13-Year-Old Girls’ Late-Night Joyride in New Jersey Leaves Multiple Homes Damaged
Two 13-year-old girls in Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, took an unauthorized joyride in their parents’ SUV early Tuesday morning, causing significant property damage. A thrill became a neighborhood scare, and police are investigating.
Police say a white SUV driven by a teenager and a passenger in Canterbury Mews development veered off the road at 2:20 a.m., hitting a fence, two outdoor air-conditioning units, a curb, and the rear of a Covered Bridge Court condominium building. Neighbours heard ear-shattering noises, one calling it “sounding like a bomb,” and others thinking a heavy object hit the roof.
The vehicle’s front end was damaged when officers found it at a Rutland Court home. They found the young drivers unharmed inside and woke the homeowners to report it. After a building inspection, the condo was safe.
Police say the girls took the SUV because they were “bored” after staying up late during holiday school breaks. Although there were no injuries, officials warned that the outcome could have been worse. Teens will get traffic tickets. The local police chief said it “could have ended tragically.”
Juvenile behavior and supervision are concerns, especially in subdivisions with vehicles and unsupervised late hours. Officials advise parents to lock keys and vehicles and monitor home activity after hours.
The crash and realization it happened in their neighborhood shakes development residents. Many are considering community awareness, security footage review, and neighbor collaboration to prevent future incidents.
The case highlights New Jersey discussions on parental responsibility for youth misbehavior and suburban vehicle security, though parents have not been charged.
Police are investigating the vehicle’s theft and whether any motion or theft statutes apply. Neighborhood property damage claims are being collected to estimate repair and disruption costs.
Sources
NBC Philadelphia
KB TX
FOX 29 Philadelphia
