A 12-year-old boy led police on a brief chase after driving his grandfather’s stolen car more than 160 miles across Washington’s mountains. The chase, which unfolded on Wednesday, Nov. 27, ended safely with the boy’s arrest.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported that the boy was apprehended after Issaquah Police informed them about the theft. Deputies were alerted that the boy, who had ties to Moses Lake, might head toward the Grant County area.
Acting swiftly, the Sheriff’s Motor Traffic Unit located the stolen vehicle parked along the curb on Lowry Street in the Larson Community at around 10:20 a.m.
As deputies approached, the young driver attempted to flee, initiating a short pursuit. The chase was brought to a safe conclusion near Randolph Road and State Route 17 when a deputy performed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
Before being intercepted, the pre-teen managed to drive the stolen car a staggering 161 miles, as reported by The Seattle Times. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident, and the vehicle sustained only minimal damage.
The boy was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center. Authorities have charged him with suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and felony eluding.
