PHOENIX - Police arrested a 17-year-old and accused him of stealing a police car and trying to run over an officer.

Police spokesman Tony Morales gave this account:

The teen was riding in a black Pontiac near Seventh Street and University Drive just after 1 a.m. Monday when the car's driver hit an object. Phoenix Officer Courtney Riojas, who was patrolling the area, stopped to investigate and both occupants fled the vehicle, which was reportedly stolen. Riojas followed them in her patrol car and found them trying to climb a fence into a commercial yard in the 400 block of East Watkins Street.

She grabbed the driver and while they struggled, the teen circled back and got into her patrol car.

Morales said the suspect chased Riojas through the parking lot and seemed to try to run her over. Police arrested him after he crashed the vehicle into a block wall in the 2300 block of North Seventh Street, Morales said. The driver escaped in the confusion.

The teen was booked into a juvenile detention facility on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, Morales said.

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