Florida Mom Arrested For Letting 11-Year-Old Drive Her To Gas Station, Causing Crash

A Florida mom is facing charges for allegedly allowing her autistic 11-year-old child to drive her to a gas station, resulting in a collision, authorities said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded at around 8:35 p.m. on Aug. 16 to a reported crash at a 7-Eleven on Gordon Road in Riverview. They arrived to find an 11-year-old driver had crashed into a concrete traffic barrier.

According to the sheriff’s office, the child’s mother, 41-year-old Carribean Myers, allegedly allowed the child to drive, with her as a passenger, from their residence to the 7-Eleven. The child mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal while attempting to stop, and struck the barrier.

No one was injured in the collision, but the vehicle and building both sustained damage, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators learned Myers has not had a valid driver’s license since July 13, and allegedly previously allowed her underage children to drive.

“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 on charges of child abuse and permitting an unauthorized minor to drive. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active.