Guest MonkeySee Posted January 8, 2009 Posted January 8, 2009 They arrested both mom and dad and put the kids in foster care. Seems extreme to me. WICOMICO CHURCH, Va. – A 6-year-old Virginia boy who missed his bus tried to drive to school in his family's sedan — and crashed. His parents were charged with child endangerment. State police said the boy suffered only minor injuries and authorities drove him to school after he was evaluated at a local hospital for a bump on his head. He arrived shortly after lunch, Sgt. Tom Cunningham said. It happened around 7:40 a.m. Monday on Route 360, about 61 miles east of Richmond. The boy, whose name wasn't released, missed the bus, took the keys to his family's 2005 Ford Taurus and drove nearly six miles toward school while his mother was asleep, police said. He made at least two 90-degree turns, passed several cars and ran off the rural two-lane road several times before hitting an embankment and utility pole about a mile and a half from school. The boy told police he learned to drive playing Grand Theft Auto and Monster Truck Jam video games. "He was very intent on getting to school," said Northumberland County Sheriff Chuck Wilkins. "When he got out of the car, he started walking to school. He did not want to miss breakfast and PE." His parents, Jacqulyn Deana Waltman, 26, and David Eugene Dodson, 40, are each charged with child endangerment, Wilkins said. Waltman is being held without bond. Dodson was released on a $5,000 bond. It was not clear if they had attorneys. The boy and his 4-year-old brother were placed in protective custody. "This really is a story of miracles," Wilkins said. "The Lord was with him, along with everybody else on the highway." Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted January 8, 2009 Posted January 8, 2009 Punishing the parents like this is way over the top, but I do wonder why the mother was asleep when the boy was getting ready for school. Quote
Guest GaySacGuy Posted January 8, 2009 Posted January 8, 2009 I want to know the rest of the story regarding the parents??? I think there is more than we know, especially since one is being held without bond. Bet there is moe to the story!! Quote
Guest MonkeySee Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 Bet there is more to the story!! I am sure there is more to the story. If County Sheriff Chuck Wilkins had authority in Thailand, I am sure he would probably have a field day arresting many Thai parents. You do have to admire the spunk of this 6 year old. He sure was determined to get to school. Quote
