RIVERVIEW, Fla. – On Sunday night, Hillsborough County deputies responded to a report of a vehicle collision at the 7‑Eleven on Gordon Road. The crash involved an SUV that had been driven by an 11‑year‑old child with autism, who was in the driver’s seat while the child’s mother rode as a passenger.
Investigation findings
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived shortly after 8:30 p.m. and found the SUV lodged against a concrete traffic barrier. The child was attempting to stop the vehicle but mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, sending the SUV into the barrier. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle and the 7‑Eleven structure sustained damage.
Mother’s legal status
Investigators identified the driver’s mother as Carribean Myers, 41. The sheriff’s office disclosed that Myers has not held a valid driver’s license since July 13. Further, deputies learned that she had previously allowed other under‑age children to operate a vehicle without a license.
Myers was taken into custody and faces two counts: child abuse and permitting an unauthorized minor to drive. The sheriff’s office confirmed the investigation remains active.
Official response
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister called the incident “reckless,” emphasizing that parents have a duty to protect their children and the public. “Putting an 11‑year‑old behind the wheel is reckless and could have ended in tragedy,” Chronister said. “We will hold anyone accountable who puts a child in danger.”
Community impact
The incident has raised concerns among Riverview families about child safety and parental responsibility. Local parent groups are urging the county to reinforce education on proper supervision of children with special needs and to ensure that all drivers, regardless of age, possess a valid license.
While the crash caused property damage, the lack of injuries underscores the fortunate outcome of what could have been a far more serious event. Authorities continue to review the case and will determine any additional penalties based on the findings.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
