Opa-locka, Florida — A Florida mother is facing multiple felony charges after police said she allegedly robbed an auto parts store and then relied on her 13-year-old daughter to drive the getaway car while her two children were inside.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon at an Advance Auto Parts store on NW 27th Avenue, where investigators say the woman took several items without paying before allegedly threatening a store employee when confronted.
Police Say Mother Threatened Employee With Gun
According to Opa-locka police, Aviouse Lucas, 41, entered the Advance Auto Parts location at approximately 4:15 p.m. and allegedly grabbed several items from the store.
Police said Lucas left without paying for the merchandise.
When an employee confronted her, investigators allege that Lucas placed her hand inside the purse area of her clothing and made a threatening statement.
“I have a gun and will shoot.”
Police said the employee backed away after the threat, allowing Lucas to leave the store.
13-Year-Old Daughter Allegedly Drove Away
Investigators said Lucas then entered a BMW that was waiting outside. Inside the vehicle were reportedly two of her children, including a 4-year-old and a 13-year-old.
According to police, the 13-year-old daughter was behind the wheel and drove Lucas away from the store following the alleged robbery.
The use of a child as the alleged getaway driver became a central part of the subsequent investigation, with police ultimately filing a child abuse-related charge against Lucas.
Police Track Down BMW at Mother’s Home
After the vehicle left the store, the employee reportedly provided authorities with information about the BMW and its license plate.
Police then followed that information to Lucas’ home on Northwest 142nd Lane. Authorities said they found Lucas and the BMW at the residence.
Investigators later questioned Lucas about the incident. According to police, she admitted to the robbery and acknowledged that her children had been inside the vehicle.
Police also said Lucas admitted that her 13-year-old daughter drove the BMW after the alleged robbery.
Mother Faces Three Felony Charges
Officers arrested Lucas and charged her with armed robbery, child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The charges reflect both the alleged robbery itself and authorities’ concerns about the circumstances involving Lucas’ children.
Police have alleged that Lucas threatened the store employee while indicating she had a gun, although the available report does not indicate that a firearm was recovered.
Lucas was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center as of Thursday morning. Jail records showed her bond was listed as “to be set.”
Investigation Highlights Children’s Involvement
The case has drawn attention because police allege that a 13-year-old child was placed behind the wheel during the escape, while the woman’s other child, just 4 years old, was also reportedly in the vehicle.
Authorities have not indicated whether the children were physically harmed during the incident. The allegations remain part of the criminal case, and Lucas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Should parents face additional penalties when children are allegedly involved in a crime? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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