Mother Facing Criminal Charges: Allowed 3-Year-Old To Pump Gas

A mother in Pennsylvania is facing criminal charges after she allegedly allowed her 3-year-old son pump gas into their car. Employees of the Giant To-Go gas station contacted the police when they noticed the dangerous situation.

According to witnesses the toddler, not understanding how to use the pump correctly, sprayed gasoline all over himself. Theresa Morgan Camara, age 46, allegedly drove away with her 3-year-old son before officers could respond.

As reported by The Washington Times, Gregory McCarter witnessed the dangerous situation:

“The boy must have pulled the pump out before releasing the handle, because he ended up spraying gasoline onto himself.”

When police arrived on the scene they were able to view video surveillance to confirm the witness reports. Using a license plate number provided by a witness, they were eventually able to contact Camara. The mother admitted that she allowed her 3-year-old son to pump gas, and that he had sprayed it all over himself.

The Affidavit of Probable Cause, provided byThe Smoking Gun, states that police received a call stating that there was a “toddler using the gas pump.” It states that the police reviewed the surveillance footage and observed the child struggling with the pump and “spraying himself with gasoline.” The affidavit concluded by requesting that Camara be charged with “Endangering Welfare of Children.”

According to the OSHA safety data sheet, gasoline can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. Inhalation can cause dizziness and drowsiness.

The affidavit had not been signed so it is unclear whether prosecutors will pursue endangerment charges against the woman. The affidavit did not mention it the 3-year-old child suffered any adverse reactions to the gasoline.