For now, a 15-year-old boy is an adult in the eyes of the criminal justice system.

The Pittsburgh teenager is accused of driving a stolen car Friday and leading police on a Butler County to Allegheny County chase that ended when he crashed into another vehicle, leaving two hospitalized with injuries.

The boy was arraigned Sunday on felony and other charges in the incident that apparently began when a car was reported stolen in Butler Township. He is in the custody of Allegheny County juvenile probation authorities.

Under Pennsylvania law, anyone 15 years or older at the time he is accused of committing a certain serious crime is immediately charged as an adult.

The Butler Eagle is not identifying the boy because of his age.

Allegheny County Police, which filed the charges, said they believe the teen was driving a stolen Kia Forte. That car was reported taken about 9:25 a.m. Friday from the 300 block of Bessemer Avenue, Butler Township police Lt. Matthew Pearson said Monday.

The owner had left the car running, to warm up, outside her home. Moments later, Pearson said, she noticed the car gone and notified police, which radioed a description of the vehicle to all county departments.

At 9:36 a.m., Middlesex Township police spotted the car traveling south on Route 8. The officer gave chase, calling for police backup while following the vehicle into Allegheny County.

The defendant stopped at a traffic light at Route 8 and Dickey Road in Richland Township, county police said. The Middlesex officer, who authorities did not identify, drove his cruiser in front of the car.

The officer exited the patrol car, drew his pistol and pointed it at the driver. He ordered the suspect to show his hands and put the car in park, investigators said,

But the defendant allegedly began to move the car back and forward.

“The officer was concerned (the boy) may drive the vehicle at him, or endanger others on the roadway,” according to charging documents, “(and) fired at least two to three shots at the driver's side rear tire of the stolen vehicle, in an effort to disable the vehicle.”

The car and tire were struck by the gunfire, investigators said. The teen, however, pulled the car around the cruiser and sped away southbound on Route 8. The officer returned to his vehicle and resumed the chase.

The Northern Regional Police Department assisted and officers placed spike strips across the road. But, investigators said, the boy drove around them.

Authorities allege the defendant about 9:44 a.m. ran a red light at Route 8 and Route 910 and crashed into a sport utility vehicle.

A passenger in the SUV, a 64-year-old woman, was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh with head, neck and back injuries. She was admitted in stable condition, police said. Her condition was not known Monday.

The SUV driver, a 63-year-old man, was treated at the scene for apparent minor injuries.

The boy, who was found to be wanted on a juvenile probation warrant, had to be extricated from the stolen car. He was taken to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with head and back injuries.

He subsequently was released into police custody and arraigned on felony charges of aggravated assault, receiving stolen property, aggravated assault by vehicle and fleeing or attempting to elude police.

Additionally, he is charged with two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and two traffic violations.

While the boy is charged as an adult, according to the law, he can petition a judge to have the case tried in juvenile court. The prosecution can oppose the petition, but a judge will decide whether to grant the petition.

It was not immediately clear if the teen has an attorney.

A call to the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office for comment on the case, including the Middlesex Township officer's actions firing his gun, was not immediately returned Monday.

Middlesex Township police also could not be reached for comment.