A 14-year-old boy in Israel has been arrested after posting a video of himself speeding in his father's Tesla, police said Thursday.
The teenager was filmed driving at speeds of up to 125 kilometers per hour (78 mph) through the streets of Gan Yavne, a town in southern Israel, according to a statement from Israeli Police.
The video, which the boy uploaded to social media himself, shows him behind the wheel of the Tesla, navigating through residential areas at high speed. The footage quickly caught the attention of the Central Unit of the Lachish Traffic Division, leading to a covert investigation.
"It was a great luck for the minor and also for the residents that this foolish act didn't end in disaster," said Commander Asher Sasson, head of the Central Investigation Unit of the National Traffic Police in the Lachish area. "A vehicle is a tool that can be deadly if not driven responsibly, with the necessary knowledge and, of course, according to the law."
During questioning, police discovered that this wasn't an isolated incident. The teenager had reportedly taken his parents' cars without their knowledge on multiple occasions, often during nighttime hours.
The minor was released to house arrest after interrogation, accompanied by his mother. He faces charges of driving without a license, among other potential offenses.
This incident comes amid Israel's summer vacation period, prompting police to issue a warning to parents. "We are in the midst of the annual summer vacation. Children can find themselves committing offenses to alleviate boredom," Sasson cautioned. "Pay attention and be involved in their actions, clarify to them what is allowed and forbidden, and the dangers inherent in driving vehicles and the consequences that may follow."
The case highlights growing concerns about underage driving and the role of social media in encouraging dangerous behavior. It also raises questions about vehicle security and parental supervision, especially with cars like Teslas that may be easier to operate without traditional keys.
Israeli traffic authorities have emphasized their commitment to cracking down on such incidents. "In the Central Investigation Unit of the National Traffic Police, we emphasize locating those outliers, those offenders who get behind the wheel without judgment and commit offenses that could harm human life and property," Sasson added.
* Kikar Shabbat contributed to this article.