An 8-year-old Ohio girl drove an SUV on a single target run

Bedford, Ohio — An 8-year-old girl took an SUV from her Ohio home and drove miles to a store where she was later found unharmed, authorities said.

The girl, whose name has not been released, and the vehicle — a 2020 Nissan Rogue — were reported missing around 9 a.m. Sunday, Bedford police said. The family members said that they last saw the girl at home about two hours ago.

As police began to investigate, they learned that a small child had been seen driving a car on a nearby road, but the vehicle was never found. The SUV was eventually found a short time later in the parking lot of a Target store in Bainbridge, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from his home.

Police found the child inside the store a short time later. He told officers he hit a mailbox while driving, but nothing else. Authorities did not say why he decided to go to the store or provide further details about his trip.

Police said the girl is very young. It was not clear Monday whether any charges will be filed in the matter, which remains under investigation.