A Missouri mother is facing child endangerment charges after her 11-year-old son crashed a car into a daycare while waiting for her to pick up his siblings.
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The incident occurred last Wednesday around 4 p.m. in Independence, Missouri, when the woman left her son inside a running car while she went inside the day care center to retrieve other children. According to FOX 4, the boy told police that he became impatient while waiting, so he decided to move the vehicle. However, he mistakenly thought the car was in reverse, but it was actually in drive, causing him to crash directly into the building.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the day care suffered structural damage. The day care’s owner has since issued a statement saying they are assessing the extent of the damage and working on a plan to rearrange classroom spaces for the children affected by the crash site.
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Mother Faces Child Endangerment Charges
Why the Mother Is Being Charged
Although no one was injured, the boy’s mother is now facing legal consequences. Authorities say she left the child alone in a running vehicle, which is considered child endangerment under Missouri law.
- She was not immediately booked, but charges have been filed against her.
- The legal charge stems from the risk created by leaving a child alone in an operable vehicle.
- Police emphasized that even though the boy caused the crash, the mother was ultimately responsible for his safety and supervision.
Missouri Laws on Child Endangerment
Missouri law considers leaving a child unattended in a running car to be a potential criminal offense, especially if the situation results in property damage, injury, or risk to others.
While the mother did not intend for the crash to happen, her actions created an unsafe environment, leading to legal repercussions.
