A 12-year-old boy from Michigan caused chaos on Saturday evening when he took off in a stolen forklift and led police and deputies on a thrilling pursuit. The Ann Arbor Police Department received reports of a juvenile attempting to steal a construction vehicle from Forsythe Middle School around 6:45 p.m. Shortly after the call, officers spotted the vehicle driving without lights, and the chase began.
During the pursuit, which reached speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour, the young boy maneuvered through the Georgetown Boulevard neighborhood, causing damage to approximately ten parked vehicles. After Ann Arbor police terminated the chase, Washtenaw County deputies took over when the boy crossed the M-14 bridge. Nearly 30 minutes later, the boy finally stopped near Gotfredson and was apprehended.
The stolen vehicle, a Genie GTH-636 Telehandler, had been left unlocked at the middle school, with the key conveniently hidden inside. The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities are treating it as an active criminal case.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by juveniles involved in criminal activities. The local police and deputies, working together, ensured the safety of the community by apprehending the young suspect. However, it also raises concerns about the security measures in place for construction vehicles and the potential risks of leaving them unattended.
While the motives behind the boy’s actions remain unclear, it highlights the need for increased vigilance and security to prevent such incidents in the future. The stolen forklift incident may serve as a wake-up call for authorities to reassess their protocols and implement stricter measures to safeguard public property.
Overall, this incident demonstrates the importance of swift and coordinated law enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of communities and deter juvenile delinquency. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for authorities to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the 12-year-old’s actions and seek appropriate solutions to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
