An unusual police pursuit in Newburgh Heights, Ohio, ended Saturday afternoon with three young boys in custody after a reported stolen vehicle crashed into a residential home. According to a police report, three minors, ages 8, 11 and 12, were caught after a licence plate reader alerted officers to the stolen vehicle on Saturday afternoon.
The car, a Mazda 3, was detected in the area, prompting officers to attempt to stop the vehicle. However, the driver did not comply with police instructions to pull over and tried to evade the police. When the driver refused, officers pursued the vehicle, and there was a brief chase before the boys eventually crashed.
The car veered off the road and crashed into a house, damaging the property. The boys subsequently jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene on foot, but officers intercepted them and ordered them to get on the ground at gunpoint. The crash was not severe, and the boys were not injured. Additionally, the damage to the property was described as minor.
Footage of the trio being arrested was released by the Newburgh Heights Police Department. The video, recorded on an officer’s body camera, showed the boys complying with commands to get on the ground after they were caught near, seemingly, a garage.
The boys instantly became apologetic, with one shaking as he requested officers to call his mother. One of his accomplices enquired if they would go to jail. Later, an officer asked the 12-year-old how they came about committing grand theft auto, and they admitted to stealing the vehicle after learning how to do so via YouTube videos.
According to reports, the boys said they saw the car near a store. One boy reportedly told investigators that “something just came over his body” and that he felt compelled to take the vehicle. The boys were evidently fearful of what would happen. Beyond being worried about whether they would face charges, they were also concerned about how the crime would affect their Christmas.
The boys expressed fear that they may not get Christmas gifts this week from Santa Claus. One of them even shared that he feared his actions would lead to a stocking full of coals from Santa. After admitting their actions were wrong, they were taken home to their parents or guardians. It is unclear if they will be formally charged for the incident, as police did not indicate that any charges were filed at the time.
