WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — A newspaper delivery on Scott Street turned into a multi-jurisdiction police chase early Friday when two children — ages 13 and 12 — allegedly stole a white Honda CR-V and fled through several major roadways before being stopped near Keystone College. The pursuit ended with both juveniles in custody and the 13-year-old driver treated for minor injuries, according to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department.
The incident began around 4:57 a.m. on the 400 block of Scott Street when the vehicle’s owner briefly stepped away during a delivery and saw two individuals enter the SUV and drive off southbound on Spring Street.
A brief moment, a fast-moving chain of risk
Officers quickly located the stolen vehicle traveling west on Coal Street, but the situation escalated when the driver began operating erratically after spotting a marked patrol unit. Police activated emergency lights and sirens, but the vehicle did not stop.
Instead, the driver continued through a steady red traffic signal at Coal Street and Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, triggering a pursuit that would stretch across multiple highways and jurisdictions.
According to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, the chase moved from city streets onto major routes including Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, State Route 309 North, Route 29, Route 6, and Route 11 — corridors typically busy even in early morning hours.
Chase ends near college campus
The pursuit came to a stop on Route 11 in front of Keystone College when Pennsylvania State Police intervened and successfully disabled the vehicle. Authorities then took both occupants into custody without further escalation.
The driver, identified as a 13-year-old girl from Wilkes-Barre, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. The passenger, a 12-year-old boy from Plains, was taken to Wilkes-Barre City Police headquarters.
Officials have not released additional details about potential charges due to the suspects’ ages.
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Key Points
• Two juveniles, ages 13 and 12, allegedly stole a vehicle during a newspaper delivery in Wilkes-Barre
• Police pursued the SUV across multiple highways before stopping it near Keystone College
• The 13-year-old driver sustained minor injuries; both juveniles are now in custody
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High stakes in an ordinary setting
What began as a routine early-morning newspaper route quickly escalated into a high-risk situation spanning several major roadways. The contrast is stark: a quiet residential delivery stop turning into a pursuit involving state highways and multiple agencies.
The route taken — including stretches of Route 309 and Route 11 — underscores the potential danger not only to the suspects but to other drivers. Even at dawn, these roads serve as key connectors across northeastern Pennsylvania.
Wilkes-Barre City Police confirmed officers initially attempted a standard traffic stop before the situation intensified. The involvement of Pennsylvania State Police ultimately brought the chase to an end.
Broader concerns about youth and vehicle theft
While officials have not provided additional context about the juveniles involved, incidents involving very young suspects in vehicle thefts raise ongoing concerns about risk exposure — both for the individuals involved and the public.
In this case, the sequence unfolded rapidly: from the moment the victim stepped out of the vehicle to the multi-route pursuit that followed minutes later. The victim had reported the SUV stolen almost immediately after witnessing the suspects drive away.
No other injuries or crashes have been reported in connection with the pursuit.
What happens next
Authorities have not released information on formal charges or court proceedings, which are typically handled within the juvenile justice system. The condition of the 13-year-old driver has been described as involving only minor injuries.
The stolen Honda CR-V was recovered following the stop near Keystone College. Police have not indicated whether additional individuals were involved or if the investigation remains ongoing.
Wilkes-Barre City Police continue to handle the case, with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police during the pursuit.
Current status: Both juveniles remain in custody following the incident, with the driver receiving medical evaluation and the passenger processed at police headquarters. No further updates on charges or court actions have been released.
