8-Year-Old Drives Herself to Target, Hits Mailbox, Bedford Police Say

Bedford, NH -

A Bedford, New Hampshire girl made quite the journey on her own over the weekend, driving herself to a nearby Target store and hitting a mailbox along the way.

According to Bedford Police, an 8-year-old girl was behind the wheel of her family's SUV when she took it for a joyride Saturday afternoon.

She drove the vehicle about a mile from her home to a Target store on South River Road.

The Journey

The girl's adventure began around 4:30 pm Saturday when she got into the family's SUV, which was parked in the driveway with the keys inside.

She started the vehicle and drove off, heading towards the Target store.

Along the way, she hit a mailbox, causing minor damage.

Arrival at Target

The girl successfully drove to the Target store and parked the SUV in the parking lot.

She then went inside the store and was found by a Target employee, who contacted the police.

The girl was unharmed and was reunited with her parents at the store.

Police Investigation

Bedford Police are investigating the incident and have not yet determined how the girl was able to start the vehicle.

They are also working to determine if any charges will be filed.

The girl's parents are cooperating with the investigation.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time a child has driven a vehicle in New Hampshire.

In 2020, a 10-year-old boy drove his family's car to a McDonald's restaurant in Manchester.

In 2019, a 9-year-old girl drove her family's car to a Walmart store in Nashua.