10-Year-Old Drives Himself Home After Disagreement at W.A. Wright Elementary
A 10-year-old boy in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, drove his family’s car from W.A. Wright Elementary School to his home after an apparent disagreement with his mother, authorities said.
What happened
Mt. Juliet police responded to an emergency call from the school on Friday, Nov. 14, after a report of a child in what was believed to be a stolen vehicle. According to a department news release, the incident occurred at about 1 p.m. local time.
The boy’s mother told 911 dispatchers she had left her car running with the 10-year-old inside while she went into the school to drop off paperwork. When she returned, both the child and the vehicle were gone.
A witness reported that the car backed out recklessly, nearly struck another vehicle, jumped a curb and sped toward Lebanon Road. Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives showed that no one entered the vehicle before it left the pickup area, leading investigators to conclude the child drove away on his own.
Police response and discovery
Moments later officers located the car parked inside an open garage at the family’s home, roughly a mile from the school. The child was found safe inside the house with his father, who told officers he did not understand how his son had arrived home without his mother.
When questioned, the boy said he drove home after a “disagreement” with his mother.
Father taken into custody
During the investigation at the home, Mt. Juliet police discovered the father had an outstanding warrant alleging "theft of property — wire fraud," the department said. He was taken into custody without incident.
Jurisdiction and next steps
Because the event began on Wilson County School property, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office assumed control of the investigation. The sheriff’s office, citing the child’s age, said it will not pursue criminal charges against the 10-year-old but has referred the case to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
"I'm incredibly thankful that the child was found safe and unharmed," Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler said in a statement. "This incident is a clear example of the strong partnership we have with Wilson County Schools and SROs... that prioritizes the safety and well-being of every child."
School safety reminder
Wright Elementary’s district later reminded families to exercise vehicle safety on campus. The district advised that the safest practice is to park in a designated visitor space, turn off the engine, lock doors and bring children inside the building rather than leaving them unattended in running vehicles.
Media outlets reported that PEOPLE reached out to Mt. Juliet Police, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Wilson County Schools for additional comment.
None of the family members have been publicly identified.
