Doña Ana County Sheriff's were recently led on a high speed chase with a 12-year-old child, after he reportedly stole a vehicle and began driving recklessly through residential areas.

At around noon on September 12th, 2021, deputies received a dispatch call regarding a reckless driver near the Johnson Mobile Home Park in the Las Alturas area, New Mexico. Approximately fifty minutes later, another report came through dispatch regarding a blue SUV driving recklessly on Dalrynple Road and Doña Ana Road. The second caller also informed dispatch, the driver appeared to be 12-years-old. During the reckless driving, the young driver reportedly picked up three additional occupants whose ages ranged from 12 to 17-years-old.

Shortly after the second call, a deputy made contact with the young driver near Armstrong Road, where he attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The young driver failed to comply, as he continued to flee the pursuing deputy. The 12-year-old driver led the deputy down Interstate 25, where they both exited onto Del Rey Boulevard. Upon exiting, the driver pulled into Peter Piper Pizza, where the additional occupants jumped from the moving vehicle.

Without stopping, the driver continued to lead deputies on a high speed chase exceeding 80-miles-per- hour. As indicated by dash cam footage, the driver entered Bataan Memorial West and began driving the wrong way. Only a short while later, the driver struck a mini van head on, ultimately concluding the chase. Luckily, no occupants of the other vehicle sustained life threatening injuries.

At this time, no additional information has been released on the status of the 12-year-old. During a later investigation, deputies located a 9mm handgun in the area of Peter Piper Pizza. Investigators believe the 12-year-old attempted to ditch the weapon when he released the additional occupants from the vehicle.