An 11-year-old was at the wheel of a stolen vehicle when Cleveland police launched a pursuit on Saturday, according to Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy. The chase began after a license plate reader flagged the car as stolen. Majoy told WKYC that officers were alerted when the vehicle was detected. The incident drew attention because the driver was a child.
Police attempted to intercept the vehicle, but the car accelerated and entered a high-speed chase. Majoy explained that the pursuit involved several officers on patrol vehicles. The chase lasted only a few minutes before the driver made a sudden maneuver. The driver executed an abrupt left turn that caused the vehicle to lose control.
The stolen car slammed into the side of a house, shattering windows and denting the exterior. Majoy reported that the crash was sudden and the vehicle struck the property on its side. No one was injured during the collision or the pursuit. The incident was considered safe by the responding officers.
Daniel Reilly, who was inside his home when the crash occurred, recounted the event to WKYC. He said he heard a “bang and a lot of noise” as the car struck his house. Reilly added that the damage was minor and he was relieved the crash was not worse. He expressed gratitude that no injuries resulted from the incident.
After the impact, the three children fled the scene but were quickly apprehended by police. Majoy confirmed that the kids were found within a short distance of the crash site. They were taken into custody and later released to their parents. The police said the juveniles would face charges in court.
According to Majoy, the children claimed they had learned how to steal cars from YouTube videos. They told officers that the videos provided instructions on how to hot-wire a vehicle. The teens opened the steering column to access the ignition system. They used a USB device to start the car, as Majoy described.
The USB device was used to bypass the vehicle’s security system, allowing the teens to start the engine. Majoy said the device was inserted into the steering column, a method that is commonly demonstrated in online tutorials. The teens reportedly followed the steps shown in the videos to gain control of the car. The device was removed after the vehicle was stopped.
Police released the children to their parents after securing the scene. Majoy stated that the juveniles would face charges in juvenile court. The officers emphasized that the release was part of standard procedure following apprehension. The parents were notified of the situation and the upcoming legal process.
Chief Majoy expressed surprise at the age of the driver during a statement to WKYC. He said, “This has got to be a record for the youngest driver in a pursuit that I’ve ever seen.” He added, “11-years-old for God’s sake, that’s incredible.” Majoy highlighted the unusual nature of the incident.
The incident underscores the dangers of vehicle theft and the potential for serious consequences. While the crash caused no injuries, the damage to the property was significant. The police response was swift, preventing further harm. The case will be reviewed in juvenile court.
The stolen vehicle was identified through a license plate reader system, a technology used by local law enforcement. The system alerted officers to the car’s stolen status before the chase began. This early detection allowed police to act quickly. The system proved effective in this scenario.
Police officers pursued the vehicle through residential streets, maintaining a safe distance. They used radio communications to coordinate the chase. The officers were able to keep the vehicle in sight until it lost control. The chase ended when the car crashed into the house.
Residents in the neighborhood reported seeing the chase and the subsequent crash. The incident attracted attention from local media outlets. The police statement was made available to the public through WKYC. The community expressed relief that no one was harmed.
The children’s claim of learning from YouTube highlights the accessibility of illicit instructions online. The videos reportedly showed how to bypass car security systems. The teens’ use of a USB device demonstrates the practicality of the instructions. Law enforcement noted the seriousness of the offense.
Chief Majoy reiterated that the case involved a stolen vehicle and a minor driver. He emphasized that the pursuit was conducted safely. He also mentioned that the children would face legal consequences. The police department remains committed to public safety.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of monitoring vehicle theft and educating children about the dangers of illegal activity. The police response was deemed effective. The case will proceed through the juvenile justice system. The outcome will depend on the court’s assessment.
Police will likely review evidence from the chase and the crash. The officers will provide testimony about the vehicle’s loss of control. The court will consider the children’s age and intent. The case may set a precedent for similar incidents.
While no injuries were reported, the property damage required repairs. The homeowner, Daniel Reilly, expressed gratitude for the police’s swift action. He also noted that the incident was a close call. The community remains vigilant.
The stolen car was recovered after the chase. Police secured the vehicle at the scene. The car’s ownership was confirmed to be stolen. The department will keep the vehicle for evidence.
Chief Majoy concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to the officers involved. He praised the teamwork that prevented injuries. He also thanked the community for their cooperation. The department will continue to monitor the situation.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces with juvenile offenders. The police department has a protocol for handling such incidents. The children’s release to parents is standard procedure. The department will follow up with the court.
Residents can report suspicious vehicle activity to local police. The department encourages the public to remain vigilant. The incident serves as a cautionary tale. The police remain dedicated to keeping the community safe.
