4-Year-Old Takes Car Keys, Goes For Joyride
4-Year-Old Takes Car Keys, Goes For Joyride Save Email Print
Posted: 6:30 PM Jul 31, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:30 PM Jul 31, 2008
31 comments
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At four-years-old, many children still can't ride a bike, but one Kentucky boy took it one step further.

The Lincoln County boy wanted to go to his grandmother's house, so he took the car keys and his little brother and left.

It happened on Saturday on Maxi Ridge Road in Lincoln County.

Sheriff Curt Folger says the boy took off while his mother and her boyfriend were asleep. The Sheriff says the boy got in the car, adjusted the seat and somehow got the car turned around.

The four-year-old didn't make it very far, crashing the car through a fence and some trees. Neither boy was hurt in the crash.

The Sheriff says when the boy's mother's boyfriend, Douglas Bell, got to the scene he was upset and made a move like he was going to hurt the boy or a deputy. Bell was arrested and charged with menacing.

The boy's mother has been reported to child protective services in Jessamine County where she lives.
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Posted by: sheila Location: middleburg on Aug 17, 2008 at 11:48 PM
thanks for all of u people who realize this is not all it seems to be. the "boyfriend" is my brother and he would not hurt a child even if in this case the child did need a spanking to make sure it did not happen again. i said spanking not beating. children never get spanked nowadays, is that maybe a sign of all of this child crime running rampant. not necessarily 2 or 4 year olds but it starts somewhere. my sister and i put other comments on here when this first happened but they did not get printed. how convenient.
Posted by: Stephanie S Location: Virginia Beach on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I'm not sure what the situation is here, but it's something my kid would do. My son is very bright and determined and those children are often the hardest to deal with (but also a joy as well - the questions they ask are priceless). My son knows how to creep out of bed to get into things without waking my husband and I - and I imagine these kids do as well. I think the people complaining here are childless or never tried raising a child with a high IQ.
Posted by: grumpy on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:19 AM
allie its my typing not my spelling you should learn manners and not put people down
Posted by: Polly Location: Richmond on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Most of these comments are funny. Children are smarter than anyone gives them credit for. When I was a kid, I'd gotten a spanking for that one. Not a beating, but a spanking. That is what is wrong with this world. Far as Mom goes, who knows why she's single. Maybe the childrens father was abusive or maybe he left him. So what if she has a boyfriend, she may just to be a better judge of character. Sure the baby wanted his Nanna, all kids do! Doesn't matter if they have it all at home, no one beats Nanna. These things happen. If the children were covered in bruises from abuse they would need to be taken. I agree small children need to under eye at all times. But we don't exactly know what time this happened. Kids are sneeky, they are kids and these are the things that children will do. I'm glad no one was injured. There is no need for the harsh Judgements to be passed. Take a good look at KY, take a good look at yourself for that matter.
Posted by: Jennifer Location: lexington on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:01 PM
I've never been on a site like this before and am sad to know there are individuals passing such extreme judgement with minimal information. While looking for information, this site came up and unfortunately I glanced at this article and the responses that followed. Some of the opinions regarding parenting and lifestyle indicate perfection on the part of those writing in. The harsh reality is, you've condemned this woman and passed judgements you are not informed enough to make. Nothing was ever said about drugs or alcohol. You assumed the worst. And, shared it as though it were fact. The ones who should be more aware may be You, the ones passing judgement.
Posted by: Jerry Location: Lexington on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I just picked up my telephone book and looked for someone with the last name of Anonymous. I can't find it anywhere. Where are all the people with this name coming from? I'll agree with Ann Onnimus from michigan and reserve the rest of my comments because I know they won't print them.
Posted by: feh Location: wisconsin on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I think they were probably just really GREAT parents who have taught their son independence and how to care for himself. They probably said, "listen, we work 3 jobs each to pay for you. We need some sleep, take the car and your brother to grandma's like we taught you". Hell, this kid will probably have his own business by the time he's 10. Kids can learn if you take the time to teach them, as this couple obviously did.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:22 AM
how was the kid able to use the gas pedal?
Posted by: Ann Onnimus Location: michigan on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I have to laugh at all the dolts who are being apologists for this man and woman, who clearly aren't qualified to be parents. Likely your homes are as out of control and your lives as messy and morally questionable as theirs. "Sleeping" my patootie. Passed out more likely. Poor kids.
Posted by: Allie on Aug 4, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Hey grumpy; please learn to spell and form a coherent sentence or people will believe this 4 year old is smarter than you. Then again...he probably (or probly as you put it) is smarter than you already.
Posted by: bruce on Aug 3, 2008 at 04:28 AM
yea my 4 year old can do advanced cpr and has a 4.0 preschool grade average, right now he is working on his cure for bedwetting
Posted by: grumpy on Aug 2, 2008 at 11:46 PM
so what they were not married the boys got out in the middle of the night probly sneaked the mother didnot have to be druged she was more than likely worn out with twq little ones like that give her a break and quit being sanctmonous this could happen to you not that it isnt bad
Posted by: Lorelei Location: pike on Aug 2, 2008 at 01:59 PM
lol Fred! most of you people would be AMAZED at the things a 2 & 4 year-old can do together! At that age mine started waking each other up, being quiet to avoid waking us up (my husband, their father -- for the prudes), and seeing what they could get into. There is nothing like waking up to a noise at 3 am (they were early risers some days) to kids having an egg fight. At that age they are old enough to figure out how to do things, but too young to know better. If mine could have gotten out, I would not have put driving somewhere past them (by 2 the oldest had figured out how to put the car into gear, but since I was right beside him nothing bad happened). Kids are scary, and (unless scared to death) will try the most amazing things. BTW, my boys? the third (now 9) has followed in his brothers steps and been placed in our school's high ability program. Everyone told me this behavior was a sign of intelligence, but I was too wore out to listen.
Posted by: B Location: London on Aug 2, 2008 at 12:49 PM
What to say about this one? Well, for a 4 year old to possess this kind of organized thinking......to get the keys, get in the car, take his brother with him, adjust the seat, start the car and try to get to grandmas house...he has probably had to fend for himself and his brother before. Grandma probably has something in her fridge for them to eat. I am, of course, assuming mom and "boyfriend" were in a drug induced coma (first of the month) while this child was acting on his instinct. How else could people sleep through two children(ages 4 and under) being up and around in the house? Hope social services drug tests the parents and if negative sends them to parenting school. If positive...the kids deserve better parents and a chance that they won't get with these two.
Posted by: Steven Location: somewhere on Aug 2, 2008 at 11:11 AM
um... lisa black... it was at 9:00am. Last I checked, that wasn't "at night when children should be sleeping".
Posted by: Sy Location: KY on Aug 2, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Sin Sin Sleeping with boy friend. Where is father? That is the problem. Bring children into this world without marriage and raising them in a loving two parent home. Why do these people bring these little children into this world when they can't afford to raise them. He probably wanted grandma because she gives him the love a child needs.
Posted by: BILL Location: KY. on Aug 2, 2008 at 10:15 AM
The keys should be kept put up no matter how old the kids are..just for precaution(kids are different than they once were). Any person, man or woman that will lay down with another person that they aren't married to, while children are present in the same house HAS NO MORALS! Children learn what they live. If I WAS THE FATHER OF THESE CHILDREN, I'D BE DOING SOME INVESTIGATING!
Posted by: james Location: FL on Aug 2, 2008 at 10:09 AM
all of you on here saying the kids need to be taken you are the ones who need to have your kids taken how dare you even suggest that based on the little bit of info that was reported we have no clue what happend what time it was or any thing else if it was early morning i dont know about every one elses kids but mine dont get up at exactly the same time everyday it ranges between 5:30 and 7:30 so while you are saying she an unfit mother for being asleep i bet that you cannot say that your kids have never beet you out of bed while mine dont go joyriding they do get up and yes somtimes before me and my wife so does that make people unfit NO IT DOSENT and you know it as for the boyfriend he was proablly gonna spank the boy just like i would have my 4 year old if they stole my car what do you want parents to do shake their finger and say NO-NO to stealing a car LOL thats whats wrong with the world people like yall not raising your kids properly thats why we have child crime
Posted by: Bill on Aug 2, 2008 at 08:41 AM
WoW a kid steals the car and drives away and the police have to arrest someone.Sleeping is not agianist the law folks.At least not yet.Sounds to me like the cops were real jerks.
Posted by: Goebel Location: Lexington on Aug 1, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Future Nascar driver.
Posted by: any mouse Location: lexington on Aug 1, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I thought all boys did this.? Pretty smart kids these days, interested in everything at such an early age. Sometimes fascination takes over what's right and wrong. At 4, yeah, they were fascinated with cars, trucks, nascar racing. When the kids are this fascinated they can surprize you like this. Give them ALL a break and let them get back to sleep. They ALL wanted to have a good day in this world. We should all be happy and let others be happy with what they do. They didn't harm you.
Posted by: Me! Location: Ky on Aug 1, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Everyone's steps have dirt around them somewhere,even if you can't see it. So to all of you on here ready to arrest the mom and take the children....Clean your own steps first. The police seen NOTHING wrong with the mom or else they would have removed the children and called Social Services. It don't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
Posted by: lisa Black on Aug 1, 2008 at 05:53 PM
This is for all the anonymous idiots who don't know what they are talking about. It was not during the day, but at night when children should be sleeping. Who would think they could not leave keys on a table in fear of a 4 year old child taking the car out for a spin, a teenager maybe, but not that young. There is no drugs or abuse in this situation. Just a defamation of charachter.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:09 PM
It's pretty bad that a parent doesn't get out of the bed knowing that she has young children that need to be took care of. I'm glad that the two little one's are alright. What if something real tragic would have happened to her little boys?? what would she have done then?? If her boyfriend has that bad of a temper, then it's hard telling how many times before he has lost it dealing with her children. I don't understand people these days. But I'm just glad the little boys are ok and hopefully this doesn't happen again.
Posted by: Jeb Location: Ky on Aug 1, 2008 at 01:49 PM
This is for Anonymous on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:46 AM: The story doesn't say what time of day or night this took place. You ask what the woman was doing sleeping with small children in the house. Well sweetie, you can't stay awake 24/7 now can you? Did you ever go to bed at all while raising your kids? I'm not taking up for the mom in this story and definitely not the boyfriend either. My guess is they are on drugs and I'll applaud the little boy for trying to go to someplace better (if drugs are the case). But you can't say that a Mom isn't allowed to go to sleep if she has children in the house. My God, she'd never be able to make it; she'd be a zombie. But once again, something happens with a child that isn't good and a mother and her "boyfriend" are involved. This world is going to h*** in a handbasket quicker than you can say "common law marriage."
Posted by: Larry Conner Location: Frankfort on Aug 1, 2008 at 11:57 AM
small town gossip at its finest! whats next, someone toilet papered the mayors house?
Posted by: Scott Location: LEX on Aug 1, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Exactly! Deadbeat MOM! This should never happen. She needs to just camp out on the KY River in Jessamine County and not leave old nasty! Cant believe this made the news, he didnt leave the property, he hit a gate on the property..... good grief! small town news!!!
Posted by: Wendy Location: Georgetown on Aug 1, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Deadbeat parents and grandparents... no one watching him.. no excuse!
Posted by: Lezley Location: Lexington on Aug 1, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Typical Lincoln County stuff.... I wish the media didnt even talk or even mention 1 single thing that goes on in Lincoln County! Awful place!
Posted by: gale Location: lancaster on Aug 1, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Kids are good at things nowdays...I am glad they were not hurt. Maybe the mother can put keys up higher from now on..But I can tell one thing for sure--Weldfare or not that little would have gotten a spanking.I'm not saying beat him but kids need spanking not time out chair or lost of playtime.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Lexington on Aug 1, 2008 at 07:05 AM
The Mom and her BOYFRIEND were sleeping? I'm guessing this was sometime during the middle of the day so the "sleeping" part is probably "passed out." From the way it sounds, this is probably a good thing since the BOYFRIEND would have probably beaten the tar out of the four year old based on what has been reported. I'm wondering how many other times the BOYFRIEND lost his temper. Sounds to me like the four year old is pretty smart. He wanted to go someplace where someone would be coherent and actually pay attention to him and his brother. It's such a shame that his Mommy and her BOYFRIEND arent' as smart as him. Yes, I'm making assumptions here but I'd bet my last dollar I'm correct. You'll find that drugs are involved here and this is also another incident involving a woman with kids and her BOYFRIEND!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:46 AM
What was this woman doing sleeping when she had small children in the house. She needs to have social services involved. These children could have been seriously injured. The boyfriend needs to stay in jail if he was attempting to hit the child.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Okay if this little boy was only 4, how old was his little brother and why in the world weren't they being supervised?
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:10 PM
They're just good ole' boys. Never meanin no harm. Beats all you ever saw, been in trouble with the law, since the day they was born...
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 08:40 PM
If there is justice, these kids will be placed in a home where they'll have the adult supervision they obviously weren't getting at home. Sounds to me like the kid knew something wasn't right and was only trying to get to grandma where he knew he and little brother would be safer. I hope mom does some jail time too, for child neglect, and endangering the welfare of minors!
Posted by: Stephanie Location: Richmod on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:48 PM
I think it is really crazy that a young child could do that. I love watching your evening cast when I can get the time. I think brad James was the greatest person on the news and I wish him luck.
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