9-Year-Old ‘Designated Driver’ for Drunk Father Appears in Court [VIDEO]
The 9-year-old girl, who acted as designated driver for her drunk father in Detroit caught on video back in October, appeared in court on Tuesday, testifying that she had driven a four-wheeler before.
District Judge Michael McNally delayed the decision of the case of 39-year-old Shawn Weimer, who asked his child to drive him home while he was intoxicated. Weimer, who was charged with fourth and second degree child abuse, could be charged on felony child abuse charges.
The incident occurred, and was caught on video, when Weimer asked his 9-year-old daughter to drive him to a gas station as he sat in the passenger seat intoxicated during the late evening of Oct. 7.
During her appearance in court, the 9-year-old burst into tears before questioning began from Wayne County assistant prosecutor Keisha Glenn as she was swearing under oath.
What was he drinking? Glenn questioned.
Black Velvet, the girl said.
Do you know what Black Velvet is?
After a pause, the girl replied, I don't know, whiskey.
The girl said Weimer drank half the bottle that evening, though he threw the rest away and was not drunk. She also testified that she used to drive a four-wheeler and a small mini-motorcycle all of the time, though her father asked her to drive a large van that evening.
She said her dad asked her to drive in the wee hours on Oct. 8 using a booster seat.
I said yeah but I'd be a little scared, she told the court.
The girl drove more than two miles to a Citgo gas station, where she was caught on video driving up to the gas pump and exiting from the passenger side. Her father then went inside to purchase her a snack and bragged about his daughter driving him while he was drunk to the clerk, Charles Girardot, according to the Examiner.
Nine years old, nine, dad drinking. Listen, we're leaving and she's driving. She drives us here. I swear to you. Nine years old, in the truck, we're here. She drove all the way here.
And I parked, the girl said.
Shortly after, Girardot called 911 around 3 a.m. to report the incident, the Examiner reported.
She's driving pretty good. I'm telling ya, I can't believe it, Girardot said during the emergency call.
A witness, Girardot and the police officer who pulled her over also testified on Tuesday. The 9-year-old designated driver said she was confused why police pulled her over the night she drove her father.
I was driving good, she reportedly said to police that night.
Judge Michael McNally is expected to make a decision on Monday.
Watch the video of the 9-year-old designated driver here:
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