A woman was arrested after allowing her 11-year-old child to drive her vehicle, which ended in a crash at a Riverview gas station.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) said at 8:59 p.m. Aug. 16, deputies responded to a 7-Eleven on Gordon Road in Riverview after a child crashed a vehicle into a concrete traffic barrier.
According to HCSO, Caribbean Myers, 41, allowed her 11-year-old child to drive her and the child from their residence to the gas station. The child reportedly mistook the gas pedal for the brake while attempting to stop, causing the vehicle to crash into the barrier.
No one was injured, but the vehicle and the building sustained damage.
During the investigation, deputies discovered Myers had not had a valid driver's license since July 13, 2016. HCSO said Myers also admitted to allowing her child to drive before this incident.
“Putting an 11-year-old behind the wheel is reckless and could have ended in tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This mother made a dangerous decision that put her child and everyone around them at risk. Parents have a responsibility to protect their children, not place them in situations that could get them or someone else seriously hurt. We will hold anyone accountable who puts a child in danger.”
Myers was arrested and faces charges of child abuse and permitting an unauthorized minor to drive.This is an active investigation.