A street race involving two cars took a shocking turn when law enforcement in Volusia County, Florida, discovered a 12-year-old behind the wheel of one of the vehicles. The concerning event unfolded on Tuesday, April 29, around 6:45 p.m., on a two-lane road in DeLand, located northeast of Orlando.
An officer observed the two cars racing side by side, clearly engaged in a competitive race, as detailed by the Police Department in a Facebook post on May 1. The officer managed to pull over both vehicles, only to find that one driver was a mere 12-year-old. Not only was he unlicensed, but he was also driving a car lent by the mother of one of his passengers.
Inside the vehicle were two 16-year-old teens who were also charged for knowingly participating in the illegal race, as reported by El Nuevo Herald. The second driver, a 17-year-old from DeLand, was taken into custody for racing on public roads. Authorities noted that the teen was driving his mother's car and acknowledged he knew his competitor attended a local middle school.
"Do you think it's a good idea to race a middle schooler? He's 12 years old," the officer is heard saying on the body camera footage released by the police. The video also shows the officer explaining the situation to the boy's mother, who appeared visibly frustrated. She suggested her son deserved a slap, to which the officer replied, "I can't slap them. He's your son. Corporal punishment is completely legal."
The hazardous race occurred in a residential area known as Daytona Park Estates, where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour. While the exact speed of the young drivers wasn't disclosed, authorities emphasized the extreme danger posed by the incident.
The 12-year-old faced charges for driving without a license and participating in illegal racing before being returned to his parents. Meanwhile, the others involved are confronting charges related to reckless driving and engaging in unauthorized street races.
Key Questions on Illegal Street Racing Involving Minors
What charges did the 12-year-old face?
The 12-year-old was charged with driving without a license and participating in illegal racing.
What was the reaction of the 12-year-old's mother?
The mother was visibly exasperated and suggested her son deserved a slap, to which the officer responded that corporal punishment is legal but he could not slap him.
Where did the street race take place?
The street race occurred in Daytona Park Estates, a residential area in DeLand, Florida, where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour.