When I was a kid, I loved to ride through the neighborhood, the wind racing by.

In an age of iPads and smartphones, it’s great to know little tykes are still partaking in that great American pastime of hitting the open road.

Such was the case for a 5-year-old recently in Ogden, Utah.

But in the little boy’s case, the police stepped in to slow his roll — end it, even.

In Officer Rick Morgan’s defense, the child was swerving.

The state trooper lit his lights, but the boy kept wheelin’ on.

So Rick switched on the siren.

That finally made the moppet stop it.

Paused and pulled over, there was still no need for the kid to put down the kickstand — easy rider Adrian Zamarripa was in a Dodge Journey.

2018 DODGE JOURNEY CROSSROAD for Sale!

We will buy your car or truck whether you buy from us or not. Stop into Hampton Elrod Autogroup, 870-535-5555, to purchase your pre-owned vehicle, trade your vehicle, sell your car or truck, or view all of our in … https://t.co/NnMlEEFDIU pic.twitter.com/uJRQ8DR0HH

— Hampton Elrod Autogroup (@hamptonelrod) May 4, 2020

I know what you’re thinking — that’s a big bus for someone under six.

But the tank-like build probably made it easier to manage on Interstate 15.

Still, that power steering couldn’t keep the SUV sufficiently straight.

Rick recalled to CBS News:

“I approached the vehicle, and I was expecting to find somebody who needed an ambulance or paramedics.”

He was surprised to find “a very underaged driver…behind the wheel.”

Was the miniature motorist gonna get a ticket? Adrian must’ve been anxious — he was on the edge of his seat.

Then again, he had to be — to reach the pedals.

Rick’s dash cam recorded an interrogation of the tiny traveler:

“Where did you come from? How did you get this car?”

Adrian cleared it all up: He was on his way to his sister’s house. In California.

He had a ways to go — as relayed by Salt Lake City’s KUTV, the intrastate escapee had only made it two miles from his house.

But the trek was gonna be worth the wheeling — Adrian informed another trooper he planned to buy a Lamborghini once he reached Cali.

Good choice — less distance between the bucket-style chair and the floorboard.

He’d been motivated by his mom: She’d told him he couldn’t have one.

Unfortunately, the acquisition was usurped — the cruel cops commandeered the vehicle.

And dang it — Adrian even showed the popo his wallet, packed with $3.

It’s unclear whether that was for the Lambo or a bribe.

Either way, police contacted his parents, who picked up their ambitious outlaw and his getaway car.

Sidney Estrada — another of Adrian’s sisters — explained to CBS2 how the grand theft auto was accomplished: She fell asleep while watching the kids. Her mom and dad were at work.

“I saw that the truck was gone, and he was gone, and the keys were gone.  … I don’t know what went through his mind.”

Apparently, it was this:

Stefano Domenicali CEO of Lamborghini has just been on the News. Up and running in Italy. Good luck Guys. pic.twitter.com/h5MwrElEEY

— gordon mettam (@GordonMercedes9) May 6, 2020

And maybe this:

Unfortunately, things went another way:

A 5-year-old gets pulled over in Ogden, Utah. He was swerving in and out of lanes on a freeway. The boy told officers that he got into an argument with his mom because she wouldn't by him a Lamborghini. So, he took the family car and was driving to California to buy one himself. pic.twitter.com/LW0MhxzoOd

— Mike Blakey (@BlakeyMoosejaw) May 5, 2020

But Adrian still went out like a boss. The following day, he flashed the Peace sign to the news:

After driving his family car down I-15, with the intent to drive to California and buy a Lamborghini, 5 year-old Adrian Zamarripa got a hefty scolding. He also got the ride of his life, the day after. @KSL5TV was there. See his reaction, 5&6pm. pic.twitter.com/grT0ByKMzy

— Mike Anderson (@mikeandersonKSL) May 5, 2020

The kid got treated to a trip in his dream machine:

5-year-old Adrian Zamarripa who was pulled over by Utah Highway Patrol earlier this week after taking his family car for a joy ride on a highway, rides with his mother in a Lamborghini Huracan brought by Jeremy Neves after hearing the story. https://t.co/CO5ZuhVc53 pic.twitter.com/tDCoVBWip6

— ABC News (@ABC) May 6, 2020

So let that be a lesson: If you steal a car, you may get rewarded with a ride in a quarter-million-dollar Italian coupe.

All the attention brought opportunity — KSLT reported:

The offers continued to come in…including a company in California that wants to fly him out to see some Lamborghinis.

Lastly, here’s a reminder for all you highway hotheads: The next time you find yourself frustrated by a car careening as if controlled by a kindergartener, cool your jets and cut ’em some slack — there’s a chance it is.

#BabyDriver

-ALEX

See 3 more pieces from me:

Party Like It’s 1799: Cops Bust Up an Amish Barn Bash for Violating Ohio’s Stay-at-Home Order

Woman Gets Shot in the Chest, Her Implant Deflects the Bullet

California News Reporter Accidentally Broadcasts Her Husband – Completely Naked

Find all my RedState work here.

And please follow Alex Parker on Twitter and Facebook.

Thank you for reading! Please sound off in the Comments section below.