10-year-old boy takes family car for joyride

FOSTORIA, Ohio (WNWO) - A 10-year-old boy faces felony charges after taking a family member's car for a joyride Sunday morning in Fostoria.

Police say the boy first stopped at a Circle K, near the south end of the town, to purchase something. He then proceeded to another Circle K, near the north end of the town near city limits in Fostoria. At this time, an officer noticed the vehicle driving erratically and pumping its brakes. When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, a pursuit began.

The 10-year-old driver immediately sped off on state Route 199, exceeding speeds of 70 mph. He nearly crashed head on with a semi truck before losing control on a curb, damaging a tire and disabling the vehicle, ultimately ending the pursuit.

“Normally 10-year-olds don’t drive. You may hear in the farming industry somebody may be driving a tractor - things like that - but especially 70 mph in a vehicle at that age, you don’t have the abilities. And first of all, even an adult shouldn’t be going 70 mph through a city," said Chief of Police Keith Loreno.

Police say it's unclear whether the boy was wearing a seat belt at the time of the pursuit.

The boy has been charged with a felony for failing to obey an officer and is waiting for his case to be heard in Seneca County Juvenile Court.