Passenger in car fleeing cops in Mineola killed in crash, police say

A car fleeing from Nassau County police crashed into a tree at East Jericho Turnpike and Parkside Drive in Mineola at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, killing the juvenile passenger, according to a police statement. 

The crash occurred after police officers responded to a 911 call about "multiple larcenies" and attempted to stop two vehicles, which fled the scene at Lexington Street and Carle Road, police said. The driver of one car lost control and hit a tree.

A police spokesperson said the car was driving "at a high rate of speed" and that the department has a non-pursuit policy. 

The passenger and driver of the car were taken by ambulance to a hospital, where the passenger was pronounced dead at 2:29 p.m. The driver, also a juvenile, was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening and was arrested, according to the statement.

The crash closed Jericho Turnpike, between Glen Cove Road and Jay Court, for several hours on Saturday morning, police said.

The injured driver will be arraigned when medically practical, according to the police statement.

Police also said the New York State Attorney General's Office has been notified about the incident.