12-Year-Old Arrested After Stealing Forklift and Leading Police on Hour-Long Chase in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor police have taken a 12-year-old into custody following an incident where the child allegedly stole a forklift from Forsyth Middle School and led authorities on a pursuit lasting over an hour. The episode began around 6:45 p.m., when police received reports of the attempted theft.

Officers quickly located the forklift, driving south on Brooks St. near Pearl St., approximately three minutes after the initial report. The police engaged in a pursuit of the stolen vehicle, with the chase reaching speeds of 15-20 mph and involving multiple patrol cars with activated emergency lights and sirens.

The forklift, which was reported to be unlocked with the key hidden inside, navigated through the Georgetown Blvd. neighborhood during the chase, causing damage to about 10 parked vehicles. Police discontinued the chase at 7:18 p.m. as the forklift crossed the M-14 bridge on Nixon Rd. Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office deputies resumed the pursuit, which concluded around 7:53 p.m. in the vicinity of M-14 and Gotfredson Rd.

The young individual, identified as a local resident of Ann Arbor, was apprehended and subsequently detained at a juvenile detention center. The forklift involved in the incident is noted to have a potential weight of up to 35,000 pounds.