PHILADELPHIA, PA – Authorities are on the hunt for a young car thief, believed to be just 13 or 14 years old, after a dramatic incident unfolded in the Oxford Circle area of Philadelphia. Late Thursday night, the teenager allegedly stole an SUV with four children inside, leading to a chaotic sequence that ended in a crash.
The series of events began around 11 p.m. when the children’s mother left her Honda SUV running outside King Laundromat on the 6700 block of Caster Avenue. Upon returning, she found her vehicle gone, with her children still inside.
Police describe the theft as a crime of opportunity. The suspect reportedly spotted the running vehicle and seized the moment, driving off with the children, aged between two months and 13 years, still in their seats. Some of the children were asleep during the ordeal, while the older ones were able to recount the experience to detectives.
The suspect drove roughly half a mile before sideswiping a parked van while attempting to turn onto Calmont Street. Witnesses reported seeing the young thief flee the scene on foot after the collision.
Investigators believe the suspect abandoned the vehicle upon realizing the presence of children in the backseat. Fortunately, the children were unharmed and have since been reunited with their mother.
Authorities emphasize the speed at which such crimes can occur, urging the public to remain vigilant. The search for the suspect continues as police gather more information from witnesses.
The community is urged to come forward with any information that might assist in identifying the young suspect. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of leaving vehicles unattended with the engine running.