An 8-year-old girl in Ohio took her family’s SUV on a wild ride to Target, sparking a frantic search and capturing national attention.
A Daring Sunday Morning Adventure
On Sunday, September 15, residents of Bedford, Ohio, witnessed an extraordinary event as an 8-year-old girl embarked on a solo shopping trip to Target. The young driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, took control of her family’s 2020 Nissan Rogue and navigated nearly 13 miles of busy roads to reach her destination.
The girl’s unauthorized journey began around 7:00 a.m. when she climbed into the SUV and drove away from her home. Her absence was noticed by family members who reported both the child and the vehicle missing to authorities shortly before 9 a.m., triggering an urgent search operation.
A Harrowing Drive Captured on Camera
As the young driver made her way through traffic, concerned motorists alerted the police and captured alarming footage of the incident. Dashcam video from other vehicles on the road showed the SUV swerving and changing lanes erratically, highlighting the potential danger of the situation.
“Well I’ve finally found a woman who’s in more of a hurry to shop at Target than my wife,” Bedford Police said in a post on Facebook. “More of (a) hurry by 8 years. That’s right an 8-year-old took mommy’s car this morning and drove to Target in Bainbridge to shop.”
The girl’s 30-minute drive covered approximately 10 miles and included at least one collision with a mailbox. Despite the obvious risks, she managed to reach her destination without causing any major accidents or injuries to herself or others on the road.
A Surprising Discovery at Target
Law enforcement officials utilized an automatic license-plate-reading camera to track down the vehicle, which was found parked in the lot of a Target store in Bainbridge. Inside the store, police located the young girl, who was unharmed and enjoying a Frappuccino.
The child reportedly took $400 in cash from home for her shopping spree, though details of her purchases remain unknown. In a gesture of goodwill, police allowed her to finish her drink before reuniting her with family members who had been called to retrieve both the girl and the vehicle.
Legal and Safety Implications
While the incident ended without serious consequences, it has raised important questions about child safety and vehicle security. The girl, being only 8 years old, is too young to face criminal charges. However, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that allowed her to access the car keys and embark on such a dangerous journey.
This unusual event serves as a stark reminder for parents and guardians to ensure that car keys and vehicles are kept secure and out of reach of children. It also highlights the importance of educating young children about the dangers of operating motor vehicles and the potential consequences of such actions.
New video shows 8-year-old girl driving herself to Target https://t.co/zLY7iep2P2
— ABC11 EyewitnessNews (@ABC11_WTVD) September 18, 2024
