Two Teens Steal Car in Ontario, Die in High-Speed Crash
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
FRUITLAND — (Information from the Payette County Sheriff’s Office) – The Payette County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a pursuit and crash that killed two people.
Just after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, the Ontario Police Department requested assistance from the Payette County Sheriff’s Office with a pursuit leaving eastbound from Ontario, Oregon, into Fruitland, Idaho. The suspect vehicle, a black VW Jetta with no license plates, was driving at a high rate of speed with no headlights.
As the Jetta entered Idaho, Payette County deputies located and pursued the vehicle southbound on Elmore Rd as it continued failing to yield. When the Jetta approached U.S. Highway 30, it left the roadway, entered a canal, and struck the side of a concrete bridge.
A 19-year-old male driver and a 16-year-old female passenger, both from Nampa, Idaho, were found deceased inside the Jetta. The Payette County Coroner’s Office took custody of the occupants. The Payette County Coroner will release their identity and determine the cause and manner of their deaths.
The Jetta was recovered from the canal with assistance from the New Plymouth Rural Fire Department and several tow companies. It was determined that the Jetta was stolen from Ontario, Oregon.
The Idaho State Police is assisting with the crash investigation.
The roadway was closed for approximately four hours for emergency vehicles and the investigation.
