Police in Nanaimo say a 13-year-old girl could face charges after crashing her parents’ car and fleeing from officers.
Nanaimo RCMP say the incident happened around 2 a.m. on July 25, when an officer spotted the vehicle travelling southbound on Terminal Avenue at 118 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone.
The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle “accelerated away”.
“With the reason for the driver’s actions unknown, the officer discontinued the attempted stop, deactivated the emergency equipment, and advised other officers of the vehicle,” said the department in a release.
A short time later, police found out that the vehicle had gone off the roadway in central Nanaimo. The young girl was located after a short search of the area.
The vehicle sustained damage in the collision and was towed from the scene. The 13-year-old girl was taken into custody and later released to a guardian.
No injuries were reported.
#NanaimoRCMP – 13-year-old driver crashes parents’ vehicle https://t.co/6xtE9tpm4a pic.twitter.com/pdJUITMsnj
— Nanaimo RCMP (@NanaimoRCMP) August 12, 2026
“This incident could have ended very differently,” said Nanaimo RCMP Operations Officer Donovan Tait.
“Speeds more than double the posted limit, combined with an inexperienced and unlicensed driver, create an extreme risk to everyone using our roads. Fortunately, no one was injured. This serves as an important reminder for parents and guardians to secure vehicle keys and speak with youth about the serious consequences that can result from taking a vehicle without permission.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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