I'm going to admit it
my dad did this to me when I was very little. But I'd like to point out A) He didn't go very far, just drove away slowly and I could still see him, B) I knew how to get home since I was around the corner from the house (I was still crying terrified though!), and C) I NEVER acted up in the car again (although I don't remember what it was I was doing in the first place-and my mom honestly says I was an angel, especially compared to kids nowadays).
Sometimes when I hear stories like this I feel bad for the parents. There is only so much anyone can take, even if they are supposed to be the "grown up". Where she failed was when the other one got lost and the police had to get involved.