Layton, UT – A 14-year-old in Layton, Utah caused a four-car crash after taking his parents’ car without permission, according to local authorities. The incident occurred near the intersection of Antelope Drive and Hill Field Road.
Witness Intervenes to Prevent Further Damage
Local resident Raphael Gerena, who has a military background and emergency training, witnessed the crash and acted quickly to prevent further harm.
Gerena described the moment a white SUV collided with a minivan stopped at a red light, which then struck the car in front. He noticed the SUV start rolling backward and immediately rushed to assist.
“It was a child. You can barely see him over the steering wheel,” Gerena said, noting that the airbags had deployed and the juvenile driver appeared unconscious.
Witness Assists Juvenile Driver
Gerena began banging on the hood to wake the teen and opened the SUV door to turn the steering wheel, stopping it from hitting another vehicle. He also managed oncoming traffic until emergency personnel arrived.
Another couple on the scene assisted, and eventually, the child’s family and emergency services arrived.
Injuries and Legal Action
The 14-year-old was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Another driver involved in the crash also received medical attention, though it’s unclear if they were transported by ambulance or private vehicle.
Police confirmed the teen has been referred to juvenile court for reckless endangerment and operating a vehicle under the age of 16. No further details about injuries were immediately available.
Authorities remind parents to secure vehicles and keys to prevent unauthorized use by minors. Stay updated with our page for more on traffic safety alerts, youth driving incidents, and local news updates in Utah.
