THOMASVILLE — A high-speed pursuit that began on U.S. 19 South early Thursday ended in a Thomasville neighborhood when the stolen truck being pursued crashed into vehicles parked in a yard.

The 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 truck was stolen from a 121 N. Love St. business between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The owner told police the truck was parked behind the business with the key inside the gas cap.

At 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy patrolling on U.S. 19 South attempted a traffic stop on the truck, which had no taillights.

The vehicle fled from the officer and traveled into the city, said Maj. Wade Glover, Thomasville Police Department public information officer.

The truck traveled onto Remington Avenue, then onto Betty Street, where it left the street and struck two vehicles parked in a yard.

“The driver and two passengers jumped out and fled,” Glover said.

A perimeter was set up, and the 16-year-old driver was found hiding behind a house. The passengers, who got away, are being sought.

The teen driver, who is being held at the Loftiss Regional Youth Detention Center, is charged with theft by taking motor vehicle and several traffic offenses.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820