Lauren Wilkins
A 13-year-old girl took her parents' Tesla for a spin around California and ended the ride with a major crash.
At around 4:35am on 1 August, Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) officers were sent to the area of 729 King Street after reports of a collision.
Police, fire and medical personnel responded to the scene where they found a 'severely damaged' black Tesla. The vehicle appeared to have crashed into a utility pole at the location.
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Three juveniles - who remain unnamed - were found at the scene of the incident.
A statement released by police said: "Miraculously, all had only minor injuries and were out of the Tesla and walking."
"After speaking with the juveniles, it appears a 13-year-old female had been driving her parents’ Tesla without permission," the SRPD said in a Facebook post.
"Based on the juveniles’ statements, the driver lost control on King Street when she hit a dip in the road, causing her to lose even more control."
Authorities determined that the vehicle hit three parked vehicles, a utility pole, and a street sign.
The juveniles’ parents were all notified of the collision.
Police said they are still determining if alcohol or any other factors or persons were involved.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) responded to the area to inspect the damaged utility pole but there was no reports that locals lost power.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Santa Rosa Police at (707) 543-3600, or email Officer Ashley Odetto at [email protected].