6-year-old Takes Video Game Skills to the Streets; Wrecks Car, Misses PE

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Believing video games Grand Theft Auto and Monster Truck Jam had taught him how to operate a motor vehicle, a 6-year-old boy in Wicomico Church, Virgina attempted to drive himself to school in his family's 2005 Ford Taurus after missing the bus.

He made it nearly six miles, making two 90-degree turns and swerving off the rural road numerous times, before he finally hit a utility pole about a mile and a half away from school, according to The Associated Press.

"He was very intent on getting to school," noted 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." He later told police he learned to drive in video games.

The unnamed boy arrived at school after lunch, following a trip to the hospital for minor injuries, including a bump on his head. He presumably missed PE.

His parents have been charged with child endangerment, possible because the mother was asleep when the child grabbed the keys and began his ill-fated journey. The boy and his 4-year-old brother are currently in protective custody.

The mother, 26-year-old Jacqulyn Deana Waltman, is being held without bond. The father, 40-year-old David Eugene Dodson, deposited a $5,000 bond for his freedom.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    January 6, 2009 1:38 PM

    Haha

    Dad: See ya, I'm OUTTA HERE
    Mom: WAIIIIT

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