Unlicensed, underage driver strikes Whitehall police cruiser, parents face charges

WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Whitehall police cruiser was struck by a 15-year-old driving their parents truck.

On April 28, police said the teen's parents allowed them behind the wheel unlawfully when they struck the cruiser. The teen, not yet 16, was unlicensed and ineligible to drive legally. Police said the parents are facing charges. See the video of the interaction, courtesy of the Whitehall Division of Police, in the video player above.

"Let’s be clear: driving is a responsibility, not a right," Whitehall police said on social media. "Parents who permit this kind of behavior will be held accountable."

The officer had been assisting a citizen locked out of their vehicle, and was not in the cruiser when it was struck. Whitehall police cautioned all citizens against underage drivers, saying unlicensed drivers on the road are a danger to others and themselves.