A 13-year-old who reportedly took his parents’ vehicle, drank alcohol and led law enforcement on a vehicle pursuit that exceeded 100 mph last week has been charged on juvenile petitions. Local agencies are currently working with the parents and court officials on the case.
“This young man had taken his parents’ vehicle, and at some point before the Clinton Police Department encountered him, he had consumed alcohol,” Clinton Police Chief Donald Edwards said. The police chief confirmed that the boy’s age was correct.
Around 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, Clinton police observed a red Pontiac Solstice speeding on Northeast Boulevard in excess of 100 mph. Officers were able to get the vehicle stopped north of Clinton on U.S. 701 (Hobbton Highway). After getting the vehicle stopped, they identified the 13-year-old driver, who has a Clinton address. The Sampson Independent does not publish the names of juvenile offenders.
While speaking with the driver, officers detected an odor of alcohol coming from his breath. The juvenile admitted to drinking a Four Loko, according to police reports. He submitted to a breath sample, which tested positive for alcohol, reports by Clinton Police Cpl. Justin Snell state.
Around the same time, the police officers were notified that the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office by the juvenile’s parents. The 13-year-old male was placed in handcuffs and transported to the Clinton Police Department where they met with the parents, sheriff’s deputies and juvenile intake officers.
The child was charged on juvenile petition with driving while impaired, operating a motor vehicle without a license and speeding. There was no bond given for the charges. He was given over to a Sampson County Sheriff’s deputy to be served an involuntary commitment.
“Both the Sheriff’s Department and Clinton Police Department are working with juvenile officials and the parents to most appropriately deal with these offenses,” said Edwards.
Police said a juvenile court counselor is expected to be in contact with the teenager and his parents.