US: Siblings Steal Mom's Car After She Takes Away Their Gadgets

In Florida, a 10-year-old boy and his 11-year-old sister were apprehended after taking their mother's car for a late-night joyride as a response to having their electronic gadgets taken away.

Incident Details

The siblings embarked on a journey to California, covering a distance of 200 miles (320 km) in their mother's car, far from the place where they had been reported missing by their mother earlier in the week in North Port, a city in southwest Florida.

On September 21, just before 4 am, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office spotted the sedan on Interstate 75 near Gainesville in north Florida. The vehicle had been reported as stolen, leading deputies to approach it with guns drawn.

To their surprise, the deputies discovered that the car was occupied by a 10-year-old boy behind the wheel and his 11-year-old sister.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that both children were upset with their mother for confiscating their electronic devices, a decision made due to their inappropriate use of the gadgets, according to the sheriff's office. Authorities found no evidence of mistreatment in the children's home.

The children's mother drove three hours to Alachua to retrieve her kids. Police engaged in a thorough conversation with her, and she appeared to be genuinely trying her best to raise her two young children, showing receptivity to the recommendations provided by law enforcement to seek assistance.

In Florida, you can acquire a learner's permit at the age of 15, and to qualify for a full driver's license, individuals must reach the age of 18. Despite this, the mother decided not to pursue legal action, and the children were returned to her care. The names of the mother and children have not been revealed.

Teens Stealing Cars Is Common In US

Earlier in July this year, police arrested an eight-year-old boy following a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle in Alabama. Police received a report of a robbery in which a child had allegedly carjacked someone at gunpoint.

Police attempted to stop the stolen vehicle shortly afterwards, but the driver, who was the child, refused to comply, leading to a pursuit. The high-speed chase eventually ended in a collision with another car, fortunately resulting in no reported injuries.

The 8-year-old boy was charged with first-degree robbery, attempting to evade law enforcement, and unlawfully possessing a gun. He was subsequently taken to the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility.

Suggested Reading: Missing US Girl, 2, Found Sleeping In Forest With Pet Dog As Pillow