A 10-year-old boy drove his family’s car home from elementary school after a dispute with his mother, according to Tennessee authorities — and the incident ultimately led to the arrest of his father.
Police said they received an emergency call from W.A. Wright Elementary School on Friday, Nov. 14, after reports that a child had taken a vehicle. The Mt. Juliet Police Department noted in a news release that the boy’s mother left him inside her running car while she dropped off paperwork in the school office. When she returned, both her son and the vehicle were gone.
A witness told officers the car backed out “recklessly,” nearly struck another vehicle, jumped a curb, and then sped off toward Lebanon Road. Surveillance footage later confirmed that no one else got inside the vehicle, leading detectives to determine that the child was the driver.
Moments later, officers located the car at the family’s home just a mile from the school. The boy was found inside the residence with his father, who appeared confused about why his son had returned home alone.
After speaking with the child, police said the boy admitted he drove home after having a “disagreement” with his mother.
During the investigation at the home, officers discovered that the father had an outstanding warrant for alleged “theft of property — wire fraud,” according to the department. He was arrested without incident. No family member has been publicly identified.
Because the incident originated on school property, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the case.
Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler said the situation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated responses between law enforcement and schools. “This incident is a clear example of the strong partnership we have with Wilson County Schools and SROs,” he said. “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.”
In a message shared with Wright Elementary families and later published by The Tennessean, the school district reminded parents to prioritize vehicle safety — including turning off the engine and bringing children inside during campus visits.
The sheriff’s office told The Tennessean that no charges will be filed against the child due to his age, though a referral has been made to the Department of Children’s Services.
