What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up Son?

Officials of an Arkansas elementary school were surprised to see lights come on in the school’s bus yard last Monday night around 11 pm.  They immediately took action and called their local Police department, reporting a bus stolen, who then zeroed in on a 10 yr. old boy who they found out (later), had taken a school bus for a “joyride” and led authorities on a chase along a local highway. 

Police from three counties, four towns and the Arkansas State Police began chasing the bus and it’s young driver. Naturally, the police set up spike strips in the road but the youngster avoided them!  He then rolled on, heading North along Highway 65 and into Jefferson County with a caravan of cops in tow.  Like the car chase scene at the end of the movie “Blues Brothers”.

“We’re now coming into town and our speed is 25 miles an hour,” officers reportedly said over a radio scanner.  Well as it turned out, the chase rolled on for another 40+ miles until the school bus slowed down enough for a Sherriff’s Deputy to stop the vehicle when to their dismay, they discovered that the “perp” was just a child.  That didn’t keep them from slapping the cuffs on him and bringing him in – only to have him be released into his parents’ custody. It’s unclear if and what charges the child may face. 

Officials for the school stated that he was in with a group of youngsters caught on video, who tried to pull the same gag in September.  Gag did you say?  Pranksters did you say?  This is GTA (grand theft auto) my friends and this little cretin and his pals have set themselves up for a trip to “Boot Camp” IMO.  Or, some serious, supervised community service and probation at least. 

I realize that Arkansas is not filled with roller skating, miniature golf courses, kids’ bowling nights and go-kart hang-outs in every town, but this was a 10 yr. old child come on!  Someone has to get their attention NOW!  And while they’re at it, have a Social Services Representative check out the “home front” as well, seeing as the parents allow their little kids to roam the neighborhood at 11 pm at night.   Give me a break!