9-year-old California boy leads police on chase while driving himself to school: Reports

A 9-year-old boy attempting to drive himself to school led police on a brief car chase in Northern California, according to multiple reports.

The California Highway Patrol told NBC News the incident began around 9:20 a.m. Wednesday in Oroville, a city located about 60 miles north of Sacramento, when a Volkswagen was "stopped oddly in the middle of the intersection."

"When instructed to move, the vehicle unexpectedly sped off, leading to a short and erratic chase that ended in a dirt parking lot just east of Plumas Avenue Elementary School," the highway patrol said according to NBC News.

After the vehicle stopped, it reversed into a patrol car, causing minor damage.

“We are relieved to report that no one was injured in this incident. The child was safely sent to school after the necessary authorities were alerted and the situation was documented,” the CHP told NBC News.

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Child reportedly told officer 'I'm sorry, I'm trying to get to school'

"Several other officers showed up, as well, and it was kind of like one of those no-one-really-believed-it kind of things," CHP Officer Terry Dunn told KNVN, an NBC affiliate in Chico, California.

"As I was approaching I could see a kid, which turned out to be a 9-year-old child, sticking his head out and saying, 'I'm sorry, I'm trying to get to school,'" Dunn told the station.

The CHP did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].