Colorado Police Pursue... a 7-Year-Old Driving a Golf Cart? Yes, It Really Happened

In Colorado, law enforcement is accustomed to chasing speeding vehicles, reckless drivers, and the occasional runaway ATV. However, on November 16, 2025, officers faced an unusually tiny suspect: a seven-year-old navigating a stolen golf cart through the streets of Palisade.

The Unusual Pursuit

The incident began when Mesa County authorities received a report of a missing child. Officers soon discovered that the child had taken a golf cart and was cruising around town. Witnesses described the sight as surreal, with the small driver barely visible over the steering wheel.

Police attempted to intercept the cart, but the young driver continued moving through the streets, surprising pedestrians along the way. While golf carts typically reach speeds of around 15 miles per hour, officers faced a delicate situation, needing to prioritize safety for both the child and the public.

A Bizarre Scene

Residents and drivers watching the pursuit were stunned. The presence of real police vehicles and flashing lights confirmed the seriousness of the situation. Videos later shared online captured squad cars trailing the golf cart, sirens blaring, while the child tightly held the wheel. These clips quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and a mixture of concern and amusement.

Fortunately, the chase concluded safely. Officers stopped the golf cart and returned the child to their family unharmed. Authorities confirmed the child had been reported missing beforehand, which added urgency to the response. The Mesa County Sheriffs Office commended the officers for handling the situation with care and restraint, emphasizing that the safety of the child and community was their top priority.

Online Reaction

Once the footage appeared on platforms like YouTube, it became an instant sensation. Memes compared the chase to animated movie scenes, and many joked about the youngest getaway driver ever. At the same time, the incident prompted serious questions about how a seven-year-old accessed the vehicle and what measures could prevent similar events.

The story sparked discussions on child safety and the risks posed by unsupervised recreational vehicles. Golf carts, often considered harmless, can be dangerous when left unattended, prompting communities to consider stricter rules for their use, especially in residential areas.

Lessons Learned

The Palisade incident is a reminder that childrens curiosity combined with accessible vehicles can quickly lead to risky situations. Officers involved in the chase are unlikely to forget the day, which stands out as one of the most unusual calls in their careers. For the town, its a story that will be remembered for years, and for the young driver, it became a viral episode that ended safely, despite its potential dangers.

Author: Gavin Porter