A frantic police search was launched in Tennessee after a 10-year-old boy took his mother's car for a solo joyride following a heated argument, leading to an unexpected family discovery.
The School Car Park Disappearance
The incident began around 1pm on Friday at W.A. Wright Elementary School. The child's mother had left the boy in the vehicle with the engine running while she briefly went inside to drop off paperwork. Upon her return to the parking lot, she made the alarming discovery that both her car and her son were missing.
A witness reported seeing a vehicle being reversed recklessly across the school car park, nearly colliding with another car before mounting a curb and speeding onto the road. Surveillance footage confirmed that no one had approached the running vehicle, leading detectives to conclude the young boy had driven off alone.
The Search and Unexpected Discovery
Police tracked the stolen car approximately one mile from the school to the family's home, where it was found parked in the garage. Officers noted the boy had 'bumped a refrigerator inside the garage while it was being parked.'
The child was located inside the house unharmed and in the company of his father. The 10-year-old later told officers he drove home because he'd had a 'disagreement with his mother.' The father, described as 'confused' by his son's unexpected arrival, was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant for 'Theft of Property – Wire Fraud' from Nashville and taken into custody without incident.
Aftermath and Safety Warnings
Due to his age and 'lack of legal capacity to be held criminally responsible,' no charges will be filed against the young boy. Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler expressed relief, stating: 'I’m incredibly thankful that the child was found safe and unharmed.'
He praised the close collaboration between police and the school, ensuring a 'rapid coordinated response that prioritises the safety and well-being of every child.'
The school district issued a statement reminding families to be 'mindful' of their vehicles on campus, especially when left running. They advised: 'The absolute safest practice for campus visits is to park your vehicle in a designated visitor parking space, turn off the vehicle, lock your doors and take any children that are with you inside the building.'
