Police in Ohio say three children allegedly stole a car and crashed it into a residential building after learning how to take vehicles by watching online videos.
A Chase Ends at a Recovery Home
The incident happened Saturday when officers were pursuing a reported stolen vehicle. The chase ended when the car struck a men’s recovery home, causing minor damage to the structure. Authorities say no one inside the home was injured, and the children involved were also not hurt.
Police identified the suspects as three children ages 8, 11, and 12. After the crash, officers say the children tried to flee on foot but were quickly detained. Investigators later determined the 11-year-old had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Learned From YouTube, Police Say
According to police, the children told officers they’d learned how to steal a car by watching instructional videos on YouTube. Authorities haven’t released additional details about how the vehicle was taken or how long it had been missing before officers located it.
Minor Damage, Major Concern
The recovery home sustained minor damage from the crash, but officials say the building remained standing and safe, and residents inside weren’t displaced as a result of the incident.
Police say the children were later released into the custody of their parents. No injuries were reported, but the case remains under investigation, and authorities say charges will be filed in juvenile court.
A Wake-Up Call About Online Content
The incident has raised concerns among law enforcement about the accessibility of online content and how it can influence young children. Police haven’t indicated whether additional measures will be taken regarding the videos the children referenced.
Officials emphasized that the situation could have ended far more seriously given the ages of those involved and the risk posed to the public during the pursuit. The department says it’s continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the theft and crash as part of the juvenile court process, with the case still pending as authorities prepare formal filings.
All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.