ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The seventeen-year old-driver of a stolen car in a police chase in Rochester was arrested three weeks ago in Erie County.
The chase ended with a car crash, killing 92-year-old Thomas Chase of Brighton.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith said that the seventeen-year-old driver is a "career criminal," adding that in 2023 he was arrested 12 times, and was on parole at the time of the crash.
Chief Smith added that three weeks ago the driver was arrested in Erie County for involvement in a stolen car police chase.
It was originally believed that the teen was connected to a stolen car incident in Cheektowaga.
2 On Your Side reached out to Cheektowaga Police and they said that due to the age of the driver, they are unable to confirm if the two are the same person.
The victim, Thomas Chase, was very active in his community.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, his friends say he would often travel to nursing homes and play the piano for the residents.
His friend Karl Laporta said, "You know it's something that should've never happened, and unfortunately he didn't get to live out the rest of his life."