Father Gets More Time With Young Son Who Drove Car

BAD AXE (WWJ/AP) - A Family Court referee has ruled that an 8-year-old boy who took his stepfather's car on a 20-mile ride in June will spend more time with his biological father.

Huron County Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski said the boy will alternate weeks with his parents. He had been spending three weekends per month with his father.

The boy was 7-years-old when he tried to drive to his father's home. Barefoot and in pajamas, police say the boy drove for about 20 miles before hitting the brakes. When he was finally stopped, the boy tearfully told police officers he just wanted to get to his father's home in Filion. The boy was staying at his mother's home in Sheridan Township. She had worked the night shift and was unaware her son and the car were gone.

Rutkowski dismissed an unlawful use of a motor vehicle petition against the boy.

Meantime, the boy's father is seeking full custody. The boy's mother faces an Oct. 17 pre-trial hearing for bringing her son with her to spend the night at the home of a convicted sex offender. However, no abuse is suspected.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.