Two teenagers have been charged following a high-speed police chase that began in Rochester and ended with a car crash in Gates on Wednesday.

The chase prompted a massive police response that included 20 Rochester Police Department cruisers, four Gates Police Department cars, and State Police.

Rochester Lt. Ralph Montinarelli said the incident started around noon when a pair of suspects stole a 2013 Honda CRV from a 72-year-old woman at 240 Garland Ave. in a strong-arm robbery, meaning no weapons were involved.

Thirty minutes later, officers saw the vehicle on Fulton Avenue in Rochester. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but driver didn't comply and the chase ensued.

The suspects eventually wound up traveling westbound on Buffalo Road at high speed, trailed by upward of eight Rochester police cars with sirens screaming and lights flashing.

When the suspects entered the intersection at Howard Road, they struck an eastbound silver Toyota and both spun to a halt. Police described the driver of the Toyota as having swerved to avoid a more serious crash.

The stolen Honda bore the brunt of the collision. Its grill was smashed and its pink airbags deployed. Officers descended on the vehicle and handcuffed the driver and passenger.

The busy intersection was closed for about an hour for an investigation.

The pair in the stolen vehicle were not injured. "The suspect driving the vehicle was identified as the individual who robbed the 72-year-old victim of her vehicle," police said in a email.

Because of the suspects' ages — both were 15 — police did not release their identities.

The driver, a male, was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer.

He was held at a juvenile facility outside Monroe County and will appear in Monroe County Family Court Thursday.

The passenger, a female, had an outstanding Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) warrant, police said, and was charged with third-degree possession of stolen property.

She was detained in a Monroe County juvenile facility and appear in Family Court Thursday.

During the chase, a Rochester Police Department car struck a light pole at the corner of Avenue E and Carthage Street, went through a fence and caught on fire.

Officer Karyn Bower suffered a broken wrist. She was treated and released from a hospital.

MCDERMOT@Gannett.com

DANDREATTA@Gannett.com