A 10-year-old boy in Tennessee reportedly drove himself home from elementary school after a disagreement with his mother — a decision that triggered a police investigation and ultimately led to his father’s arrest.
Officers responded to W.A. Wright Elementary School on Friday, Nov. 14, after receiving a report of a child in a stolen vehicle, the Mt. Juliet Police Department said in a news release. Around 1 p.m., the child’s mother called 911, explaining she had briefly left her son inside her running car while she went inside the school to drop off paperwork. When she returned, both her car and her son were gone.
A witness alleged the vehicle backed out “recklessly,” nearly struck another car, jumped a curb, and sped off toward Lebanon Road, according to police.
Surveillance footage confirmed that no one else got into the car, leading officers to believe the boy had driven off on his own. Moments later, police located the vehicle inside the family’s open garage, roughly a mile away from the school.
Inside the home, officers found the boy with his father — who appeared unsure why his son had returned home without his mother. The child reportedly told officers he drove home after a disagreement.
As they continued investigating, police discovered the father had an outstanding warrant for alleged “theft of property — wire fraud.” He was arrested without incident. Authorities have not publicly identified any family members involved.
The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the case since the situation began on school property. Officials also contacted Wilson County Schools for assistance and coordination.
Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler expressed relief that the child was unharmed and highlighted the strong collaboration between local law enforcement and schools. “That close collaboration ensures any incident at one of our area schools receives a rapid, coordinated response that prioritizes the safety and well-being of every child,” he said in a statement.
In a message to Wright Elementary families — later shared with The Tennessean — the school district reminded caregivers to always secure their vehicles and not leave children unattended, especially when the engine is running.
Officials told The Tennessean that the sheriff’s office will not pursue charges against the child due to his age, but a referral has been made to the Department of Children’s Services.
