[Taltarzac725]

Mother lets son drive golf cart at resort, gets jailed for child abuse | The Charlotte Observer

What do you think of this? I know people's life experiences will color how you see these events.

[redwitch]

The whole thing sounds strange. No question the parents showed poor judgment in allowing the son to drive the cart but a citation should have been sufficient. What police officer doesn't have his ticket book with him? Seems like they held the woman there an awfully long time if you consider that the niece left with the kids and the husband left to get bug repellant and returned. And why was just the mother charged? The father was also in the cart sitting next to the boy. My gut feeling is that the true story is somewhere between the two versions given. Regardless, the charges didn't fit the crime. Child endangerment, okay, but not child abuse.

[Bay Kid]

The police needed more control. Situations like this will make it hard on other police.

[bagboy]

I think the truth lies somewhere between the two stories. It would not have happened in the first place had an adult been operating the golf cart. As wonderful as the offended family are portrayed by the author, makes me wonder if the author has an axe to grind with Bald Head Island officials. I've been there a few times and it's very quiet, peaceful and isolated.

[outlaw]

After reading the article and watching her husband's video of the arrest, it appears to me she was totally out of control. she was lucky these were not NYC or Chicago cops. The three cops were trying to cuff/restrain her as she was screaming and flailing her legs. It looked like they were being as gentle as possible. I chalk this up to a couple that has been spoiled their whole life and have no respect for anyone.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by bagboy

I think the truth lies somewhere between the two stories. It would not have happened in the first place had an adult been operating the golf cart. As wonderful as the offended family are portrayed by the author, makes me wonder if the author has an axe to grind with Bald Head Island officials. I've been there a few times and it's very quiet, peaceful and isolated.

It kind of sounds to me like these officers are not very well trained unlike the officers in many other communities.

They seemed to have gone way overboard with their treatment of this couple and their kids and dog.

My practical training at the U of MN Law School was primarily defending people and my inclination is often towards questioning authority. Studying Philosophy does make you question things.

[outlaw]

The husband addresses the officers as "dude" several times. Even the wife refers to them as "dudes". Who does that?! Is it so hard to reply "Yes officer. We were wrong, and we are sorry. We are on vacation, and in the moment of having a great day we used poor judgement."

[bagboy]

Possibly questioning authority when being questioned by a police officer is a bit ill timed.

[Ken M]

Child abuse for letting the 11 year old kid drive a golf cart? That much escalation for this petty incident? It's kind of weird that they keep saying she was drunk but there was no use of a breathalyzer - and I'm having a hard time understanding why the police officer let a "drunk man" drive his golf cart back to his condo.

[joec3]

both sides are wrong. this is what happens when things spirel out of control

[zonerboy]

I'm quite sure the "Mom" involved in this incident was absolutely polite and calm in her dealings with the Police officers who were so bold as to be critical of her dear son's qualifications to drive a golf cart.
I can see it in my mind now!
Reminiscent of how some grandparents here treat their grandchildren.

[flyerguy]

I've seen this video on the News several times. Don't know the whole story, but I do know that if it was me or my wife I wouldn't be kicking, screaming, and causing a major incident . We would just cooperate with the Police and follow their instructions.

It seems, to me, that the mother was purposely causing a scene because she knew it was being taped and they would be getting a lot of press. She may be up for best supporting actress.

[Ken M]

Nevermind I guess she wasn't driving so no need for a breathalyzer. This will be great for Bald Head Island tourism though - wealthy people love to vacation where the police beat the s**t out of them.

[Ken M]

Why she screaming like that? I get that she's probably frightened and being jerked around, but her shrieking is making everything much worse. Also, that dog is precious - glad the police didn't shoot it.

[obxgal]

I think she should have gotten an academy award for her performance.
I do agree with the law as far as you must be 16 and have a valid drivers’ license.
The ONLY exception to that, would be on the golf course.