Video shows 10-year-old boy driving stolen car through 'crowded' schoolyard | US News

A 10-year-old boy has been arrested after driving a stolen car through a “crowded” school playground.

The incident occurred on September 20 at a playground in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to the Minneapolis Police Department, the boy was arrested on Thursday.

No one was killed or injured in the incident at Nellie Stone Johnson School in north Minneapolis.

In the video, several young people can be seen playing happily while a car drives across the grass in the background.

School staff then begin moving the children away from the vehicle and onto the playground as the vehicle gets closer and closer.

At some point it happens between a young girl and the playground and video footage shows a figure behind the wheel.

Police said the boy was arrested twice for vehicle theft, and their records show at least 30 entries about him dating back to May 2023.

“The boy is also listed as a suspect in more than 12 cases, ranging from car theft to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon,” they added.

The family co-operated with police and police chief Brian O'Hara said: “It is unimaginable that a 10-year-old boy would be involved in criminal activity of this magnitude without effective intervention.”

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“Prison is not an acceptable option for a ten-year-old boy. But the adults who can stop this behavior in the future must act now to help this child and his family.”

“This is just one example of the revolving door we are dealing with – arresting and re-arresting the same youth for car theft and other violent crimes.”

“This is a complex issue and we must immediately bring together all entities involved in the intervention to find short and long-term solutions.”

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The Hennepin County District Attorney's Office charged the boy “because of the very significant safety risks” of his actions.

They also cited a “small group of children” who were causing serious problems for authorities.

“We are actively engaging with law enforcement, county and state partners on the urgent need for safe and appropriate out-of-home placements for children with these complex needs who require specialized care. We cannot charge or prosecute our way out of this crisis,” they said.