by Newburgh Heights, Ohio — Police in northeast Ohio are describing a startling and troubling incident involving three young boys — ages 8, 11, and 12 — who allegedly stole a car, led officers on a brief chase, and crashed into a home, before expressing fear about how their actions might affect Christmas and a visit from Santa Claus.
According to police, the incident unfolded Saturday afternoon after a license plate reader alerted officers to a Mazda 3 reported stolen in the Newburgh Heights area.
Police Say Chase Began After Stolen Car Alert
Officers with the Newburgh Heights Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle after the automated license plate reader flagged it as stolen. Instead of pulling over, police say the driver — later identified as an 11-year-old boy — fled.
The chase ended when the car crashed into a nearby home, causing damage but no reported serious injuries. After the crash, all three boys ran from the vehicle on foot, police said.
Bodycam Footage Shows Frightened Children
Police body camera footage shows officers quickly locating the children near a residential garage. Two boys are seen standing together as an officer orders them to the ground, while the third boy approaches from a short distance away after being instructed to do so.
The footage captures the children visibly frightened and emotional.
“I’m sorry,” one boy is heard saying. “Can you call my mom?”
Another child is heard asking officers, “We’re going to jail?” before reacting in shock when told they would be detained.
At one point, an officer escorts the 12-year-old to a patrol vehicle and can be heard expressing disbelief.
“You’re 12-years-old… stealing cars,” the officer says. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
Boys Admit Stealing the Car, Police Say
During questioning, investigators say the boys admitted to stealing the vehicle after spotting it near a store. According to the police report, one child claimed that “something just came over his body” and that he felt unable to control the urge to take the car.
Police said the boys told investigators they learned how to steal vehicles by watching videos on YouTube, raising concerns about online influence and unsupervised access to content.
Authorities noted that the children acknowledged knowing right from wrong and admitted that their actions were wrong.
Concern Turns to Christmas and Santa Claus
Despite the seriousness of the incident, police say the boys’ attention soon shifted to the upcoming holiday.
“While in our custody, they were concerned about how this would affect Santa coming to bring them presents,” the police report states.
One boy allegedly told officers he believed he was going to “get coal for Christmas” because of what had happened.
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The reaction, police say, highlighted both the children’s fear and their age, even as the incident raised serious safety concerns.
Released to Parents, No Injuries Reported
After being processed, the children were released to their parents and guardians, police said. Authorities did not announce criminal charges at the time, noting the suspects’ ages and that the case would be handled through the juvenile system.
No injuries were reported in the crash, though the home sustained damage. Police did not release details on the extent of the property damage.
Police Stress Serious Safety Risks
Law enforcement officials emphasized that while the suspects were children, the situation posed significant danger to the public, the officers involved, and the boys themselves.
High-speed pursuits, even brief ones, carry risks of serious injury or death, especially when inexperienced drivers are involved, police said.
The department urged parents and guardians to monitor children’s online activity, discuss the real-world consequences of dangerous behavior, and secure vehicles to prevent theft.
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