OKEECHOBEE — A 14-year-old boy was charged with grand theft auto after reportedly walking onto someone’s property, getting into his van, and driving away with it. On November 11 at approximately 3:30 a.m., Okeechobee County Deputy Michael Cauley was patrolling the area known as Playland Park when he observed a white Ford van driving east on Northwest 18th Terrace. There was a young white male driving and a young white female passenger he noted. There were no rear tail lights or tag lights illuminated on the vehicle, and he notified dispatch he was going to perform a traffic stop.

When he activated his overhead lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle, dispatch notified him there had been a stolen vehicle reported in the area, and it matched the description of the vehicle he was attempting to stop. The van accelerated and turned south towards State Road 70 West. After several turns, the van ended up on State Road 78 West and slid sideways into a muddy watery field. A male and female exited the van from the passenger side, and Deputy Cauley ordered them both to get on the ground and place their hands behind their backs. He held them at gunpoint until additional units arrived, and they both complied.

The pursuit lasted approximately 5.4 miles and got up to about 97 mph at one point.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 14-year-old Logan Jason Yorke, Northwest Sixth Street. His passenger was identified as 21-year-old Ella Meeks, Southwest 23rd Terrace.

Yorke was charged with grand theft auto, fleeing eluding law enforcement with lights and siren active, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. He was turned over to the custody of the DOJJ.

Meeks was charged with grand theft auto, fleeing eluding law enforcement with lights and siren active, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her bond was set at $10,000.