A 15-year-old boy was taken into juvenile custody early Tuesday after Columbus Division of Police said he crashed a stolen Hyundai in the Westgate neighborhood on Columbus’ west side.
Police said the crash occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Feb. 24. No injuries were reported. The teen appeared in Franklin County Juvenile Court on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Confirmed Details
According to Columbus police, the teen stole a Hyundai in south Columbus before driving into the Westgate neighborhood.
Police said the vehicle struck trash cans, a tree, and a lamp post before coming to rest in a residential front yard.
Officers reported that the teen fled the vehicle on foot and was arrested a few blocks away after being found hiding beneath a parked vehicle.
Sgt. Joe Albert of the Columbus Division of Police said the teen had an open arrest warrant for weapons offenses and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle prior to Tuesday’s incident.
Video Evidence
Police said the crash was captured by security cameras connected to the Securban Living network, a nonprofit organization that operates a network of safety cameras across Central Ohio communities.
Court Proceedings
The teen appeared in Franklin County Juvenile Court on Feb. 25.
Authorities said the juvenile faces multiple charges, including stealing a motor vehicle. The full list of charges has not been confirmed by court officials as of publication.
Community Impact
No road closures or traffic advisories were issued in connection with the incident.
Police said the crash caused property damage to at least one residence in the Westgate neighborhood. No additional public safety advisories have been issued, and residents are not being asked to take specific action at this time.
Official Statements
Sgt. Joe Albert said the incident could have resulted in serious injuries.
“You have a 15-year-old driving that fast who probably went through a red light at a high rate of speed,” Albert said. “We are extremely lucky nobody got killed or hurt out of this incident.”
Albert said Columbus police are working with city and county partners on approaches to address juvenile violence.
What Is Not Yet Known
Police and court officials have not confirmed:
- The complete list of charges filed in juvenile court
- The specific street where the vehicle came to rest
- The outcome of the Feb. 25 juvenile court appearance
- Whether additional individuals were involved in the vehicle theft
- When further investigative updates may be released
Sources
- Columbus Division of Police — Statement by Sgt. Joe Albert, Feb. 25, 2026
- Franklin County Juvenile Court — Court appearance record, Feb. 25, 2026
- WSYX ABC6 — Feb. 25, 2026
- Securban Living — Camera network footage referenced by police, Feb. 24, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Juvenile Court, and official sources at the time of publication. Details may change as the investigation and court proceedings continue. The juvenile has not been identified by name in accordance with Ohio law.