by Flagstaff, Arizona – A 13-year-old boy is accused of stealing a pickup truck, driving drunk, and crashing in a terrifying high-speed joyride that police say could have ended in tragedy.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the boy was driving with an 11-year-old passenger when the incident unfolded early Tuesday morning on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff.
Wrong-Way Driving at Over 100 MPH
Authorities said the underage driver sped more than 100 miles per hour while going the wrong way down I-40. At around 1 a.m., he swerved onto the correct side of the highway before losing control of the white Chevy Silverado.
The truck slammed into a guardrail, rolled multiple times, and finally struck a tree. The force of the crash was so violent that the steering wheel tore completely off the vehicle, landing nearly 50 feet away.
Driver Twice the Legal Alcohol Limit
When officers arrived, they said the boy had a blood alcohol content of .183—more than twice the legal limit for adults.
Photos released by DPS showed the Silverado mangled beyond recognition, underscoring just how close the children came to a fatal outcome.
Both the 13-year-old driver and his 11-year-old passenger were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Stolen Vehicle Linked to Earlier Police Chase
Investigators later confirmed the pickup had been reported stolen and had fled from authorities earlier in the day before being spotted during the wrong-way chase.
“We’re thankful the kids are okay, but this could’ve ended way worse,” DPS wrote in a Facebook post. “Juvenile joyriding and underage drinking are extremely dangerous. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and unlicensed driving.”
As of Tuesday, it was not immediately clear whether charges would be filed against the teen.
Another Teen Busted in Georgia for Speeding
The Arizona incident came just one day after another alarming case of reckless teen driving—this time in Dunwoody, Georgia.
Police said a 15-year-old boy with only a learner’s permit was caught speeding at 111 mph on Interstate 285 in his mother’s BMW on Monday.
When stopped, the teen reportedly told officers he “saw open roadway and wanted to see how fast his car could go.”
The child’s mother admitted she had given him permission to drive the luxury car. Officers cited her for allowing an unauthorized minor to drive, while the boy’s case will be handled by DeKalb Juvenile Court.
Growing Concerns Over Teen Driving Risks
Law enforcement officials say both incidents highlight the growing risks of juvenile joyriding, underage drinking, and reckless driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens, and alcohol use is a major factor in fatal crashes involving young drivers.
In both Arizona and Georgia, police emphasized the importance of parental supervision, accountability, and conversations with children about road safety.
“These could have been deadly crashes,” DPS noted. “It’s critical that families talk about the consequences before something irreversible happens.”
Do you think parents should face stricter penalties when underage kids are caught drinking and driving? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
