9 year old boy steals car, then stows away on 2 Southwest Airliners [View All]

Boy, 9, takes flight in car, then hops jets
Lakewood runaway was headed to Dallas

By COLIN McDONALD
P-I REPORTER

A 9-year-old runaway's plane-hopping journey from Lakewood to Dallas fell short Wednesday with prosecutors back home filing felony charges -- and Southwest Airlines officials scrambling to explain how the boy got through their terminals and onto two planes.

"He might be a little more sophisticated than your average 9-year-old," said Fred Wist, chief prosecutor for Pierce County's juvenile division. Semaj Booker's strange adventure began Sunday afternoon when he stole a 1986 Acura that had been left running in front of a neighbor's house.



Semaj Booker
Police spotted the boy on state Route 512 near the Interstate 5 interchange and gave chase when he refused to pull over. The pursuit hit speeds of 80 to 90 mph and ended when the Acura's engine blew out while the car exited the highway.

"He just coasted to a stop and bumped into a tree," Lakewood police Lt. David Guttu said.

Officers had to smash one of the car's windows because Semaj refused to unlock the doors and come out.

Because of his age, officials at Pierce County's Juvenile Detention Center refused to admit Semaj. So police took him back to his mother's house.


more:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/300174_flyingkid18.html

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