Police say a 13-year-old boy behind the wheel of a gray 1993 Acura slammed into a utility light pole in Yuma on Friday, June 26, then took off running with a handgun in hand, triggering a brief foot chase with officers. A 17-year-old boy who was riding in the car also fled. Both teens were later caught and treated for minor injuries at Onvida Health, and their names have not been released because they are juveniles. The investigation is still active.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, which cited the Yuma Police Department, the crash happened in the 900 block of West 12th Street on June 26. Responding officers found the Acura disabled at the scene, and a short chase on foot followed.
The Yuma Police Department reports that the 13-year-old tossed a handgun while running from officers. Police recovered the weapon along the route of the pursuit before taking both teens into custody. The boys were transported to Onvida Health for treatment of minor injuries, and police say more information will be released as the case progresses.
Minors, Guns And Chases: A Statewide Pattern
The Yuma incident is the latest in a string of Arizona cases involving minors, firearms and dangerous chases in cars that they are often too young to be driving legally. In late April, Arizona's Family reported that several minors were detained after an armed robbery sparked a chase from Phoenix into Buckeye that ended in a crash. Law enforcement officials say this pattern strains already thin resources and raises the odds that bystanders could get caught in the chaos.
Legal And Privacy Notes
Because both suspects are under 18, many details about the case are shielded from public view under Arizona law. Juvenile court records are often confidential and can be released only in limited situations. As outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes, a court can order juvenile records kept private, and only certain parties are allowed access to them.
Yuma police are asking anyone with information about the crash or the events leading up to it to call the department's non-emergency line at 928-783-4421 or 78-CRIME (782-7463). For tips or to share video, residents can contact the Yuma Police Department.
For now, officers are pointing to the quick arrest and the recovery of the handgun as a solid outcome in a risky situation that started with a young teen, an older friend and a car that never should have left the driveway.
