Cops: Boy, 7, takes SUV on costly joyride

updated 4:45 p.m. ET April 26, 2008

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - A 7-year-old South Florida boy could face grand theft auto charges after taking his grandmother's Dodge Durango for a joyride.

The eight minute trek left a swath of damage in his Palm Beach Gardens neighborhood Friday. The boy smashed mailboxes, hit parked cars and signposts, police said.

The boy was not hurt.

Police said the boy literally drove until a wheel fell off. The right front wheel broke off after the boy hit a sign.

The boy's mother said he apparently grabbed the keys to his grandmother's sport utility vehicle, backed it out of her driveway, and took off.

Police spokeswoman Ellen Lovejoy said the boy is unlikely to be prosecuted.

They arrested him so he can get some help, noting the excursion was "unusual behavior for a 7-year-old."

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