An 11-year-old boy was at the wheel of a stolen vehicle that sparked a high-speed pursuit in Newburgh Heights. Police said the teenager, accompanied by an 8-year-old and a 12-year-old, drove the car until it suddenly turned left, lost control, and crashed into the side of a house.
The Chase
Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy explained that a license plate reader alerted officers to the vehicle’s stolen status. When the police attempted to stop the car, it accelerated and entered a chase that lasted only a few minutes. Majoy told WKYC that the pursuit ended when the vehicle made an abrupt left turn and slammed into a home.
The Crash
The impact was described as a “bang and a lot of noise” by Daniel Reilly, who was watching TV upstairs when the car struck his house. Reilly added that the damage was minor and that he was glad the crash was not more serious. No one was injured during the crash or the pursuit.
The Aftermath
After the collision, the children fled but were quickly apprehended by officers. Majoy said the kids told police that they had learned how to steal cars from YouTube videos. He further explained that they had cracked open the steering column and used a USB device to hotwire the vehicle.
The suspects were released to their parents and will face charges in juvenile court, according to Majoy. “This has got to be a record for the youngest driver in a pursuit that I’ve ever seen,” he told WKYC. “11-years-old for God’s sake, that’s incredible.”
Key Takeaways
- An 11-year-old drove a stolen car that crashed into a house during a police chase.
- The crash caused only minor damage and no injuries.
- The three children were arrested, released to their parents, and will face juvenile charges.
The incident highlights a troubling trend of young offenders using online tutorials to commit vehicle theft, prompting local authorities to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and youth education programs.
