Flagstaff, AZ – A 13-year-old girl allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle while intoxicated, with an 11-year-old passenger inside, after flipping over multiple times on a highway early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
High-Speed Wrong-Way Driving
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the incident occurred around 1 a.m. on I-40 eastbound in Flagstaff after a deputy received reports of a wrong-way driver. The teen’s white Chevrolet Silverado, stolen earlier from the Flagstaff Police Department, crossed the median into oncoming traffic and reached speeds exceeding 100 mph before veering onto a guardrail.
Violent Crash
The truck flipped multiple times and struck a tree, causing severe damage. Investigators noted the crash was so violent that the steering wheel detached and landed about 50 feet away from the wrecked vehicle.
Both the 13-year-old driver and her 11-year-old passenger were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Intoxication Details
Police confirmed to Fox News that the teen showed “six out of six signs of intoxication.” A blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.183, more than twice the legal adult limit and well above Arizona’s zero-tolerance law for underage drivers.
DPS Statement
DPS shared photos of the mangled truck, showing the caved-in roof, twisted front end, and the dislodged steering wheel lying in tall grass.
On Facebook, the Highway Patrol warned about the dangers of juvenile joyriding and underage drinking, stating,
“We’re thankful the kids are okay, but this could’ve ended way worse. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and unlicensed driving.”
Charges Expected
The 13-year-old driver is expected to face DUI charges, along with additional charges for reckless driving and possession of a stolen vehicle.
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