12-year-old caught driving 7-year-old on state highway to ‘get a haircut’
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CROCKETT COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT:
FRIENDSHIP, TN [May 22, 2025] – A deputy with the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office, while conducting routine patrol on a state highway near Highway 412 in Friendship, observed a vehicle traveling at a speed of 47 mph in a clearly posted 30 mph zone.
Upon initiating a traffic stop, the deputy discovered that the driver was a 12-year-old juvenile who had taken a 7-year-old on a ride to get a haircut. Both children were uninjured, and no accident occurred. The deputy took immediate action to ensure their safety and contacted the children’s parents, who arrived on scene shortly thereafter.
Three citations were issued because of the stop. Due to the driver’s age and circumstances surrounding the incident, the matter has been referred to juvenile authorities for review.
The children were released into their parents’ custody without further incident.
“This could have had a tragic ending,” said Sheriff Troy N. Klyce. “This occurred on a stretch of road that sees regular traffic, especially near Highway 412, and the dangers of unlicensed juveniles operating motor vehicles cannot be overstated – especially with 7 year old riding inside the vehicle.”
The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office reminds all residents to take vehicle safety and driver responsibility seriously. Allowing underage or unlicensed individuals to operate a vehicle is not only illegal – it puts lives at risk.
For further information, please contact the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office at (731) 696-2104.
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