Twelve-Year-Old Leads Austin Police In Car Chase Ended After Car Strikes Utility Pole [VIDEO]

AUSTIN, TX -- Police said a 12-year-old who was possibly intoxicated led them on a car chase Monday morning that ended when the car the minor was driving hit a light pole on Pleasant Valley Road.

The child was transported to Dell Children's Medical Center after slamming into the pole and rolling over while being chased by Austin police. The chase began at 7:35 a.m. when the young driver failed to pull over at the request of police in the 900 block of Springdale Road.

The driver drew suspicions by police after the car he was driving was observed weaving in traffic, initially leading police to believe it was a driver texting, police officer Ivan Ramos told reporters during a press conference.

The driver sped off, crashing into another vehicle in the process, along the 1200 block of Pleasant Valley. The car wasn't disabled as a result of the crash and continued on, Ramos told reporters.

The young driver then crashed into the pole, cutting it in half, the officer said. The unattached part of the pole was held aloft by the cables still attached to it, preventing further damage to the vehicle or injury to the motorist, the officer said.

The child was not seriously hurt in the accident, but was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries, the police spokesman said. The drivers in the other vehicle were not injured, Ramos said. It's unclear whether the parents of the child face any charges, the spokesman said in response to a reporter's question.

Ramos said it's believed alcohol consumption might have been involved, but didn't say for certain that this was the case. The officer said the child now faces charges in juvenile court related to the incident, including for failing to stop and render aid after hitting the other vehicle.

Given the driver's minor status, his identity and residency will likely not be revealed, the officer suggested.

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