Authorities in northern Arizona say a 13-year-old drunk driver stole a Flagstaff police vehicle and crashed it at high speed with an 11-year-old passenger inside. Both children were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after the early Tuesday morning incident.
Wrong-Way Driving Before Crash
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the joyride began around 1 a.m. when the teenager allegedly stole the vehicle from the Flagstaff Police Department. She reportedly crossed the median on Interstate 40, briefly driving the wrong way before accelerating to more than 100 mph.
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Rollover Wreck
According to DPS, the teen lost control and drove onto a guardrail, causing the vehicle to roll several times before striking a tree. The impact was so severe that the steering wheel detached and landed nearly 50 feet away.
Blood Alcohol Content Nearly Twice Adult Limit
Investigators recorded the 13-year-old’s blood alcohol concentration at 0.183 — more than twice the legal limit of 0.08% for adults. Arizona law requires drivers under 21 to have a BAC of 0.00%. DPS confirmed she will face DUI charges.
Authorities Warn Parents
“We’re thankful the kids are okay, but this could’ve ended way worse,” DPS said in a statement. “Juvenile joyriding and underage drinking are extremely dangerous. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and unlicensed driving.”
