NEWBURGH HEIGHTS, Ohio — Three children — ages 8, 11 and 12 — were detained by police after allegedly stealing a car and leading officers on a brief pursuit this past weekend in Newburgh Heights, authorities said. According to police, the children told officers they had learned how to steal a vehicle by watching YouTube tutorials on the subject.
The incident began Saturday afternoon when Newburgh Heights police received a report of a stolen car driving through the area. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour before crashing into a men’s recovery home, causing minor property damage. No injuries were reported inside the home or in the vehicle.
Police said a 11-year-old boy was driving the car at the time of the crash, with his 8-year-old and 12-year-old companions as passengers. The 8-year-old and 11-year-old are brothers, authorities noted. After the crash, the children briefly fled on foot but were quickly taken into custody.
When questioned by officers, the children reportedly said they had watched YouTube videos on how to steal cars, a claim police are investigating as part of the case. The stolen vehicle had been reported taken from nearby Parma, Ohio, law enforcement said.
The children were ultimately released to their parents, and police said charges will be filed in juvenile court. Authorities emphasized that while no one was hurt, the episode highlights concerns about the influence of online content and the real-world dangers of attempting dangerous acts seen in videos.
