A 14-year-old impaired driver who caused a wreck that sent multiple people to the hospital says he and his friend obtained alcohol from a man at a gas station, according to new court documents.
Miguel Maldonado reportedly picked his 17-year-old friend up around 2 a.m. on July 13, and the teens visited multiple gas stations in an attempt to buy alcohol before heading to a casino.
Records show the pair pulled up to a Circle K at 7th Street and Broadway where a man bought them a 12-pack of beer and a 6-pack of margaritas.
According to the Phoenix police report, Maldonado was driving in search of another store to purchase alcohol when he ran a red light and collided with an SUV at 67th Avenue and Van Buren Street.
A 3-year-old girl was thrown from the SUV, and her parents were both injured.
During an interview with police, Maldonado reportedly admitted to drinking one beer and to driving the car.
“I’m drunk and I can drive good,” Maldonado told police.
The passenger in Maldonado's vehicle told police the 14-year-old was also texting while driving, and occasionally he had to grab the wheel for Maldonado.
Witnesses who saw the 14-year-old get out of the car after the collision said he was “stumbling” and “very drunk.”
Maldonado’s mother accused him of stealing his aunt's car, and said he did not have permission to drive it.
He faces charges of aggravated assault and unlawful means of transportation.
