Police in southwest Florida (it is always Florida) have arrested a man who got his 8-year-old son to drive his van for him. Police in Bradenton arrested 34-year-old Mark A. Belanger just before midnight Sunday on charges of child abuse and permitting an unlicensed driver to drive.
A police report says the boy hit two trees and nearly hit two people in a parking lot.
Belanger told police he'd taken Xanax, used to treat anxiety and panic attacks, and was 'feeling woozy and didn't want to drive.'
He said he thought letting his son drive would be a 'bonding moment.'
The boy told police his father took 'liquid medicine' to feel better, pointing to an empty whiskey bottle in the vehicle.
Belanger remained jailed Wednesday.
Belanger told police he'd taken Xanax, used to treat anxiety and panic attacks, and was 'feeling woozy and didn't want to drive.'