3 Teens Crash Stolen Truck Into Parma Animal Clinic, Forcing It To Close

Three teenagers led police on a chase that ended when they crashed the stolen pickup truck into a local veterinary clinic.

Able Animal Hospital shared photos of the extensive damage in the aftermath of the incident, explaining to followers: “Due to some teenagers stealing a car and slamming into the front of our building this evening, the clinic will be temporarily closed until further notice.” Since posting the announcement late Tuesday night (August 10), members of the Parma community have rallied to support Able Animal Hospital, leaving well-wishing comments.

Police made an attempt to stop the stolen 2003 Chevy Silverado around 9:25 p.m. Tuesday night, but the alleged thieves opted to embark on a chase instead (though the driver pulled over to let one of the passengers out mid-chase), Cleveland’s 19 News confirmed. Witnesses saw cops deploy spike strips on State Road to stop the fleeing teens, and that’s when they crashed into Able Animal Hospital, followed by another building and two unoccupied vehicles. Three teens — one aged 15 and two aged 16 — were arrested in connection with the incident.

Office Manager Debbie Bartowick told 19 News, “I hope they learn a lesson from this...It could’ve been really bad.”