URGENT UPDATE: A young teen has allegedly stolen a family SUV with four children inside, leading to a dramatic crash in Philadelphia. The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. Thursday near the King Laundromat on the 6700 block of Castor Avenue, where the children were left in their Honda CR-V with the engine running.
According to police, the children’s mother stepped into the laundromat, leaving her kids unattended. When she returned, the vehicle was gone. “This appears to be a crime of opportunity,” stated Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department. “The suspect likely saw the vehicle running and took advantage of the situation.”
The teen suspect drove the stolen vehicle south on Castor Avenue but crashed into a parked van while attempting to turn onto Comly Street. Witnesses reported seeing the young suspect, described as being approximately 13 to 14 years old, flee the scene on foot after realizing the children were still in the back seat.
Fortunately, the children have been safely reunited with their mother. Police are actively searching for the suspect and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Investigators emphasize the urgency of this case, highlighting how quickly such incidents can escalate.
As the investigation continues, authorities remind parents of the importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods. The quick response from law enforcement has been crucial in ensuring the safety of the children involved.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
