Joyriding 12-year-old leaves town in the dark after crash

A 12-year-old girl allegedly knocked out power to an entire First Nation community after hitting a hydro pole with a pickup truck last weekend.

Police received reports of a red pickup truck being driven erratically through Pikangikum First Nation on Saturday, July 2.

After attempting to get the vehicle to stop, police decided not to pursue the truck due to road conditions and the age of the driver.

Officers patrolled for the vehicle and discovered it several minutes later where it had collided with a hydro pole, knocking out power to the entire community.

The occupants had fled from the truck, which included: three 10-year-olds; four 12-year-olds; three 13-year-olds; three 14-year-olds, and a 21-year-old.

Charges are pending against the 12-year-old driver. One passenger received minor injuries.