Posted on 06/15/2005 1:58:40 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan
Michigan boy, 12, accused of drinking, taking joy ride
6/15/2005, 4:16 p.m. ET
The Associated Press
NILES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A young driver took his friend's mother's car for an alcohol-induced, middle-of-the-night, trash can-smashing joyride before wrecking the vehicle and landing in the hospital with some broken bones, state police said.
After he is released, the driver's case will be referred to juvenile court because he's only 12 years old.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police post in Niles made the surprising discovery after freeing the youngster from the vehicle, which crashed early Tuesday in a dead end in Berrien County's Niles Township. The boy was not wearing a seat belt.
"We normally don't see 12-year-olds driving, plus consuming alcohol," state police Lt. Michael Brown told the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune for a Wednesday story.
The boy drove for several miles on rural roads, striking numerous trash cans and mailboxes along the way. His joyride ended when the car went down an embankment and struck some trees, Brown said.
The St. Joseph River lies just beyond the stand of trees.
The boy initially was taken to Lakeland Hospital in Niles but later was transferred to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, where he was listed in fair condition, Brown said.
Investigators were awaiting laboratory tests to determine the boy's level of reported intoxication.
"Right now, we don't know where he got the alcohol," Brown said. "We're still investigating."
Future senator of Massachusetts ping??
We need to understand this child better.
Besides from where did the 12 year-old get the booze, how did he get the friend's mother's car keys? The friend's mother's car insurance company is really going to love this one.
Ya think??
"...how did he get the friend's mother's car keys? "
She doesn't through them on the counter like every other car owner?
No, tfecw, some women don't 'through' them on the counter, they leave the car keys in their purses. with a extra set hidden somewhere else.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.