LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) - In a bizarre incident on Saturday night, Ann Arbor police released dashcam footage of a slow-speed chase involving a 12-year-old boy who had stolen a Construction Genie Telehandler, a large forklift, from a construction site at Forsyth Middle School.

The incident unfolded when officers responded to a call at the middle school reporting an attempted machinery theft. Spotting the stolen vehicle driving through a residential street at a speed of 15-20 miles per hour, police initiated a slow pursuit.

During the chase, the young driver collided with at least 10 other vehicles and numerous street signs, causing widespread damage along their route. The pursuit continued until the outskirts of Ann Arbor, where the Washtenaw County Sheriff's deputies took over.

The specifics of how the deputies successfully apprehended the child were not disclosed, but they stated that the boy was taken into custody and brought to a local juvenile detention facility. Ann Arbor Police explained that the child was able to operate the stolen vehicle because the cabin door was unlocked, and he found the keys inside.

The incident showcases the importance of securing equipment and vehicles, especially in construction sites, to prevent unauthorized usage and potential accidents. Local authorities are likely to review security measures and reinforce protocols to avoid such incidents in the future.

The precise extent of the damages caused by the young driver is currently unknown, and investigations are ongoing to assess the full impact of the slow-speed chase through Ann Arbor.

Public awareness regarding proper safety measures and ensuring the security of heavy machinery is crucial to prevent potential incidents involving unauthorized individuals, particularly minors, from accessing and operating such equipment.

Law enforcement and construction authorities advise strict adherence to safety protocols, including locking vehicle doors and securing keys, to prevent similar occurrences from happening again.