A 13-year-old girl is facing possible charges after taking a parent's vehicle without permission, fleeing from police, and crashing the vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 2 AM on July 25.

A Nanaimo RCMP officer on patrol first observed the vehicle travelling southbound on Terminal Avenue at 118 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone. The officer attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle accelerated away. With the reason for the driver's actions unknown, the officer discontinued the attempted stop, deactivated the emergency equipment, and advised other officers of the vehicle.

A short time later, police received a report that the vehicle had gone of the roadway in central Nanaimo. Police located the vehicle and after a short search of the area, located the alleged driver and arrested her without incident.

The investigation determined the alleged driver was a 13-year-old girl who had taken a parent's vehicle without permission. The vehicle sustained damage in the collision and was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported.

The youth was taken into custody and later released to a guardian. 

"This incident could have ended very differently," said Nanaimo RCMP  Operations Officer Donovan Tait. "Speeds more than double the posted limit, combined with an inexperienced and unlicensed driver, create an extreme risk to everyone using our roads. Fortunately, no one was injured. This serves as an important reminder for parents and guardians to secure vehicle keys and speak with youth about the serious consequences that can result from taking a vehicle without permission."

The investigation continues.