Florida Woman Arrested After Letting Underage, Autistic Child Drive to Gas Station

A Hillsborough County woman was arrested after deputies say she allowed her 11-year-old child to drive a vehicle to a Riverview gas station, where the child crashed into a concrete barrier.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a 7-Eleven on Gordon Road at approximately 8:35 p.m. on Aug. 16 after receiving a report of a vehicle crashing into a traffic barrier.

Investigators said 41-year-old Carribean Myers allowed her 11-year-old child to drive the vehicle from their residence to the gas station while Myers rode as a passenger and supervised.

According to deputies, the child mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while attempting to stop, causing the vehicle to strike the concrete barrier.

No injuries were reported, but the vehicle and the building sustained damage.

During the investigation, deputies determined that Myers had not had a valid driver’s license since July 13. Authorities also said she had previously allowed her underage children to drive without valid licenses.

“Putting an 11-year-old behind the wheel is reckless and could have ended in tragedy,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This mother made a dangerous decision that put her child and everyone around them at risk.”

Chronister added that parents have a responsibility to protect their children rather than place them in situations that could result in serious injuries.

Myers was arrested on charges of child abuse and permitting an unauthorized minor to drive.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active.