On Sunday morning, a 7-year-old boy took a drive with a 5-year-old companion, and thankfully, both children returned home safe and sound, as reported by the Ogden City Police Department.
Authorities reported that the young driver travelled from Clearfield to Ogden, a distance of approximately 10 miles, with officials receiving notifications about a “reckless driver” at around 8 a.m. on April 27. A caller raised alarm about the situation, noting that the driver seemed to be quite young. The incident took place close to 21st Street and Wall Avenue, according to police reports.
Authorities reported that the young boy seemed to have driven a family car “without his parents’ awareness.” Authorities reported that officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the young driver did not comply.
“Given the totality of circumstances, including the suspected age of the driver and the heightened risk to public safety, officers deactivated their emergency equipment and chose not to pursue,” police said.
The car was subsequently found close to 40th Street, where it was described as “disabled” following an incident involving a parking strip. Authorities located the two children safe and sound in the vicinity, and they were subsequently transported to a police station for their parents to collect them. There were no additional injuries reported.
Ogden PD announced that no charges will be pursued due to the driver’s age. Furthermore, authorities are withholding the identities of those involved because of their age.
UPDATE –
Whitney Bush said she awoke Sunday morning to the Clearfield Police Department knocking on her door, informing her that her 7-year-old son had driven his 5-year-old sister to Ogden.
In an interview with ABC4, Bush stated that she awoke early to check on her four children and returned to bed when she discovered everyone asleep. Later, a knock on the door informed her that her car and two of her children had gone away.
“I absolutely had my heart in my stomach… I had no idea what was going on, I was being told different stories of what was happening,” Bush said about how she felt in the moment.
According to the Ogden Police Department, a careless driver was reported at 8 a.m. on April 27. Officers began after the motorist but quickly disengaged due to his age and the risk to the public.
Police were called to the site when the vehicle collided with a parking strip. The children were discovered uninjured, according to police.
She noted that she wanted to emphasise that her 7-year-old has previously experienced some behavioural challenges, but not to this magnitude. Bush stated that she had sought help from DCFS, the police, and even hospitals. She said that nobody had offered assistance because of his age.
“I don’t think anybody wakes up in the morning or goes through their day thinking their 7-year-old is going to play ‘Grand Theft Auto’ with their vehicle,” she wrote.
According to Bush, the 7-year-old informed everyone that he planned to go to McDonald’s. She stated that he did pass several along his path and had the money ready. He was also proud to state that he wore his seatbelt when driving.
She stated that the 7-year-old is not facing prosecution due to his age, but she is making him perform community service for neighbours to fulfil his sentence.
