I agree and I do think this is one of the problems with having a family friend in another state serve as your criminal defense lawyer rather than someone local, on the ground, with experience/a relationship with the local PD and prosecutors. I always get my clients a local lawyer if state/local LE are involved outside of the area where I practice. It just doesn't make sense to try to drive the bus from NY with people you have never worked with/opposed before.
All he had to do was sit in the living room and play solitaire. We may not like it but that's his right until LE has enough to arrest him. Running, moving cars, involving his parents - all really problematic. Particularly when it's possible any eventual charges would only be manslaughter or an accident. JMO