GHS student arrested for car theft after high-speed chase

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Tahj S Green, 18, was arrested early this morning and charged with grand theft auto and attempting to elude a police officer after a high-speed chase, during which he allegedly ran multiple red lights, causing other drivers to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident, according to the arresting officer.

A Gainesville Police Department officer reported that he saw Green driving a stolen vehicle and activated his lights to initiate a traffic stop. He reported that Green drove away at an “extreme” speed, running several red lights.

Officers later found the vehicle abandoned and conducted a K-9 track, finding Green and a 16-year-old co-defendant a short distance from the vehicle. Green reportedly had the key to the stolen vehicle in his possession.

Post Miranda, Green reportedly said that he and the juvenile stole the vehicle from the victim’s residence two nights ago and that they had taken turns driving the car since then.

Green, who is listed as a student at Gainesville High School and has no criminal record, has been charged with theft of a vehicle and attempting to elude a police officer. Although he has not been charged with driving without a license, the court docket notes that a license was not found for him. He has been released on his own recognizance with a 7 p.m. curfew and an ankle monitor.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.