HALLOWELL, Maine — A 13-year-old Gardiner boy is facing charges after he stole a minivan and led police on a high-speed chase early Thursday, according to Hallowell police.
The juvenile, whose name has not been released because of his age, is charged with driving to endanger, a felony, and operating without a license, unauthorized use of property and eluding a police officer, all misdemeanors.
The boy was spotted by a Hallowell officer on Water Street in a 2010 Honda minivan about 4 a.m. Thursday, Hallowell police Chief Eric Nason said Friday.
Gardiner police and a Maine State Police trooper joined the pursuit as the juvenile allegedly reached speeds of nearly 90 mph driving through Farmingdale into Gardiner.
Police reportedly saw the boy walking near the city boat landing after he abandoned the van. The boy was taken into custody a short distance away in Gardiner.
Nason said he did not know if the juvenile was being held at Long Creek Youth Development Center or had be released to his parents or other relatives.
Under Maine laws covering juveniles, information about the felony charge, including the juvenile’s name, may be made public after he is formally charged in Augusta District Court. Information about misdemeanor charges filed against juveniles are sealed.
A 12-year-old Bangor boy is facing similar charges after he allegedly took a relative’s 2011 Kia van on a joy ride around the city on June 25.