9-year-old NorCal boy attempted to drive self to school: CHP
(KRON) — A 9-year-old Northern California boy took his mother’s car, attempted to drive himself to Plumas Avenue Elementary School, and triggered a pursuit, the California Highway Patrol said.
The incident happened around 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. “A scene straight out of a movie unfolded at the intersection of Grand Ave. and 4th St.,” CHP Oroville wrote.
A CHP officer spotted a gray Volkswagen sedan stalled “oddly in the middle of the intersection,” the CHP wrote. When the officer instructed the driver to move, the officer had no idea a 9-year-old child was alone behind the wheel.
The boy apparently realized he was in trouble, and the Volkswagen “unexpectedly sped off, leading to a short and erratic chase,” the CHP wrote. The boy drove into a parking lot near his school, abruptly reversed, and crashed into the officer’s patrol car, according to investigators.
No one was injured. When the officer approached the Volkswagen, “the officer was met with the wide-eyed 9-year-old child … on a mission to drive himself to school in his mother’s car.”
The boy did eventually make it to school on Wednesday after officers let him go.
CHP Oroville wrote, “The fact that this crash involved a child driver only heightens the need for awareness around vehicle security and the importance of imparting road safety knowledge to our younger generation. It also serves as a wake-up call to secure our vehicles and educate our children on the dangers of unauthorized driving.”
“We are relieved to report that no one was injured in this incident. The child was safely sent to school after the necessary authorities were alerted and the situation was documented,” the CHP wrote.
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