Police in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, say a 10-year-old boy is safe after he stole his mother’s car and drove home by himself following a disagreement with her at school.
According to Local 12, the boy left W.A. Wright Elementary School after his mother went inside to drop off paperwork. When she returned to the parking lot, her vehicle was missing — along with her son. Police were called to the scene and quickly began investigating the stolen vehicle report. During the search, officers learned the boy had jumped into the driver’s seat and driven himself home, about a mile away from the school.
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Surveillance Footage Confirms Boy Drove Off Alone
When officers reviewed the school’s security footage, they confirmed that no one else entered the vehicle before it drove away. Officers stated that the school’s surveillance footage did not show anyone entering the vehicle before it drove away, the report noted.
Authorities also interviewed witnesses who reported seeing the vehicle backing out of the parking lot, nearly striking another car, and jumping a curb before speeding off. The vehicle was eventually found parked at the family’s home, located approximately one mile from the school.
When police arrived at the residence, the boy’s father appeared shocked, unaware that his son had left school or driven there alone. The vehicle was discovered at the family’s home, which was approximately a mile away from the school. When police arrived, the boy’s father appeared to be puzzled when the boy arrived without his mom.”
Mother Shocked After Discovering Son Took the Car
At the school, officers met with the boy’s mother, who explained she had briefly gone inside to deliver paperwork, leaving her son in the car. When she came back outside, both her vehicle and her child were gone. Police say the boy made it all the way home safely, but gave everyone involved a major scare.
Child Told Police He Drove Home After Argument
When questioned, the child admitted to officers that he had a disagreement with his mother and decided to drive himself home. The child later told police that he had a disagreement with his mother and decided to take the car home.”
Authorities say the boy’s actions were likely driven by frustration rather than intent to harm or escape, though the incident has raised concerns about child safety and vehicle access. Officials have not stated whether any charges will be filed, but the school district and police department are reviewing the incident to determine how the child was able to leave the campus and access the car.