A Florida woman is facing charges after her 11-year-old child allegedly drove the family vehicle to a local 7-Eleven before crashing outside the store.
The incident unfolded in Riverview on Sunday evening, August 16, when deputies were called to the convenience store on Gordon Road shortly after 8:30 p.m. following reports of a collision.
When officers investigated what had happened, they said they discovered 41-year-old Carribean Myers had been sitting in the passenger seat while her child drove from their home to the store.
The child, who authorities said has autism, reportedly made it as far as the 7-Eleven before losing control while trying to bring the vehicle to a stop. Deputies said the 11-year-old accidentally stepped on the accelerator rather than the brake, sending the vehicle into a concrete traffic barrier outside the store.
Despite the collision, neither Myers nor her child was injured. No other injuries were reported. The impact did, however, leave damage to the vehicle and the building, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Mother Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
During the investigation, deputies said they discovered Myers had not held a valid driver’s license since July 13, 2026.
Authorities also alleged that Myers had previously allowed her underage children to drive without a valid driver’s license.
Myers was arrested and faces charges of child abuse and permitting an unauthorized minor to drive. The sheriff’s office said the case remains an active investigation.
Sheriff: “Could Have Ended in Tragedy”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister strongly criticized the decision to allow the 11-year-old behind the wheel.
“Putting an 11-year-old behind the wheel is reckless and could have ended in tragedy,” Chronister said.
“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.”
Chronister added: “We will hold anyone accountable who puts a child in danger.”
“Make It Make Sense” – Social Media Reacts
The incident prompted a strong reaction on Facebook after the sheriff’s office shared details of Myers’ arrest.
One questioned the decision, writing: “This is why it’s crazy to me that you have to get a license to fish but not to breed. Make it make sense.”
One similarly commented: “Proof that you should have a license to be a parent.”
Others focused on how fortunate it was that nobody was injured. A user wrote: “The barrier did its job,” while another said: “Thank god barriers were there.”
Several other commenters recalled learning to drive at a young age, although some distinguished those experiences from allowing a child to drive on public roads.
The sheriff’s office said its investigation remains active and that further updates will be provided as they become available.