Jeannette teenager accused of stealing car, leading police on chase

A Jeannette teenager is accused of stealing a car from a city street and leading police on a chase before crashing in Hempfield around 2:30 a.m. Monday, according to court papers.

Joel E. Munoz-Bayas, 19, was arraigned Monday morning on charges of theft, conspiracy, fleeing from police and related offenses. Two juvenile boys were in the vehicle with him. Jeannette Police Chief Derek Manley said the juveniles are being held accountable as the investigation continues.

All three were taken to AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, according to Mutual Aid EMS spokesperson Shawn Penzera. The extent of their injuries was unclear.

A city officer monitoring traffic at 2:30 a.m. on Harrison Avenue reportedly spotted a red Kia Soul speeding without its headlights on, according to court papers. The car continued through two red lights on College Avenue before turning onto North Greengate Road as police followed with lights and sirens.

The Kia crashed at the intersection with Radebaugh Road and came to rest under the train trestle, Manley said. Police learned the car had been reported stolen from Harrison Avenue, the same street where Munoz-Bayas lives, according to court papers. He was identified as the driver.

Munoz-Bayas did not have an attorney listed in online court records. He was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison on $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for May 22.