Citizens Unwittingly Help Boy Steal Car

People got behind and pushed and even offered a quick driving lesson to help a boy who was struggling to drive a car � all without realizing that the 14-year-old was actually stealing the vehicle.

The boy stopped mid-getaway to ask for help, and at least 15 people responded. The boy then got the gear stuck in reverse, and more neighbors helped him push the car.

When he still couldn't figure out how to operate the manual transmission, he asked a passer-by for an quick driving lesson. The woman, Margarita Wood, tried to give him directions through the car window and finally climbed in to help.

None of the people realized the vehicle was stolen or that the driver was underage.

"It is incredible that an entire neighborhood would participate in this comedy of errors", said Sergeant Dave Norton. "Nobody asked why a 14-year-old is out with a vehicle and doesn't know how to drive it".

Police caught up with the boy after some city workers and other residents spotted the erratic driver and called 911. The teenager was taken into custody along with the woman who was still 'teaching' him to drive.

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