Malden boy remains hospitalized following crash

MALDEN, Mo. (AP) -- A 10-year-old Malden boy is alert, but will need surgery for his injuries after authorities in Southeast Missouri say he wrecked a car.

The boy remained hospitalized Tuesday in St. Louis. His name has not been released.

Malden Police Chief Jarrett Bullock said the boy took his mother's boyfriend's car some time after midnight Friday. He went for a drive before striking utility and light poles and vehicles at a dealership.

The boy was ejected in the crash shortly before 4:30 a.m., and was flown to St. Louis for treatment.

The boy's family had no idea he wasn't in his bedroom until they were notified by police. Bullock says police are still investigating, but will then refer the case to Dunklin County juvenile authorities.

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Information from: KFVS-TV, http://www.kfvs12.com