Police pursuit on Saturday ended with an 11-year-old driver of a stolen vehicle crashing into a house, but no one was injured.
The incident took place in Newburgh Heights, where a stolen car was spotted by a license plate reader.
The vehicle carried an 11-year-old driver and two passengers, an 8-year-old and a 12-year-old.
Chief John Majoy reported that the car made an abrupt left turn before losing control.
The vehicle slammed into the side of a house, causing only minor damage.
Daniel Reilly, who was watching TV upstairs, heard a bang and a lot of noise.
He said the damage was minor and he was glad the crash was not worse.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred during the chase or the collision.
According to Chief Majoy, the license plate reader alerted police that the car was stolen before the pursuit began.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it took off, initiating a high-speed chase through the neighborhood.
The chase lasted several minutes, with officers pursuing the vehicle on foot and on patrol cars.
The stolen car was driven by the 11-year-old, who was accompanied by the two younger passengers.
The pursuit was conducted under the direction of the Newburgh Heights Police Department.
The officers monitored the vehicle’s speed and location via traffic cameras.
The chase ended when the vehicle lost control and crashed.
The police were able to apprehend the children immediately after the collision.
During the final moments, the vehicle performed an abrupt left turn that caused it to lose traction.
The car slammed into the side of a residential house, but the structure remained intact.
The impact produced a loud bang that startled the residents inside.
Daniel Reilly, who was in the house, reported hearing the noise and saw the vehicle hit the wall.
He described the damage as minor, stating that the house suffered only superficial dents.
The police noted that the crash did not result in any injuries to the occupants of the vehicle or the homeowner.
The house’s exterior sustained only minor dents and scratches.
The incident was recorded by local traffic cameras for evidence.
Daniel Reilly recounted that he was watching television when the crash occurred.
He heard a “bang and a lot of noise” and immediately checked the damage.
Reilly emphasized that the damage was minor and expressed relief that the crash was not more serious.
He said he was glad the crash did not result in injuries.
Reilly added that he had not been expecting any harm to his home or family.
His statement was shared with WKYC, the NBC News affiliate in Cleveland.
The homeowner’s perspective highlighted the minimal impact of the crash.
Reilly’s account was used by the police to confirm the lack of injuries.
After the collision, the children fled the scene but were quickly apprehended by officers on the ground.
Chief Majoy reported that the kids were found near the crash site within minutes.
The police officers conducted a swift search of the surrounding area.
The children were identified through surveillance footage and license plate data.
The officers detained the 11-year-old driver and the two passengers.
They were taken to the police station for questioning.
The police released them to their parents after the initial interrogation.
The children will face charges in juvenile court, according to Majoy.
Chief Majoy explained that the kids had learned how to steal cars by watching tutorials on YouTube.
They cracked open the steering column to access the ignition system.
Using a USB device, they attempted to hot wire the car to start it.
The method involved bypassing the vehicle’s security system.
The children used the device to engage the engine without a key.
This action allowed them to drive the stolen vehicle.
The police cited the use of a USB device as a form of illegal vehicle tampering.
The technique was described as a modern approach to car theft.
Majoy said the children were released to their parents after being taken into custody.
He added that they would face charges in juvenile court.
The police chief emphasized that the kids were young but still responsible for their actions.
He stated that the release was a procedural step pending legal proceedings.
The chief also highlighted that the children would be monitored by the juvenile justice system.
He confirmed that no additional charges were filed beyond those related to the theft and crash.
The officers followed standard protocol in handling the minors.
The release was coordinated with the parents and the court system.
Chief Majoy remarked, “This has got to be a record for the youngest driver in a pursuit that I’ve ever seen,” when speaking to WKYC.
He added, “11-years-old for God’s sake, that’s incredible.”
The quote reflects the unusual nature of the incident.
Majoy emphasized that the age of the driver was unprecedented.
The statement was made during a press briefing.
It underscores the seriousness of the crime.
Majoy’s words were reported by the local news affiliate.
The quote serves as a notable highlight of the case.
The license plate reader system played a crucial role in identifying the vehicle as stolen.
The system alerted officers before the chase began.
The Newburgh Heights Police Department uses automated license plate readers to monitor traffic.
The detection allowed the police to act quickly.
The stolen car was reported by the department earlier in the week.
The system helped prevent a potential longer pursuit.
The technology is part of the department’s anti-theft strategy.
It demonstrates how modern tools aid law enforcement.
Residents in the neighborhood expressed relief that no injuries occurred.
Some community members praised the police for a swift response.
Others expressed concern over the presence of young thieves.
The incident sparked discussions about youth crime.
Local officials highlighted the need for preventive measures.
The community also noted the impact of online content on criminal behavior.
The neighborhood’s reaction was captured by local media.
The event has prompted a broader conversation about safety.
Police pursued an 11-year-old driver of a stolen vehicle that crashed into a house, but no injuries were reported.
The children were apprehended, released to parents, and will face juvenile court charges.
The incident illustrates how online tutorials can facilitate modern car theft.
The case underscores the effectiveness of license plate reader technology in preventing theft.
The event has raised concerns about youth involvement in crime.
The community remains vigilant after the incident.
The police chief highlighted the unprecedented age of the driver.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement vigilance.
- No injuries were reported.
- The children will face charges in juvenile court.
- Online tutorials contributed to the theft.
- License plate readers helped prevent a longer chase.
- The community is concerned about youth crime.
