A teen is accused of stealing a Hollywood city truck and driving it through several municipalities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, causing at least two crashes.
By Associated Press
Published June 17, 2005
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - A 13-year-old boy jumped into a public works truck Thursday and led police on a chase for at least 20 miles, from Broward County into central Miami-Dade, officials said.
The boy tried to run over a police officer and caused at least two crashes, said Hollywood police spokesman Capt. Tony Rode.
The boy was charged with grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding a police officer, aggravated assault, marijuana possession and other charges. He was being held at a Miami-Dade County juvenile facility until he could face a magistrate today and return to Broward County, Rode said.
Two city workers had left the Hollywood Public Works truck running when the boy jumped inside, Rode said.
It was a "nice crime of opportunity," Rode said. "He jumps in it to take a little joyride and does just that."
He drove through several cities and into Hialeah, where officers used stop sticks to slow the truck.
The boy struggled during his arrest and some officers made allegations of excessive force by other officers, Rode said. Those allegations were being investigated, he said.
The boy had been arrested several times before, including a previous charge of grand theft auto.
"He's a punk, he's been arrested multiple times," Rode said.
