Washington Township, N.J. – A quiet New Jersey neighborhood was shaken early Monday morning when two 13-year-old sisters took their mother’s SUV for a late-night joyride, leaving a path of destruction through the Canterbury Mews condominium complex, authorities said.
The teenagers reportedly decided to take the vehicle out after growing “bored” while staying up late on the eve of Veterans’ Day, a day when local schools were closed.
Joyride Ends in Crashes and Panic
At approximately 2:20 a.m., the sisters allegedly drove the SUV recklessly, zig-zagging across residential streets and careening onto neighbors’ lawns. Surveillance footage obtained by local media showed the car striking a fence, two air conditioning units, and a curb before crashing into the back of a condominium.
After reversing back onto the street, the girls reportedly exited the vehicle in a panic, drawing the attention of nearby residents.
“Upon coming downstairs, I heard female voices screaming, ‘I’m scared, I’m scared!’” said neighbor Alisa DeMayo. “It sounded like a bomb. I thought something crashed into my roof,” she added.
Terrified neighbors, who initially feared the loud crash was a gunshot, called the Washington Township Police Department.
Police Trace SUV Back to Teens’ Home
Authorities quickly traced the SUV to the girls’ home on a nearby street, noting visible front-end damage. The sisters were found safely back at home and were uninjured, according to police.
Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik told ABC 6:
“There’s no school today. They were allowed to stay up late, and they were bored and decided to take mom’s car for a ride around the development. We’re grateful. This could’ve ended tragically.”
A township building inspector confirmed that the condo involved in the crash was safe to inhabit after the impact.
Traffic Citations and Potential Consequences
The 13-year-old sisters will be issued traffic citations for the unauthorized use of the vehicle. Local officials said such citations typically involve fines, community service, or educational programs, rather than severe criminal penalties.
It remains unclear whether the sisters are twins or simply less than a year apart in age.
Police and local officials are urging parents and guardians to closely supervise young teens and to remind them of the dangers of taking vehicles without permission.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know how communities can keep young drivers safe while preventing similar late-night joyrides.
