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Authorities are reporting that a 9-year-old boy was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen involved in a brief police chase in Oroville, California. The incident began when the sedan was found stopped in the middle of an intersection, and then unexpectedly sped off when instructed to move. The chase ended in a dirt parking lot near a local elementary school, where the vehicle reversed and ran into a patrol car before coming to a stop. Thankfully, no one was injured and there was only minor damage to the vehicles involved.

After the vehicle stopped, police discovered that the driver was a 9-year-old child who had taken the car in an attempt to drive himself to school. The child was safely sent to school after authorities were alerted to the situation and the incident was documented. Officer Terry Dunn, who pulled the child over, expressed his shock at the situation, describing it as a moment where no one really believed what was happening. Dunn noted that he could see a child’s head sticking out of the car window, saying he was sorry and trying to get to school as Dunn approached.

The California Highway Patrol is relieved that no one was hurt in the incident involving the underage driver. While the situation was certainly unusual, authorities were able to handle the situation safely and ensure that the child was taken care of. The child’s reasons for taking the car without permission were not specified, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping vehicles secure and educating children on the dangers of attempting to operate a vehicle without proper training and supervision.

Parents and guardians are urged to keep car keys out of reach of children and to discuss the dangers of attempting to drive before they are of legal age to do so. It is also essential to monitor children’s activities and be aware of any potential signs that they may be attempting to access a vehicle without permission. While this incident had a relatively benign outcome, it could have had much more serious consequences if the child had been injured or caused harm to others while driving the vehicle.

The incident in Oroville serves as a reminder of the importance of proper supervision and education when it comes to children and vehicles. It also underscores the need for vigilance and responsible ownership of vehicles to prevent unauthorized use by children or individuals who are not legally allowed to operate them. By taking these precautions and being aware of the potential risks, we can work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

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