UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in Philadelphia late Thursday night as a young teen allegedly stole a family SUV with four children still inside, leading to a harrowing crash. This urgent situation began around 11 p.m. when the children’s mother stopped at King Laundromat located on the 6700 block of Castor Avenue in the Oxford Circle neighborhood.
The mother left her Honda CR-V running with her kids inside, and when she returned, the vehicle was gone. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small described the theft as a “crime of opportunity,” highlighting that the suspect likely saw the running vehicle and seized the moment.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect, believed to be between 13 and 14 years old, drive the stolen vehicle about half a mile south on Castor Avenue. However, the joyride took a dangerous turn when the teen side-swiped a parked van while turning onto Comly Street.
In a frantic sequence of events, the young suspect realized there were children in the back seat and fled the scene on foot, leaving the kids unharmed. Fortunately, they have since been reunited with their mother, who must have endured terrifying moments during the ordeal.
“This incident underscores how quickly such situations can escalate,” Small stated. The police continue to search for the suspect, urging anyone with information to come forward.
This alarming theft has raised concerns about child safety and vehicle security in the community. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focused on identifying and apprehending the young suspect.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
