BEDFORD, Ohio — An 8-year-old girl took an SUV from her Ohio home and drove for miles to a store where she was later found unharmed, authorities said.
The girl, whose name was not released, and the vehicle — a 2020 Nissan Rogue — were reported missing around 9 a.m. Sunday, Bedford police said. Family members said they had last seen the girl at the residence about two hours earlier.
As police launched an investigation, they learned a small child had been spotted driving a vehicle on a nearby road, but that vehicle could not be located. The SUV eventually was found a short time later in the parking lot of a Target store in Bainbridge, which is nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) from her home.
Police soon found the child by herself inside the store. She told officers she had struck a mailbox while driving, but nothing else. Authorities did not say why she had decided to travel to the store or provide further details about her trip.
The girl is too young to be charged criminally, police said. It wasn’t clear Monday if any charges would be filed in the matter, which remains under investigation.
An 8-year-old Ohio girl recently made headlines when she took her family’s SUV on a solo trip to Target. The young girl, whose name has not been released, managed to drive several miles from her home in East Palestine to the local Target store before being stopped by concerned citizens.
The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when the girl’s parents were both at work. According to police reports, the girl had been left in the care of her teenage sister, who was supposed to be watching her while their parents were away. However, the young girl managed to sneak out of the house and into the family’s SUV, which had the keys left inside.
Witnesses reported seeing the girl driving erratically down the road, swerving in and out of lanes and narrowly avoiding other vehicles. One concerned driver called 911 to report the situation, and police were able to intercept the girl before she reached her destination.
Upon questioning, the girl told police that she wanted to go to Target to buy some toys and snacks. She seemed unaware of the danger she had put herself and others in by driving a vehicle at such a young age.
The incident has sparked a debate about parental supervision and child safety. Many are questioning how an 8-year-old was able to access and operate a vehicle without anyone noticing. Some are calling for stricter laws regarding child access to vehicles, while others are urging parents to be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s activities.
Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping a close eye on young children and ensuring they are not able to access dangerous items such as car keys. It also highlights the need for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of driving at a young age.
In the end, this story serves as a cautionary tale for parents everywhere. It is a reminder that even the most innocent and well-intentioned actions by children can have serious consequences if left unchecked. It is important for parents to be proactive in teaching their children about safety and responsibility, and to always keep a watchful eye on their activities.
