July 3, 2008

DILLON, S.C. (AP) -- A 13-year-old South Carolina boy has been arrested after officers say he did some patrolling of his own in a stolen police car.

Dillon Police Sgt. Jason Turner tells the Morning News of Florence that officers didn't even know the car was missing until Sunday, when residents reported seeing the boy driving it.

The boy's name isn't being released because of his age. Turner says the boy is interested in law enforcement and took the car the previous week.

The boy remained in custody Wednesday at the Department of Juvenile Justice. He has been charged with larceny and
second-degree burglary.

His mother was arrested Tuesday and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Patricia Gillespie told police she didn't report her son's escapade because she didn't see anything wrong with his patrolling.

Gillespie was released from jail Tuesday. A phone number for Gillespie could not be found.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)