8-year-old boy drives four-year-old sister to McDonald's after watching YouTube driving videos
'The workers thought that the parents were in the back, but obviously they weren’t,' says officer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The drive-through staff could not believe their eyes when an eight-year-old boy pulled up in a van to order some burgers.
The young boy, from Ohio, embarked on a joy ride alongside his four-year-old sister in their father’s work van after becoming overwhelmed by a hamburger craving.
According to FOX 8, the incident occurred at around 8pm on Sunday after the children’s dad arrived back from work and headed to bed for an early night.
Police Officer, Jacob Koehler, told the local news channel the kids decided to get in the vehicle after their mother fell asleep on the sofa. Witnesses later saw the young boy driving the van and immediately called the police.
Somewhat astoundingly, the boy informed the officer he had learned to drive by closely observing YouTube videos.
According to Mr Koehler, the boy drove about a mile to the McDonald’s restaurant via intersections and across railroad tracks with no accidents or mishap. Witnesses even said the boy appeared to even be observing traffic laws and drove in line with the speed limit. No charges have been filed.
“He didn’t hit a single thing on the way there. It was unreal,” the officer said.
McDonald’s workers thought they were being pranked when the boy pulled up at the drive-through brandishing his piggy bank.
“The workers thought that the parents were in the back, but obviously they weren’t,” Mr Koehler said.
After being approached by police, the young boy is reported to have burst into tears, immediately realising he had done something wrong. Speaking through tears, he told the officer that he had really wanted a cheeseburger.
A family friend who by chance happened to be eating at the local chain restaurant is said to have then informed the children’s grandparents. Fortunately, the siblings got a chance to eat their cheeseburgers before police arrived.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments