12-year-old driving to get a haircut: A routine patrol by a Crockett County Sheriff’s deputy took an unexpected turn this week when a vehicle traveling well above the speed limit caught the officer’s attention near Highway 412 in Friendship, Tennessee.
Clocked at 47 mph in a 30 mph zone, the vehicle was pulled over—only for the deputy to discover that the driver was just 12 years old.
Even more surprising, a 7-year-old child was riding in the passenger seat. According to officials, the young driver had taken the younger child out for a ride to get a haircut.
Fortunately, no accident occurred, and both children were unharmed. After conducting the stop, the deputy quickly contacted the children’s parents, who arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. The sheriff’s office issued three citations related to the incident, although specific details about the violations were not immediately released.
Due to the age of the driver and the unusual nature of the situation, the case has been referred to juvenile authorities for further evaluation. The children were released into the custody of their parents without further incident.
“This could have had a tragic ending,” said Crockett County Sheriff Troy N. Klyce. “This occurred on a stretch of road that experiences steady traffic, especially near Highway 412. The dangers of having unlicensed juveniles operating vehicles cannot be overstated—especially when another child is involved.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that while no one was harmed, the potential for disaster was very real. Had there been an accident, the consequences could have been devastating.
In light of the incident, the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office issued a public reminder to all residents: allowing underage or unlicensed individuals to drive is illegal and dangerous. Vehicle safety and responsible driving should always be a top priority for families and caregivers.
Authorities are continuing to review the matter, and additional action may be taken depending on the findings of juvenile authorities.
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