Boy in China, 12, steals neighbour's car for joyride, claims he's adult with dwarfism when caught

A 12-year-old boy from Guangxi, China, claimed he was an adult who suffered from dwarfism after he was caught stealing his neighbour's car and driving it along a highway for more than six hours.

According to mainland Chinese media, the incident happened at Gaotian toll station, along China's G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway, on Jun. 15.

The boy, surnamed Luo, was caught at a toll station when he did not have enough money to pay the toll.

This aroused the suspicion of the tollbooth collector, who noticed his youthful appearance and called the police.

Investigation eventually confirmed that he was a minor who had been driving without a licence.

Continued lying when questioned by the police

While being questioned by the police, the boy claimed he was 22 years old but suffered from dwarfism.

He also lied that the car belonged to his aunt, and that he had only intended to drive to his grandmother's place.

However, upon contacting the boy's father and the vehicle's owner, they learnt that the car belonged to the boy's neighbour.

The owner had only realised that his car had been stolen upon being contacted by the police.

Learnt to drive with friends

The boy's father said he did not know that his son could drive, given that the family did not have a car.

When questioned further by the police, Luo eventually admitted that he had learnt how to drive secretly with some friends.

Early that morning, he stole his neighbour's car keys and drove off, eventually entering the expressway at about 4:45am.

As he is a minor under the age of 14, he was given a stern warning by the police and his parents were ordered to discipline him.