Riverview woman arrested after 11-year-old crashes SUV into gas station

A 41-year-old woman, Carribean Myers, was arrested in Riverview, Florida, after allowing her 11-year-old child to drive an SUV. The incident occurred on the evening of August 16, 2026, when the child, who has autism, reportedly mistook the accelerator for the brake while attempting to stop at a 7-Eleven on Gordon Road.

The vehicle crashed into a concrete traffic barrier, causing damage to both the SUV and the gas station building. No injuries were reported. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Myers was a passenger in the vehicle during the drive from her residence to the station.

Investigators determined that Myers has not held a valid driver’s license since July 13, 2026, and had previously allowed her underage children to drive. Myers faces charges of child abuse and permitting an unauthorized minor to drive. Sheriff Chad Chronister described the decision as “reckless” and stated it “could have ended in tragedy.”