Police 'Within The Law' In Limerick High Speed Chase That Left 3 Teens Dead: DA

LIMERICK, PA — Police did not "violate the law" in their high speed pursuit and resulting crash in Limerick that left three teenagers dead in early June, investigators with the Montgomery County District Attorney's office believe.

The incident occurred on June 3 at around 9:06 p.m. following a theft from the Target store on Ridge Pike in Royersford.

Given the young ages of the fatal victims — 17-year-olds Saniyah Newsuan, Gabriel Cooper, and Nasir Youk — there was uproar from some in the community who believed a dangerous high speed chase was not justified.

The DA's investigation was explicit that they were investigating the legality of what the police did, and were not giving an opinion on the nature of the pursuit and whether it was justified or right.

"The District Attorney’s office investigation of the fatal crash was limited to examining whether there were any violations of law by the police during their response," the office said in their announcement.

The three teens, along with a fourth who was seriously injured, fled the Target lot without its headlights on out onto Kline Road, the DA's office said.

They then turned left onto West Ridge Pike, and that's when the police officer activated his patrol vehicle's emergency lights and sirens to stop them, according to the DA.

The teens then "rapidly accelerated" west on Ridge Pike at speeds between 70 and 92 miles per hour for about 1.8 miles, investigators said.

As it reached the 300 block of West Ridge Pike, the vehicle left the roadway, lost control, sped over grass for about 91 feet, hit a utility pole, and then smashed into a stone retaining wall.

"Investigators determined the cause of the crash was the inexperience of the driver operating the vehicle at a high rate of speed in fleeing from police, causing her to lose control of the vehicle," the DA's office added.

Details about how closely the teens were followed by police down Ridge Pike remain unclear.