On December 20, 2025, Ohio police apprehended three children, ages 8, 11, and 12, accused of stealing a car and crashing it into a home just days before Christmas. While in custody, “they were concerned about how this would affect Santa coming to bring them presents,” police wrote in their report.
The incident happened in Newburgh Heights, Ohio, when a license plate reader alerted officers to a stolen Mazda 3 traveling through the area, according to police. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver — later identified as an 11-year-old boy — failed to pull over. Instead, police say the child sped away, prompting a brief pursuit through residential streets.
The chase ended when the stolen car lost control and crashed into the side of a house, causing damage to the structure but no serious injuries. The three occupants ran from the vehicle but were quickly taken into custody by officers on foot. Police confirmed that no residents inside the home were hurt.
Worried about coal in their stocking
'I'M SORRY': Three young boys in Ohio — ages 8, 11, and 12 — led police on a chase in a stolen car before crashing into a home, authorities said. Police reported the 11-year-old was behind the wheel, and all three fled on foot after the crash.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 23, 2025
When questioned by investigators,… pic.twitter.com/DL23FoFFAH
Body camera footage shows, and police reports describe a chaotic and emotional scene once the children were caught. Officers said the boys were crying, asking for their parents, and expressing fear about what would happen next. One child repeatedly apologized, while another asked officers if they were going to jail. According to police, the conversation quickly turned from legal consequences to Christmas.
Investigators wrote that the boys were worried their actions would prevent Santa Claus from visiting them. One of the children allegedly said he believed he was “going to get coal for Christmas” because of what had happened. Police noted that the children appeared to understand that stealing the car was wrong, telling officers they “knew right from wrong” during questioning.
YouTube taught them how
Authorities also revealed how the children said they learned to steal vehicles. According to police, the boys admitted to watching YouTube videos that showed how to break into and start cars. Investigators said the method involved damaging the steering column and using a USB-style device, a technique that has circulated widely online amid recent spikes in vehicle thefts. One of the boys reportedly told investigators that “something just came over his body and he could not control it, he needed to take the car.”
Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy expressed disbelief over the ages involved. “This has got to be a record for the youngest driver in a pursuit that I’ve ever seen. 11 years old, for God’s sake — that’s incredible,” Majoy told reporters following the incident, according to Cleveland’s WKYC.
Because of their ages, the children were not taken to jail. Police said all three were released to their parents or guardians after the crash. The case will be referred to juvenile court, where authorities will determine what services, supervision, or consequences may follow.
