Forget corsages — these teens went full “Fast & Furious.”
Just after 9 p.m., what started as a prom night joyride turned into a heart-stopping police chase stretching across county lines.
Portsmouth officers attempted to pull over a speeding car near 2nd and Madison, but the young driver hit the gas instead of the brakes. Things took a terrifying turn when the car swerved directly at officers deploying stop sticks. That’s when Ohio State Highway Patrol was called in to chase the speeding sedan toward West Portsmouth and on up to the Pike County line.
Troopers eventually spotted the vehicle in Waverly. The joyride finally came to a crawl near the urgent care on southbound Route 23.
Turns out, the runaway driver wasn’t just some random road rebel — a caller told 911 the car had been loaned to a relative for prom night, but the kid took off and didn’t come back.
Police detained two juveniles, towed the vehicle, and made some very awkward calls to their parents. One teen was given a ride home; the driver wasn’t so lucky — he got a ride to jail.
🎓 Lesson Learned?
Police remind parents that even well-meaning prom plans can go sideways fast. Talk to your teens about responsibility behind the wheel, and remember: a night to remember shouldn’t end in handcuffs.
Stay safe. Drive smart. And leave the car chases to Hollywood.
