An 11-year-old boy and two other juveniles who led Ohio police on a stolen vehicle chase through Newburgh Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, on Dec. 20 are facing criminal charges, local authorities said.
According to a statement shared with NTD on Tuesday, officers with the Newburgh Heights Police Department (NHPD) were alerted by license plate readers to a stolen white Kia sedan traveling west on Harvard Avenue near East 54th Street at around 3 p.m. on Dec. 20.
"Officers spotted the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop," NHPD Chief John Majoy said in a statement shared with NTD.
"But the vehicle fled from officers who pursued the vehicle, which continued westbound on Harvard Avenue."
Dashcam footage viewed by NTD shows at least two patrol vehicles attempting to stop the stolen sedan at a red light.
However, the vehicle speeds through the intersection and crashes into a home moments later.
"I don't know if the kids are old enough to even realize that, you know, [they’re not] just putting their lives in danger but other innocent people who are just going about their day," Reilly added.
"Life lesson here, that it's not, you know, it's not Grand Theft Auto, it's not a game. It's real life."
The three juveniles, including an 8-year-old and 12-year-old who were passengers in the car, fled from the vehicle on foot after the crash but were quickly apprehended by police.
Police bodycam footage viewed by NTD shows the boys being held at gun point by an officer while waiting for backup to arrive.
"Can you call my mom?" one of the juveniles asks, hands raised in the air.
"We'll call parents in a second. You guys are doing good, thank you for complying," the officer responds. "We're not going to jail right now, you're going to be detained."
"I'm sorry, please don't hurt me," a boy cries, adding, "I just want my mommy."
The juveniles were handcuffed and placed in patrol vehicles.
Majoy said in his statement that the 11-year-old was determined to be driving the stolen car. Officers also discovered the boys had learned how to steal a car by watching a YouTube video.
According to the investigative report, viewed by NTD, the juveniles were evaluated by the Newburgh Heights Fire Department following the crash. They were later released to their respective guardians.
Majoy said criminal charges will be filed in juvenile court.