RIVERVIEW — A 41-year-old woman was arrested after Hillsborough County deputies say she allowed her 11-year-old child to drive a vehicle, resulting in a crash at a Riverview gas station Sunday evening.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 8:35 p.m. on August 16, 2026, to a 7-Eleven on Gordon Road after receiving reports that a child had crashed a vehicle into a concrete traffic barrier.
Deputies said their investigation determined that 41-year-old Carribean Myers allowed her 11-year-old child, who has autism, to drive the vehicle from their residence to the gas station while Myers rode in the vehicle as a passenger and supervised the child.
While attempting to stop at the gas station, the child reportedly mistook the accelerator for the brake and crashed into the concrete barrier.
No injuries were reported. Authorities said both the vehicle and the building sustained damage.
During the investigation, deputies also learned that Myers had not had a valid driver’s license since July 13, 2026. Investigators said she had previously allowed her underage children to drive despite not having valid driver’s licenses.
“Putting an 11-year-old behind the wheel is reckless and could have ended in tragedy,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This mother made a dangerous decision that put her child and everyone around them at risk. Parents have a responsibility to protect their children, not place them in situations that could get them or someone else seriously hurt. We will hold anyone accountable who puts a child in danger.”
Myers was arrested and faces charges of Child Abuse and Permitting an Unauthorized Minor to Drive.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active.
