OGDEN, Utah — A 7-year-old child took his mother’s car for a joyride through Ogden early Thursday morning, leading to a police investigation and a dramatic sequence of events. The incident unfolded around 8 a.m., when officers from the Ogden Police Department responded to reports of a reckless driver near 21st Street and Wall Avenue.
Witnesses called authorities, reporting that the driver appeared to be a young child who was swerving between lanes and driving erratically. Officers quickly arrived on the scene and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the young driver did not pull over, continuing to drive through multiple neighborhoods.
According to the police department, the child was driving without his mother’s knowledge, with his younger sister accompanying him on the adventure. The situation escalated as the child continued traveling through several jurisdictions, prompting concerns for public safety.
In response to the dangerous circumstances, officers made the decision to deactivate their emergency lights and cease pursuit. The decision was made out of caution, given the child’s age and the potential risks of a high-speed chase.
The car was eventually found disabled near 40th Street after the child reportedly struck a parking strip. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during the incident.
Both children were taken to the Ogden Police Department, where their mother arrived to pick them up. The police department confirmed that, due to the child’s age, no charges will be pursued in the case.
This unusual incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with young children accessing vehicles. While the circumstances surrounding how the child gained access to the car remain unclear, the situation highlights the importance of ensuring that vehicles are securely locked when not in use.
The Ogden Police Department’s careful handling of the situation was praised, with officers focusing on safety and using discretion in their response.