Dad Sleeps, Lets Son, 8, Drive
July 31, 2011 by UPI - United Press International, Inc.
HOLDEN, La., July 31 (UPI) — Louisiana State Police say they arrested a 28-year-old man who allegedly let his 8-year-old son drive his truck down the Interstate while the father slept.
Authorities said they received calls from motorists reporting a pickup truck driving erratically on I-12 near Holden, La. — and a child appeared to be driving. State Police were able to stop the truck and arrested Billy Joe Madden, of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Police said Madden’s son was driving the vehicle while he slept in the passenger’s seat. His 4-year-old daughter was riding in the back seat.
Police said after interviewing Madden, it was determined he was intoxicated. The children were turned over to Child Protective Services.
Madden was arrested and jailed on two counts of child desertion, parent allowing a minor to drive, open container of alcohol, two counts of no child restraint and no seat belt.
WVUE-TV, New Orleans, said the children would be turned over to family members.
Madden’s bond was set at $1,474.
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