Police plan to talk to an eight-year-old Timaru joyrider who drove his father's car until it ran out of petrol.
Police say the boy, who turned eight last month, reached speeds of at least 120 km/h in a 100 km/h zone after "borrowing" his father's 1991 Nissan Bluebird automatic about 5.20 pm on Sunday.
Inspector Laurie Shanks said the boy drove about 10km, negotiating several intersections in the Washdyke area before running out of petrol on State Highway 1, near Timaru.
Police were alerted by a tanker driver who reported that a midget appeared to be driving erratically around Washdyke.
When police spoke to him, the boy was more concerned about what his father would say.
The boy had apparently been taught to drive by the partner of his mother, with whom he used to live.
Mr Shanks said teaching a seven-year-old to drive was "brainless" and police would speak to the man concerned.
- NZPA
Joyride ends with empty petrol tank
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.