9-year-old at the wheel because couple was too drunk, police say

A Wisconsin mom and her boyfriend are facing felony charges for allowing her 9-year-old daughter to drive them home after allegedly being too drunk to drive.

Jason Roth and Amanda Eggert plead not guilty Friday to a number of felony charges including child neglect and second degree recklessly endangering safety according to Fox 9.

Authorities say they took a 911 complaint about erratic driving on rural Wisconsin roads. By the time law enforcement caught up to Eggert and Roth’s truck, it was rolling backwards towards a river at a public boat launch.

“At which time the deputy was able to jump into the vehicle and place it in park and secure the vehicle,” Capt. Steve Smith said.

Deptuy Jeff Hahn said he was stunned when discovered that the driver was only 9 years old. Also in the backseat of the pickup was an 11-month-old child.

Roth's preliminary breath test indicated a blood level alcohol level of .25, three times the legal limit in Wisconsin.

The children are in the care of a family member.