Drunk Dad Lets 8-Year-Old Son Drive; Hilarity Ensues

Two Major League Soccer coaches, an eight-year-old driving a van, an Albertson's parking lot, a bottle of Canadian whiskey ... that's a recipe for adventure right there.

Pictured here we see Mark A. Belanger, 34, of Sarasota, who was arrested on charges of child endangerment on Sunday night when he allegedly let his eight-year-old son drive a van, which almost plowed into two Toronto FC coaches who were walking nearby. Some tremendous quotes here, so let's get right to them.

Belanger told police he was "feeling woozy and didn't want to drive." He also told them he let his child drive "because he wanted to have a bonding moment with his son." The two pedestrians nearly hit by the child driver are coaches with a Major League Soccer club team, Toronto FC. The team has been in the area for about a week in a training camp.

Witnesses said the boy crashed the van into a tree, shattering the driver's side rear window, after the two coaches got out of the way. The boy then crashed a second time into a tree, damaging the car's radiator, the police report said.

When police arrived, Belanger fell to the ground after he dropped his wallet. When he fell, he slammed his face on the pavement, leaving a gash on the bridge of his nose. The boy told police his father took "liquid medicine in order to feel better." He pointed to an empty bottle of Canadian whiskey in the vehicle.

Mark A. Belanger just pawn in game of life!

Please note that this story has nothing to do with Mark Belanger, the former shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles.

Father Charged When Eight-Year-Old Son Causes Damage [Bradenton Herald]