Father Arrested for Allegedly Letting 10-Year-Old Drive Pickup Truck on Arizona Freeway
A startling incident unfolded on an Arizona freeway recently, as a man was taken into custody for reportedly allowing his 10-year-old son to take the wheel of a pickup truck. The vehicle, recklessly speeding and swerving between lanes, was spotted on State Route 101 in Scottsdale, situated east of Phoenix.
Within the vehicle, authorities claim there was an “open container of alcohol,” adding an alarming twist to the situation. Officials from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) shared that the young boy managed to lead troopers on a brief chase on a Saturday afternoon. Eventually, the pickup truck was pulled over, with the 49-year-old father found in the passenger seat.
The bizarre occurrence was brought to the attention of authorities when a vigilant motorist dialed 911 to report the unusual scene. An officer quickly acted upon the information, attempting to halt the vehicle after witnessing unsafe lane changes by the driver.
Ultimately, the young driver pulled over in an emergency lane, bringing the alarming escapade to a halt. The consequences for the father were severe, as he was taken into custody and booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office jail. The charges against him include suspicion of endangerment, unlawfully permitting a minor to operate a vehicle, and having open alcohol within the vehicle.
At present, it remains uncertain whether the father is still in custody or if he has secured release on bail. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that arise when proper guidelines for responsible driving are disregarded.