Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse police on Friday released the name of a driver — a 15-year-old boy — who died when a stolen car crashed into a wall while being chased by police.
Zy’Mier Zulueta was in a stolen Kia when police spotted it around 3:25 a.m. Thursday in the area of South Salina and West Onondaga streets, said Lt. Matthew Malinowski, a Syracuse police spokesperson.
Police tried to stop the vehicle, but it drove off. The vehicle eventually crashed into a stone wall at Seymour Street and South Wilbur Avenue, Malinowski said.
Zulueta was the only occupant in the vehicle, Malinowski said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Zulueta was a sophomore at Fowler High School, said Michael Henesey, a Syracuse city school district spokesperson. A running website that tracks times for students athletes lists him as a track and field athlete. He does not appear on current rosters for the school’s team.
The crash was within walking distance of the school. At first students attempting to walk to school were stopped by police. Later, police allowed students to walk through the scene to get to school; the body was still hidden by privacy screens.
Police initially reported the driver was an adult man. The driver appeared to be a young adult after a preliminary examination of the scene, Malinowski said. The severity of the crash made the assessment challenging, he said.
The state’s Attorney General’s Office was notified of the fatal pursuit, as required by state law. The AG’s Office reviews all fatal incidents involving state and local police.
Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at falba@syracuse.com