A tragic incident unfolded in Lufkin, Texas, when a 10-year-old girl, under her father’s instruction, accidentally drove his truck into her 6-year-old stepbrother, resulting in his death. The father, 31-year-old Clinton Earl Johnson Jr., is now in custody, facing charges of criminal negligent homicide.
The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when the family was enjoying an outdoor grilling session. The girl was riding her tricycle while her stepbrother was playing with his mother’s phone on the porch. According to the arrest affidavit, the girl’s tricycle path was obstructed by Johnson’s truck.
Johnson, in an attempt to clear the path, allegedly instructed his daughter to move the truck. The girl’s mother later told investigators that her daughter became confused and accidentally hit the gas pedal, causing the truck to crash into the porch. The impact resulted in the porch’s boards and poles scattering on the ground.
Upon arrival, deputies from the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office found the 6-year-old boy lying on the ground in front of the pickup truck. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Johnson reportedly admitted to the police that he had allowed his daughter to drive the truck on back roads in the past. The deputies also reported smelling alcohol on both Johnson and the mother, who confessed to having consumed three or four drinks each.
Following the incident, Johnson was taken into custody at the Angelina County Jail. He has since posted a $3,000 bond. It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation or when his next court appearance is scheduled.