Va. high school prank in a stolen car ends in charges

WASHINGTON — It’s the time of year when high school seniors try to pull a prank or two.

But what happens when the shenanigans go too far? Seven teens are now facing charges for their idea, according to a Loudoun County sheriff.

Last week, Loudoun County investigators got an unusual report that a drivers ed training car was stolen for a joy ride from Potomac Falls High School.

“The vehicle ended up being in an accident,” says Sheriff Mike Chapman, who doesn’t find the prank funny.

No one was hurt, but Chapman says there was significant damage to the car, and the tree it hit on the high school grounds.

“The vehicle was rigged by the people who stole the car to drive on its own,” he says. “And that’s how it crashed into a tree.”

Now the seven teens from Sterling, Virginia — five of them adults — are facing charges for going into their summer break.

Megan Cloherty

WTOP Investigative Reporter Megan Cloherty primarily covers breaking news, crime and courts.

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