WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba RCMP said it charged a 12-year-old boy after a van was spotted going nearly 30 kilometres over the speed limit near Portage la Prairie, Man.

According to police, at 3:38 a.m. on Tuesday, officers stopped the van for driving 107 km/h in an 80 km/h construction zone on Highway 1.

RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre said when officers pulled over the vehicle, they were shocked to find a 12-year-old boy alone in the driver’s seat. 

SpeedingSource: Twitter/Manitoba RCMP

Manaigre said the boy had taken the keys to the family vehicle. He said the child's parents didn't realize what had happened until they were contacted by RCMP officers.

"This is kind of a difficult situation—who would have guessed your 12-year-old would grab your keys and take your vehicle for a joyride," he said.

Officers took the boy into custody and charged him under the Highway Traffic Act with taking a vehicle without consent, speeding, and driving without a licence. None of the charges have been proven in court.

Manaigre said when the child goes for his licence when he grows up, the charges will be on his abstract.

"He is starting not on the right track at this point."

Manaigre said while nobody was hurt, it could have turned out differently had the roads been more crowded.

"A 12-year-old is not going to understand how to react to situations—not going to understand how to control a vehicle," he said.

"We are very fortunate that nothing happened out of this incident, but if it had been earlier this could have been a tragic collision somewhere on the highway."