SALT LAKE CITY -- Video of a boy driving a big-rig semi-truck posted on Facebook has sparked outrage on social media.
A man, believed to be a Utah-based truck driver, allegedly recorded the video from the semi's passenger seat.
KUTV reports the boy appears to be no older than 12. While it is unclear where and when the video was recorded, the clip shows several cars passing on the opposite side of the highway. At least one vehicle passing the semi in the left lane.
"I was honestly extremely shocked, seeing a child behind the wheel of a semi," Lt. Jeff Nigbur with Utah Highway Patrol said. "I've been working 15 years along the Wasatch Front and I've never ever seen anything like that."
The video was initially posted on the Facebook page of a man who, according to his Facebook profile, drives for a company called Ship Ex out of Salt Lake City.
KUTV called Ship Ex, but received only produced a "no comment" response. Shortly after the call, the video was yanked from Facebook.
Lt. Jeff Nigbur
"It's a semi, we have no idea what's in that vehicle," said Nigbur. "The child does obviously not have a license or a CDL and is not experienced. He could've killed somebody."
Near the end of the clip, the boy is heard asking for the man to "take the wheel" and admits he is scared.
"I kind of understand where he's coming from as a father, having some good father-son bonding time, but honestly, that's just not the way to do it," said Nigbur.
Highway patrol officials said criminal charges are possible, but said they are unlikely since officials are uncertain if the child was driving in Utah.
