Gabriel M Cooper Obituary, Death – Three teenagers have lost their lives and another has sustained serious injuries following a police pursuit that culminated in a fatal crash in Limerick, Montgomery County, on Tuesday evening.
As reported by law enforcement, the teenagers were being pursued after an alleged theft occurred at a nearby Target store.
On Wednesday, the Owen J. Roberts School District issued a letter indicating that students from their high school were involved in the incident.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that two of our Owen J. Roberts High School students and a former student have died as a result of this tragedy. Additionally, a fourth individual, who is also a student at OJR, has suffered serious injuries,” stated school officials. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s office has identified the deceased as Gabriel M Cooper, 17, Nasir Youk, 17, and Saniyah Newsuan, 17.
The fourth individual hospitalized due to the crash has been identified as a 15-year-old boy.
Police received a call around 9:05 p.m. regarding an ongoing theft at the Target store located on Ridge Pike in Royersford. Upon arrival, officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be linked to the alleged theft; however, the driver fled, leading to a police chase. Video footage obtained by Action News captures the vehicles, including police cars, racing past Goose’s Montecristo Lounge.
Shortly thereafter, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed just outside a residence on the 300 block of Ridge Pike.
“My dog and I were watching television when suddenly, around 9:20, we heard a loud bang. The poor little dog jumped about three feet in the air because it startled her,” recounted Liz Jurus, a resident of Limerick Township.
Pam Talarico, owner of Apothecary Lounge: A Healthy Care Salon, reported that a headlight from the vehicle shattered her window.
“It’s fortunate that the retaining wall is there, as it prevented the car from impacting the property and causing damage to the building,” she remarked.
Aerial footage from Chopper 6 revealed a wrecked car in the center of West Ridge Pike, with debris strewn across the roadway and a collapsed wall.