17-year old boy shot by police after pursuit

Justin Hellyer, age 17

A 17-year old Lincoln, Arkansas boy, Justin Hellyer, fled from police in a high-speed car chase after the police responded to a suspicious vehicle report.

After the boy crashed, he fled into the wood.  Officer Chris Williams continued the chase on foot.  He then found Hellyer and shot the boy in the thigh, believing the boy had a knife.  The boy denies having a knife.

From the article and news footage:

Hellyer has been charged with Felony Fleeing and Aggravated Assault. 

Hellyer was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center and treated for his wounds. Barlett says her son could be out of the hospital as soon as Thursday. From there he will be taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.

....

Hellyer is expected to make a full recovery. The shot pierced his thigh, but didn’t hit any arteries or bones.

No knife has yet been recovered.  The article doesn't give a reason for why the boy fled police.