BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (DDN) – Police in Bloomington reported that a man under the influence instructed his 11-year-old son to take them home from school.
Jarvis Canada, 34, faces charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering a minor, which is classified as a Level 6 felony. He is also charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, another Level 6 felony, and neglect of a dependent, also a Level 6 felony.
Court documents reveal that Canada’s son was unwell, prompting a request for his father to come to the school and take him home. A man reportedly showed signs of intoxication upon arriving at the school, with his 11-year-old son later informing the police that his father’s impaired state was evident through his “poor driving.”
Shortly after departing from the parking lot, Canada reportedly stopped and instructed his son to take over the driving for the remainder of the journey home. A man in Canada reported to investigators that he declined four times but was eventually compelled to drive.
An 11-year-old faced difficulties while driving, mistakenly confusing the gas and brake pedals, which led to unintended acceleration, according to statements made to officers. The child, feeling anxious, made a sudden adjustment and veered off the road, rolling down a hill. The GMC Envoy ended up in a ditch close to W. 3rd Street, right behind an apartment complex where Canada resided.
No injuries were reported in the crash, but witnesses noted that Canada went into his apartment and fell asleep on the couch.
During police questioning, Canada reportedly confessed to borrowing the GMC Envoy from a neighbor to collect his son from school. He acknowledged allowing the 11-year-old to drive, but he refuted claims that it was because he was under the influence.
During the interview, investigators observed a strong smell of alcohol on Canada’s breath. Police reported that his speech was quite slurred.
Canada informed the police that he had not consumed alcohol on the day of the crash, although he did have a few shots of Jim Beam Honey and a couple of glasses of wine at 12:30 a.m.
Authorities reported that Canada consented to a field sobriety test and did not pass any of the three sections. He was taken to the hospital for a blood draw before being arrested and sent to Monroe County Jail.
If found guilty of a Level 6 felony, Canada might be sentenced to a maximum of two and a half years behind bars.
Reference: Bloomington PD: 11-year-old crashes SUV while driving drunken father
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