by San Antonio, TX – A troubling incident unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, when a 25-year-old woman allegedly instructed a 9-year-old girl to move her car, resulting in a crash that left the child injured. Ladeja Pickett has now been charged with injury to a child and endangering a child following the accident.
This case highlights serious concerns about child safety and responsibility involving minors and vehicles, sparking community attention and legal action.
The Incident and Charges
According to Bexar County Sheriff’s Office records, deputies responded to the crash scene shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 9. Authorities state that Ladeja Pickett, who is not the girl’s mother but was a family friend, asked the 9-year-old to move a car out of her driveway while she was decorating for Christmas.
Pickett reportedly told investigators that the child knew where the car keys were and retrieved them independently. Unfortunately, the child lost control of the vehicle, ultimately crashing into a neighbor’s truck after jumping out of the car.
- The child sustained a laceration to the forehead.
- She also suffered road rash on her leg.
- The girl remains hospitalized as of the latest reports.
- Pickett faces charges of injury to a child and endangering a child.
Community and Legal Reactions
The child’s mother expressed her distress to local news outlet KSAT, emphasizing that Pickett “had no right to hand a minor keys” and criticizing the decision to involve such a young child in moving a vehicle.
“She was a family friend, but this situation was irresponsible and dangerous,” the mother stated.
Legal experts point to the severity of the charges, which underscore the serious risk Pickett is alleged to have imposed by allowing a child to operate a car.
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Safety Concerns and Lessons
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about child safety and the legal consequences of endangering minors. Experts advise that children under the legal driving age should never be given access to vehicle keys or asked to operate cars under any circumstances.
- Always keep car keys out of reach of children.
- Never pressure minors to engage in unsafe activities.
- Understand that family friend status does not grant authority to endanger children.
For further details on this developing story, visit the original report.
What Happens Next?
As the legal process unfolds, Ladeja Pickett’s case remains under close scrutiny. The community continues to discuss how to better protect children from similar dangerous situations. Authorities urging vigilance in child supervision hope this incident will prompt others to take safety precautions seriously.
What do you think about this incident and the charges filed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
