Newburgh Heights, Ohio – An 11-year-old boy led police on a stolen car chase Saturday in Newburgh Heights, Ohio, with an 8-year-old and 12-year-old as passengers, authorities confirmed. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a home, causing minor damage but no injuries.
Chase Begins After License Plate Alert
According to Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy, a license plate reader flagged the stolen vehicle—reported out of Parma—as it drove along Harvard Avenue. When officers attempted to stop the car, the young driver fled, heading westbound on Harvard and crossing over the Denison Bridge.
Chief Majoy called the incident “incredible,” noting, “11-years-old for God’s sake, that’s incredible. This has got to be a record for the youngest driver in a pursuit that I’ve ever seen.”
Crash Into Residential Home
The chase ended after the vehicle made an abrupt left turn, lost control, and smashed the side of a house at the corner of Denison Avenue and West 20th Street. Daniel Reilly, who was upstairs watching TV at the time, described the crash: “A big, you know, bang and a lot of noise.”
Police said the children ran from the scene but were quickly apprehended. They reportedly told officers that they learned how to steal cars by watching YouTube videos. Chief Majoy noted that the vehicle’s steering column had been cracked, and the kids had used a USB device to essentially hotwire the car.
Juvenile Charges Filed
All three children were released to their parents, and juvenile court charges will be filed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the home sustained only minor damage.
Reilly expressed relief that the situation didn’t end worse:
“I don’t know if the kids are old enough to even realize that they’re putting their lives in danger, but other innocent people who are just going about their day… Life lesson here, it’s not Grand Theft Auto, it’s not a game. It’s real life.”
Community Safety Concerns
Police continue to warn about the dangers of vehicle theft and reckless driving, especially involving minors. Authorities stress that even seemingly minor incidents can have serious consequences for the community, property, and human life.
What are your thoughts on juvenile car theft and stunts like this? Share your reactions, safety tips, or opinions on youth crime prevention in the comments below.
