Des Moines Mom Charged After Her Son Was Seen Clinging To Moving Vehicle

Photo: Bill Oxford / E+ / Getty Images

(Des Moines, IA) -- A local mother is accused of driving a vehicle while her child clung to a side mirror. A criminal complaint states Sammi Jo Thurman of Des Moines was seen driving September 28. 2023 from Southeast Elementary School in Ankeny with her 7-year-old son hanging onto the driver's side mirror.

The complaint states Thurman's actions were recorded on a school surveillance camera around 3 p.m. and there were other vehicles on the road at the time.

Thurman's been charged with child endangerment. Jailers also found a substance believed to be meth on her when she was booked. She's to be in court later this month. A no contact order has also been filed against Thurman.


View Full Site