Boy, 13, charged after stealing family member’s car, seriously injuring woman in crash
Posted October 5, 2023 4:13 pm.
Last Updated October 5, 2023 4:14 pm.
A 13-year-old boy is facing charges after he stole a family member’s car from their driveway and was later involved in a collision that seriously injured a woman in the Niagara Region.
The Niagara Regional Police Service said officers responded to reports of a multi-vehicle crash on September 29 just after 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Elm Street and Ridge Road North in Fort Erie, Ont. Authorities noted that the driver of one vehicle involved in the crash had fled the area.
Police said a female driver in her 20s suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken to a local hospital.
A short time later, officers discovered a damaged green 2000 Chrysler Cirrus parked nearby, noting the driver had fled on foot. The area was searched, but a suspect was not located.
Through the investigation, Niagara police identified the suspect driver and determined they had stolen the car from a family member earlier in the day in Fort Erie, Ont.
On Monday, police said the suspect returned to the family home and stole a 2000 Yamaha Venture motorcycle. On Tuesday, authorities said the motorcycle was found abandoned in the middle of the street near Burbank Trail and Lindberg Drive in Fort Erie, Ont. No injuries were reported.
Police eventually located the suspect and arrested him later that day. A 13-year-old boy from Fort Erie, Ont. is facing multiple charges, including two counts of theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm.
The 13-year-old was held in custody for a video bail hearing on Wednesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) prohibits police from releasing the identity of the accused.
