UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in Philadelphia late Thursday night when a young teen allegedly stole a family’s Honda CR-V with four children still inside, leading to a dramatic crash and a subsequent foot chase.
At approximately 11 p.m. Thursday, the children’s mother parked her vehicle outside the King Laundromat on Castor Avenue to run a quick errand, leaving the engine running with her children inside. Upon returning, she was horrified to find the SUV missing, according to local authorities.
“This appears to be a crime of opportunity,” stated Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department. “The suspect likely saw the vehicle with the engine running and took advantage of the situation.”
Witnesses reported that the suspect, described as a male aged between 13 to 14 years, drove the stolen vehicle approximately half a mile south on Castor Avenue. The joyride abruptly ended when he side-swiped a parked van while attempting to turn onto Comly Street.
Eyewitnesses observed the crash and noted the young suspect fleeing the scene on foot after realizing the children were in the back seat. “They fled after the accident when they realized there were kids in the vehicle,” Chief Inspector Small confirmed.
Fortunately, the children were unharmed and have since been reunited with their mother. However, this incident highlights the urgent need for awareness around vehicle safety, especially when children are involved. “It only takes a split second for something like this to happen,” Small added, emphasizing the risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
Police are actively searching for the suspect and urge anyone with information to come forward. This incident serves as a stark reminder for parents to never leave children alone in vehicles, even for a brief moment.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and authorities continue their investigation.
