Rochester Police Investigate Incident Involving 10-Year-Old Driving Car into Lyell Avenue Rainbow Clothing Store on Sunday Afternoon

Rochester, NY – April 2025 – The Rochester Police Department is actively investigating an unusual and concerning incident that took place on Sunday afternoon, when a 10-year-old child crashed a car into the front of the Rainbow Clothing Store located on Lyell Avenue. The incident has raised several questions regarding how the child was able to gain access to the vehicle and what led to the crash.

Details of the Incident

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, emergency responders were called to the scene at the Rainbow Clothing Store on Lyell Avenue after reports of a car crashing into the building. When police and paramedics arrived, they found a sedan that had driven through the storefront, causing significant damage to the exterior of the store and breaking several windows. The vehicle came to a stop inside the store, narrowly missing a display area.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 10-year-old child, whose name has not been released by authorities. The child was immediately taken into custody for questioning and evaluated by medical personnel on the scene. Fortunately, the child did not sustain any injuries from the crash.

Incredibly, there were no customers or employees inside the store at the time of the incident, and the building was unoccupied when the car struck it, preventing what could have been a far worse outcome.

Investigation and Cause

The Rochester Police Department has launched an investigation into how the 10-year-old was able to access the vehicle, and whether there was any negligence involved in allowing the child to drive. Police have not disclosed how the child gained access to the car, but they are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and speaking to witnesses to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash.

“We are taking this situation very seriously,” said Rochester Police Chief Angela Austin. “It is highly unusual for a child of this age to be behind the wheel of a vehicle, and we are thoroughly investigating how this occurred. We want to ensure that there was no foul play or negligence that contributed to this event.”

At this time, there has been no indication of criminal intent. Police are focusing their investigation on how the child was able to drive the car and whether any adult figures were involved in the situation.

Damage to the Store

The Rainbow Clothing Store sustained significant damage to its front wall, including broken windows and structural damage. Fortunately, no one was inside the store at the time of the crash, so no injuries were reported to the public. The incident has forced the store to temporarily close its doors for repairs.

“We’re grateful that no one was hurt, but it’s certainly been a very unsettling experience,” said Kelly Rivera, the store manager. “We’re focused on cleaning up the damage and will hopefully be able to reopen in the next few days once the repairs are complete.”

The store’s insurance will cover some of the damages, but the business is still assessing the full extent of the repair costs.

Public Concerns and Safety Measures

This incident has raised serious concerns about child safety, particularly when it comes to the accessibility of vehicles. The Rochester community has expressed their shock and concern over how a child so young could operate a car, with many questioning the responsibility of parents and guardians in such situations.

Parents in the area are expressing their worry about the growing trend of children becoming more involved in risky behavior, such as unauthorized access to vehicles. Local leaders are calling for stronger safety measures, including better vehicle security, childproof locks, and more awareness on the importance of keeping keys and ignition devices out of the reach of children.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping car keys out of the hands of children and ensuring that vehicles are safely secured at all times,” said Rochester Community Outreach Officer Maria Salazar. “We encourage all parents and guardians to talk to their children about the dangers of playing with car keys and vehicles.”

Looking Ahead: Legal Consequences and Next Steps

As the investigation continues, the Rochester Police Department has not yet indicated whether any charges will be filed against the child’s parents or guardians. However, the department has confirmed that they are considering all factors in the case, including whether any negligence or lapses in responsibility may have contributed to the child’s ability to access the vehicle.

While the child is not facing criminal charges, authorities may also look into potential consequences for the adults responsible for the child’s care, depending on the findings of the investigation.

Conclusion

The crash on Lyell Avenue serves as a reminder of the potential dangers when children are left unsupervised or gain access to vehicles. As the investigation into the events surrounding the crash unfolds, the community remains grateful that no lives were lost and that the situation was not more severe. The Rochester Police Department will continue to review evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the events leading up to this unsettling incident.

Authorities encourage the public to stay informed as more details emerge and to prioritize safety when it comes to preventing such incidents in the future.