Police: Teens in stolen car smash into four other cars on Storrow Drive, then try to escape by running into the Charles

UPDATED with more details from State Police.

Storrow Drive outbound by the Esplanade became mess shortly after 11:25 a.m. due to a pileup caused by two 17-year-olds from Brighton in a stolen car who proved unable to drive very well.

State Police report that after smashing into four cars, the two men inside jumped out and tried to escape by swimming in the Charles. They failed at that as well, however, and are now in custody.

State Police provide this account:

At approximately 11:25 am today, Massachusetts State Trooper Joseph Pierre, assigned to the State Police Barracks in Boston, was on patrol on Storrow Drive westbound near the Bowker Overpass when he observed a stolen white 2008 Hyundai Elantra traveling in the same direction. The Elantra had been reported stolen earlier today out of Boston.

Trooper Joseph activated his cruiser's emergency lights and attempted to stop the stolen car.

The operator, a 17-year-old male, attempted to evade Trooper Joseph as he tried to stop the vehicle on Storrow Drive. The suspect vehicle, which was also occupied by a 17-year-old male passenger, subsequently crashed into several other vehicles, causing minor damage and one injury.

Both suspects exited the vehicle and ran into the Charles River. Trooper Joseph, assisted by Trooper Anthony Wosny, who responded from a nearby detail, convinced the suspects to exit the water on their own accord. The troopers placed the suspects under arrest and transported them to the Boston Barracks for booking.

The pursuit of vehicle lasted approximately 10 seconds and went a distance of approximately 200 yards at slow speeds.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office reports both were held in lieu of $100,000 bail at their arraignment this afternoon. Their names were not released, the DA's office reports, on account of "being old enough to know better but not old enough to appear in the adult session."

The driver was formally charged with being delinquent for larceny of a motor vehicle, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, use of a motor vehicle without authority, and failure to stop for police. The passenger was charged with delinquency for receiving stolen property.