles, have been arrested in South Irving following a high-speed pursuit involving an organized group of suspected auto thieves. The incident occurred on Monday, June 30th, after a stolen vehicle alert.
At approximately 3:21 a.m., an Irving Police officer received a FLOCK hit for a stolen vehicle near E. Shady Grove Rd and S. Irving Heights Dr. Officers quickly located the vehicle traveling at high speed with four other vehicles, which was recognized as an organized auto theft group.
The vehicles intentionally fled from marked police units with emergency lights and sirens, initiating a pursuit. The suspects remained together, exceeding 80 MPH and running stop signs on residential streets. The chase concluded at a dead end where the drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot.
Officers swiftly apprehended a juvenile who was the driver of a red 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Although not yet reported stolen, the vehicle showed signs of damage indicating theft. A second juvenile was found hiding under a nearby truck; he had been driving a white 2017 Hyundai Elantra, which was confirmed stolen.
Messiah Oke, 18, was found between nearby houses. He was driving a silver 2013 Kia Optima, which its owner later reported stolen during the investigation, stating she had not given consent for its operation and desired prosecution.
Oke was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Theft of Property, Evading Arrest Detention with a Vehicle, and Engaging in Organized Crime. The two juveniles are facing similar charges but their identities have not been released due to their ages.
The fourth suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.
