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ALBANY, N.Y. — A car was stolen and taken for a joy ride Sunday evening, but it wasn't the work of the "common criminal," rather all at the hands of an 11-year-old boy, and it's not his first run-in with the law.
Police say the Feb. 12 "joy ride" actually lasted for quite a while, beginning in Albany and ending miles away in East Greenbush, with both 787 and I-90 part of the boy's route.
"He had to drive on city streets for a while; he apparently made it out to the interstate," said East Greenbush Police Chief Christopher Lavin.
The boy ended up at state Routes 4 and 151 in East Greenbush.
A sergeant with the police department noticed the vehicle stopped at the intersection and pulled it over after it took off at a high rate of speed.
But the boy's time spent behind the wheel is only one item added to his list of run-ins with police this month.
Not only is the boy facing charges of criminal mischief and criminal possession of stolen property, for allegedly stealing belongings from cars parked in Albany, he also allegedly broke into a business and stole money.
Local psychologist Dr. Frank Doberman says the boy's parents could be dealing with a "major league difficult child."
"I think we need to be cautious with this young man, because it seems to be a history of thoughtful, illegal actions," the doctor said.
Doberman says while the boy's behavior, which landed him at this busy intersection in East Greenbush, could be perceived as impulsive, it could also be deliberate.
"I think this needs to be taken incredibly seriously," he said. "Unfortunately, we're in an era where resources are shrinking. But this is a kid who needs a really good evaluation."
"The next step is once a person turns 16, they're an adult and they get treated as an adult," added Albany police officer James Miller. "Then you're looking at jail, or prison, and a permanent record. And you want to try and avoid that as much as possible."
Police say the boy's case will be handled in Albany County Family Court, and right now the parents are not facing any charges.
