12-year-old arrested after stolen forklift pursuit in Washtenaw Co., police say

[MichMan]

A 12-year-old is in custody after allegedly stealing a forklift weighing 35,000 pounds and striking nearly 10 vehicles over the weekend, the Ann Arbor Police Department said.

The Ann Arbor youth, whose name was not released, was booked at the Washtenaw County Youth Center. No injuries were reported.

Around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to Forsyth Middle School at 1655 Newport Road in Ann Arbor on reports of a youth attempting to steal a Genie GTH-636 Telehandler forklift vehicle, police said in a statement on Monday. The vehicle, which did not have its lights on, was spotted moments later headed south on Brooks Street near Pearl Street, prompting a pursuit.

Topping speeds between 15 to 20 mph, Ann Arbor police tried to stop the construction vehicle as it traveled through the Georgetown Boulevard neighborhood, striking approximately 10 parked vehicles, police said.


[link:https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/11/27/12-year-old-arrested-after-stolen-forklift-pursuit-in-washtenaw-county-police-say/71724181007/|

[3Hotdogs]

1. Don't the kid know? You're supposed to pass the O.S.H.A. forklift safety course before you operate one.

Now that kid is in really big trouble.

[Old Crank]

2. He also probably didn't

Review the pre operation check list that is required. He's going down.

[Old Crank]

3. My question is why are they arresting

and holding a 12 year old? Couldn't find the parents?
Children of that age aren't the best decision makers.
How much liability is on the company who didn't secure the vehicle.

[MichMan]

4. The "company" is a school

Why should the taxpayers get stuck with the bill for repairing 10 cars ?

[Old Crank]

5. Schools rarely do the work

themselves. Contracts are bid out for repairs and upgrades.
Why would the school be responsible for a contractors error?