BRIGHTON, N.Y. — A 17-year-old driver has been charged with second-degree murder in the stolen car crash that killed a 92-year-old man in Brighton last week.

Theodice Parks was arraigned at Strong Hospital on Wednesday, still recovering from his injuries from the crash. He’s also charged with reckless endangerment after Rochester Police said he drove the stolen Kia at an officer. He is being held without bail. Two other teens in the car were also charged.

The crash happened at the intersection at East Avenue and Linden Avenue on Thursday, Aug. 22. Rochester Police were chasing the stolen car when it crashed into another car driven by Thomas Chase, killing him. Chase is remembered as a piano player and a volunteer of 30 years at The Friendly Home. He graduated from the Eastman School of Music.

News10NBC learned Chase was driving home from what would be his last performance at The Friendly Home when the crash happened.

In a statement, RPD said that Parks showed a “depraved indifference to human life” which led to Chase’s death. As News10NBC has reported, Parks was on parole for burglary at the time of the crash. Police say he was arrested for 12 smash-and-grab cases last year where he used stolen cars to break into businesses.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s office sent News10NBC the following statement on the teen driver:

“Our hearts are with the loved ones of Thomas Chase as they mourn this tragic loss. Governor Hochul’s top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe, which is why she has worked with the Legislature to deliver record funding to combat gun crimes and car thefts, crack down on repeat offenders, and further expand the types of cases where judges have the discretion to set bail. Our administration will continue working with law enforcement and local officials to improve the criminal justice system, combat violence, and strengthen public safety across New York.”

Police were chasing the car as part of an investigation that all started with a report of gunfire. RPD responded to a “gunfight” on Maria Street off Clifford Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a Kia — which had been reported stolen from Irondequoit — with bullet holes in it but no one injured.

According to RPD, when an officer spotted a 19-year-old suspect and he began to run away, a different stolen Kia picked him up. That Kia backed up and nearly hit an officer on Friederich Park before speeding away.

Officers chased the car for eight minutes before it crashed in Brighton. Chase was turning onto East Avenue when the stolen car crashed into him. He died at the scene and the three teens were taken to Strong Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police identified the teen who ran from them as Trevon Simmons. He’s charged with criminal possession of a weapon after RPD said he carried a ghost gun, and illegal self-assembled firearm that he threw as he was running away. He has posted bail and has been released from custody.

Police identified the other teenage passenger as Theophilus Parks. He was charged with possession of stolen property. After being discharged from the hospital, he was taken to the Monroe County Jail and remains in custody.

RPD says that, as the investigation into the crash continues, the grand jury will likely consider even more charges against the teens.

RELATED:

• Friendly Home in Brighton will honor man killed in stolen car crash, remembers his 30 years of service (Aug. 27)
• Lawmakers question if criminal justice reforms need change after man killed by teen in stolen car (Aug. 26)
• ‘Saddened and upset’: Friend mourns loss of 92-year-old friend killed when hit by stolen car (Aug. 24)
• Teen driver in deadly stolen car crash was arrested 12 times last year for smash-and-grabs (Aug. 23)
• Eastman grad, avid community volunteer killed in stolen car crash Wednesday (Aug. 23)
• RPD: Parolee driving stolen car hits and kills 92-year-old Eastman grad during chase (Aug. 23)