You upset? >> Cuz my dad hurt me. >> Okay. Where did Where did he hit you? >> He pushed me away. >> Like I don't want to hurt him. I don't want to touch him. But if he's grabbing onto me when I'm trying to walk away and I'm frustrated, what am I supposed to do? >> That's the blood on my nose. >> Blood on my nose. Told me that you had thrown him up against the wall and that's how he got a scratched on his chest. >> Being a parent isn't easy and some people simply aren't built for it. But what happens when a parents [music] love for drugs outweighs their duty to care for their own child? >> She came and actually got in my face and almost try and punch me. >> But she got up in their face while I was here. Almost. If I didn't step in, she probably would have hit him again. >> Hit me. >> He hit me. He broke my finger. >> Your fingers broke? >> Yeah, you broke it. >> She had a clos. She was punching him in his chest. >> She probably slapped him in his face, but she was punching him first. These are the times when cops have had to rescue kids from crackhead parents. Starting off with a shocking case where officers had to rush in to rescue kids from their parents who went too far in disciplining them. >> They waking me up at 3, 4 doing the same thing like that and it's just getting annoying. I'm stressed out and he just got hurt and I don't know what I'm supposed to do. >> On drinks every single night. She gets drunk every night. >> He hit me. He broke my finger. He pushed me down. >> All right. Do me a favor. Stand up. >> Yes, sir. >> Hands behind your back. >> On April the 25th, 2024, officers responded to a neighborhood call about a mother mistreating her children. When they arrived, one child bravely described a series of threats that left officers stunned. >> What were you saying, man? What like what's the what's the main issue here? What's Hold on. I got it. So, I don't know if it was you or not or somebody else, but the cops were here earlier. >> Today? >> Yeah. Okay. >> I was here yesterday or not? Well, the cops were here earlier. >> Yeah. And then they caught the cops on us today and told us we had >> So then we told >> the cops told us they and then they told us and I'm sitting out here. I didn't touch them at all. She came out here talking about give me the phone and I didn't give it to them because I didn't do anything wrong. I kept asking what did I do wrong and she kept trying to take the phone from me and then she came out here jacking me up in junk like this grabbing my neck choking me and I walked over there by the car. She seen it to push me on the ground. Then he came went like this, tripped me and slammed me on the ground. And then we come over here >> and then in the face three times he jumped. They seen that's when they seen they seen me getting punched in my face. Wasn't doing nothing at all. >> Are these your friends? Like how do you know these kids? >> They Well, I'm I know them. They go to school with me. But they just happened to be driving ball when it all happened. >> Okay. >> And then they stopped and asked if I was okay. I told them, "Yeah." And then they just right when we all showed up, they just happened to come circling around again. >> Okay. >> And then I called them cuz she brought up she called family friend and I told her to come get us again. um start hitting me, doing this, doing all this, moving me like that, hurt me, and then um he started yelling at when I when she just pulled up. I tried to talk and when he was like, "What did we do wrong?" She came and actually got in my face and almost try and punch me. And I didn't do nothing wrong. It was all this happened because of a phone. And all week, literally the only reason we went to is told us to cuz they've been fighting. She pulled a knife on him yesterday, last night before we left. She pulled a knife on them trying to throw hot grease in trying anything >> and then waking up. Yeah. Waking me up at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning in the morning. >> They waking me up at 3 doing the same thing like that. And it's just getting annoying. I'm stressed out and he just got hurt and I don't know what I'm supposed to do. They shouldn't be going to Jubie for no reason. >> And then she's trying to say she I punched her. I didn't. She's on here grabbing my neck, choking me. I grabbed her hand and went like this to get push her hand off. >> The lady that brought y'all back, was she here for office, too? >> No, she left with her son. They had to go do something and then I just text him and told him to come back. >> Witnesses told officers that they saw the mother hitting her son. From their accounts, the situation was just as bad as it sounded and the parents came off as completely unhinged. >> Yeah. When we rode by, we just see he was out here arguing. >> Which one? >> The the taller one. >> Okay. >> And when they was fighting, they was arguing. We pulled over to make sure he was like, "All right." And he said that they had been like beating on the junk like that because he called broke. >> Okay. >> And then we was like, "You okay?" He was like, "Yeah." So we rolled around, we went around there. We told the adults where we at and they told us to call police. But when we came back around here to see what the address was, police was already there, right? >> Okay. Did y'all see the putting their hands on it? >> Yeah, we seen punching on them. >> They did it right in front of We literally pulled in that yard. >> Then when we pulled up, she was like, "I don't know what you called them for." And then he was He didn't call us though. We just seen him stop. >> Do y'all know them? >> Yeah, we go to school with him. >> Okay. So, they're upset because y'all, right? That's what this all about. >> No, they were all fighting beforehand, but then we and then they were upset at us for leaving. tried to switch the subject and say she came and kidnapped us the whole time. She told us to leave and then now we want >> So after she uh dropped you off, what what happened? >> Um was just yelling. Nothing happened to us because and then they left and then that's when >> you know when you know we was inside. >> Yeah, we were inside and she kept pushing me trying to get my phone and I didn't give it to her and then I came out here so more people could see in case they tried to do anything >> and then they kept trying to get me to go back up there and I didn't know. They both been drinking today or just on drinks every single night. She gets drunk every night. Okay. >> And now you can literally go in. You can literally go in if if you're not in the count of go in the fridge. It's um locked her down. >> All right. You picked >> right. >> I Yes. The police were here earlier because got them off the bus and she didn't have permission. Technically she did, but they're drunk butts. Don't remember. The cops were there then and said that she had to go if she wanted them back. I wasn't going to let her drive. She's been drinking. So, I went and picked up with her >> and I told them to call me if anything happened. >> Yes, she was in the car with me. Uh, we came back here. I dropped him off. Both gave him my number and said, "If anything happened, call me." Not even 30 minutes later, they were texting me that >> What were they saying? >> Uh, he threw me up against the wall. Uh, call if you need anything. I just slammed me on the and I turned around and came back. Technically, that's kidnapping. She doesn't have permission to have kids. If they want to come get them, they can come get them. I've been with them. So that's why I took her. Did I want them to come back here? No. Which is why I said call me if they need anything. But she got up in their face while I was here. Almost. If I didn't step in, she probably would have hit him again. >> What would you be going to jail for? >> She's drunk. She don't know. That's why I told them just flags. >> She's saying that they put their hands on her. >> Okay. >> Is why. >> Why was she mad at him in the car? >> Uh because they chose to and not be here with her. >> It was now time for officers to speak with the parents. And as expected, their stories completely clashed. Each insisted that their version of the story was correct, leaving officers to untangle a web of contradictions and halftruth. >> They mad because they was not allowed to stay has been going on this that and the other. My wife asked for his camera, I mean his phone. >> Yeah, >> we pay for the phone. He's refusing to give up the phone. >> You know what I'm saying? I ain't giving up nothing. I ain't doing this. He pushed it down. So he me and him went over there. It might be some footage over there. I don't know. You know what I'm saying? When he pushed her down or whatnot, I flipped them and that's that. >> How did How did that all come about? >> He pushed her down right there because she's trying to get the phone from him. She paid for that phone. She bought the phone. She paid for the phone. You know what I'm saying? She said, "I want the phone back. I want this and I want that back." You know? He said, "I ain't giving up. >> I ain't giving up nothing." >> Yeah. >> Just being a defiant teenager, you know. So I told him, "I want the money back I gave him for prom. Oh, it's on the card." This and that and the other. I want it back. >> How did he push her down? Was she trying to get the phone? >> She was trying to get the phone from there. He pushed her down. >> Like he physically pushed her. >> Yeah, he physically pushed her down. They ain't telling that part. And then the little one, he's just going here and there, this and that, and another. Oh, don't don't be blah blah blah blah blah. You know what I'm saying? Something like, "Come on, Trace. Go about your business." You know what I'm saying? No, there's no physical contact with Trace. It was just the oldest one who refused to give up his phone. >> Where did she go? >> She in the house. I think she smoking a cigarette and then she going uh see you in the house. >> All right. Will you can you have her come out please so we can talk to her? >> Does your camera work? >> I don't know. >> Can y'all try to log into it? >> I don't know nothing about even my phone. I know nothing about >> Whose account is it? >> Mine. >> He hit me. He broke my finger. He pushed me down. >> We have a lot of he said she said right now. That's why we're trying to get video camera. I'm just saying >> we have a lot >> we have a lot of pieces of >> Don't I have a right to take his phone? >> So he's allowed to bow over me because I want to take his phone. >> You were not listening to me. Is your account figure out how to get out? >> Yes, sir. I don't know. It It got cut off like a month ago. So I'm not sure. But you're more than welcome to have it. >> I don't need to >> I don't know. I don't know. I'm just saying I really don't know. >> You can have it. Like it stopped working like a month ago. >> What stopped working? the ringtone. >> It like rings outside but not inside. >> You don't have >> I don't My brother My brother it up. >> You don't have the app on your phone? >> No, I don't know nothing about it. >> I don't know nothing about that. You can have my phone. You can I'm not hiding nothing from you. >> But my son >> I don't want your phone. I want to see the video camera. >> Okay. Here. But if you're not logged in, I'm not stuck. >> I don't know how to >> remember when I talked to you yesterday and I told you it'd be best if they stayed somewhere else and then they came back today and the thing that I was telling you was going to happen. >> You told me to go. >> So I went got and >> and then look what happened. >> Yeah. He hit me. >> He hit me. He broke my finger. >> Your fingers broke? >> Yeah. You broke it? >> What happened? >> He pushed me. >> How did he push you? He pushed me outside because I said, "I want your cell phone." I paid for it. I bought it. It was $180 and it's $175 a month. >> Give me your phone. >> Okay. And then what happened, >> [ __ ] >> He pushed you and said, >> "Yes." Yes. I don't even know what to do when your disrespects you like that. Like, what do you do? >> That's not what I'm saying. >> I didn't know what to do. I I never do it. So, I'm just like, what the do I do? And then I got I'm like, "Don't talk damn like that." And I'm like, "What? >> Disrespect me that way." >> Officers attempted to review surveillance footage, but technical issues delayed the progress. The investigation seemed to have reached a standoff until a new witness statement finally broke the case open. >> What happened with the cell phone in the first place? Why were you trying to take it? >> I took it because took him from the bus stop. >> I told you that, right? >> They got picked up from here yesterday, right? No. No. >> He got picked up from somewhere else. >> I called you. They got picked up at the bus stop. >> You didn't tell me that yesterday? >> Yes, I did. >> No, you didn't. You said they got picked up. >> She took them from the bus stop. >> No, you had to tell me that time. >> I called and said from the bus stop and you said go. >> Why can't you? >> Cuz you >> So I went and got and then >> No, you went and got him today. >> He assaulted me. >> That's what you're saying is he pushed you? >> Yeah, he broke my finger. >> Okay. Well, what happened after that? >> Nothing. because I I don't touch >> I'm not going to do that. >> What happened between >> I phone I wanted the phone that I'm paying for. So I asked for the phone and he bowed up at me and pushed me and broke my [ __ ] finger. >> You need fire rescue. You need to take your finger off. >> Come on, man. I ain't no >> Well, I don't know. You saying you got a broke finger? >> Are you being funny right now? >> No. That's what we do. >> Like you're really being funny. >> You said you have injury. We have to ask. >> Okay. Someone broke my finger. I' I've had a 100 broken fingers. >> Okay. >> It's not a big deal. >> Well, that's fine. I just >> But he did it and then he called the cops on me. >> Well, he he was saying that after you allegedly >> I tried to stand up to him because does either one of y'all can say it. Vote up at her like that. You would stand up to him too. He didn't put a hand on him. He just told him the phone the phone that she paid for and he's like, "Fuck you. I have called the cops on you. Really disrespectful. >> Okay. >> I I don't care. I'm done. Cannot believe this. Can you >> Annie broke my phone? >> Do you have a ID or driver's license? >> I got everything you got. >> Could you Could you bring it to me, please? >> Yes. You can come in my house. >> I don't need to. >> I ain't got >> Oh, no. No. No. No. >> Todd, >> get the dog. >> Buddy, can you grab your ID for me? >> Me? >> Yes, sir. >> No problem. She had a closed fist. She was punching him in his chest. >> She probably slap him in his face, but she was punching him at first. >> Falling to the ground at any point. >> Yeah. When we first like rolled by, she was on the ground. >> When you first came up? >> Yeah. >> Before you pulled into the driveway. >> Before we pull in driveway, she >> was already on the ground. >> Yeah. But we acting that like was already like, man, he didn't she didn't slam me. She didn't punch me three, four times. And he was like, he was crying. He was in the middle of crying. Then was like, "Yeah, she be hitting me, too." That's when she was jacking me like this, grabbing my neck, and I had my hands up here with my phone and like just like this. And then she had me like this was coming. So then I grabbed her hand and pushed it off of me. I did not push her. I swear I did not push her. I grabbed her hand and pushed off me. And then she fell and she goes, "Oh, so now you want to punch me. I'm calling the cops." And you came up and he was like this. He was like, "You lucky all these guys out here. I'll bust you in." And then he said, "Sword." That's when I That's when I was talking to them. I was like, "You see this? You see what's happened? I'm not doing nothing." >> All right. Did you At what point in time did you get slammed on the ground? >> See, he's saying he slammed you right here. That's not even what happened. He slammed me all the way over there way before way before they showed up. >> Oh, and this is before fell to the ground. >> Yes, he slammed me over there way before. At first, he just pushed me and then he went in the house. I was I push He pushed me. I went backwards. I didn't fall >> inside the house or outside the house. >> Outside over there. And then that's the people that live there. I was like, >> "So, this happened when you first got home?" >> No, when we first got home wasn't here. It happened like 20 minutes after. >> What happens when he gets here? >> When he gets here, he doesn't say nothing. He goes in the house and then we're outside still scared me and him and I hear yelling and he comes outside. Mom asks you for the phone. What did you say? And I said, I asked her what I did wrong. And then she came out outside and she goes, "Give me the phone." And I said, "What did I do wrong?" Walked back in the house. >> Accusations flew back and forth with the parents blaming the kids for violence and disrespect. But the officers were finally starting to see who was telling the truth and who was fabricating the story. >> He pushed me. I said, "I push you from behind." >> No, he pushed me in front of me. I was just standing there like this and he pushed me. I put my hands up and the people that lived there, one of the girls was outside. I said, "You see this? I'm not doing nothing wrong." And then he went back in the house. >> One of the girls that lived there? >> Yeah. I think they just left. Or one of them did. The one that the one that lived there. It >> The tall one? >> No. It was like a a mixed girl like my skin color. >> Okay. >> She I It looked her car there. I don't know if she's still there. >> Okay. >> But that's when she seen me push that's when she seen him push me and then I stayed out here. He went back to my house. He came back out. I walked back to the same area cuz they were still outside. But then they ended up going in. And then he was just standing just like this in front of me. He went like this, grabbed me like this and slammed me on the ground. >> And then that when I got >> and I got up and I was like, "See, now I'm off." And then cuz I wanted to go back over there. And then he went back in house and then came out. And then that's when we were caught over here and then they were yelling at me and grabbed me and then that's when they seen >> and that one she grabbed my fist and did this me. >> Yeah, she punched me three times too. >> It was a punch, not a slap. >> No, it was a punch. It >> was a punch. She had her fist closed. >> Yes. >> Remember what hand it was she hit you with? >> Uh I was facing this way shooting her left. I think it was her left hand. >> All right. Based on all this stuff I'm seeing and hearing it sound it there's a lot of different versions of the same story. Actually, you weren't here when they first got home. What happens when you got home? >> Well, one of us are here. Mom took him here. I don't know what happened. How's that work? >> What happened when you got home today and they were here? >> Was chilling. He was outside chilling. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. I was >> Well, I mean, how did all this get to be? It wasn't just chilling. What? Like, what what led up to this? >> She's mad at the situation. Was basically trying to influence them to do stuff. >> Thank you. You're the best. >> Try to be but she wasn't a hurt. >> I don't care what >> and she wanted to get his phone cuz she had been strapped said that if you don't pay the phone bill I'm getting your phone. So she went over to him the taller one to get his phone. And he said no I'm not getting you the phone. And I'm like well you didn't pay for the phone. It's it's her phone. Give her the phone. >> Mhm. >> You know what I'm saying? So he just being very defiant and whatever. Yeah. He was like, "I'm not giving you I'm looking at them and he said," I'm like, "Dude, you don't talk to, you know what I'm saying, >> right?" >> So when he bowed up at me, hey man, it is what it is. Try to get the phone from over there and he push it down and try to get the phone. >> Mhm. >> You know, so I just hit him with a >> what you call in his chest cuz he's blowing up at me. Doesn't have nobody to swing on me or do nothing to me. >> Mhm. >> You know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He just got pushed over there and that was that. I can't help. >> He got pushed over there. >> Yeah. When >> that was before it broke out. >> After sorting through conflicting stories and heated emotions, officers finally reached a conclusion. And it was one that did not sit well with the abusive parents who made their outrage clear to both the officers and their terrified children. >> That's not what I'm asking you. I'm >> ask you. >> Yep. >> All right. Um I feel like that would probably be the best thing. Is that gonna be okay? >> That's the best thing. That's the best thing. But they come >> I cannot believe they're that disrespectful. And they're they're actually okay in it. >> Like it's so disrespectful. >> How you going to blow up on me on a $200 phone? $175 a month. >> You just ask him a question and then spoke right over top of it. >> Just calm down. April's going to get them a ride over there. >> You know what I'm saying? And then they'll be tomorrow. >> All right. >> Okay. I can't believe this. >> It's okay. All right. Do what you got to do. >> All right. Well, we're going to check with her and make sure that's okay. >> Yeah. She already straight up said that she'll be doing right over there. >> I know, but we like to double check. >> I don't understand. >> Oh, don't worry about that. >> She doing everything she'll be over here tomorrow. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Who's April? Are you April? >> So, would you mind giving her? >> Yeah. >> Okay, that's fine. Um >> I'm not leaving without him. So go on. >> Yeah. >> And then up here. >> I'm sorry. I'm just >> Let it go. Let it go. >> I will. Just can't believe it. >> That's me over there. >> All right. All right. Do me a favor. Stand up. >> Yes, sir. >> Back. Lord have mercy. Okay. Don't worry about it. What's she going to do for >> child abuse? >> Child abuse. Oh my god. >> We'll talk about a second. >> I never did. I never Okay, we've got a few witnesses who say >> those dudes who rode by in a damn car. They ain't no witnesses. >> They were no witnesses. He pushed her down. >> Todd, stop. Do not put this on them. >> Go get your stuff. Go get your stuff. >> Stop. Stop. Stop. Called up. >> Go get your stuff. >> Todd, don't go to jail. Don't do it. You got anything on you? >> No, sir. >> Nothing on >> No, sir. Ty, don't just shut up. >> Please. >> I don't want y'all back in here. >> They need They need the stuff, man. >> Go get your stuff. >> Give yourself stuff. >> It's not worth this. It's not worth it. >> If you have any I really do not have enough. >> If you have anything else on you and they find it in the jail and it's illegal, you're going to get the charge. >> I'm just asking you. I have to ask. All right. Take a seat. >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> And don't come back here. >> He needs his problem solved. Stop it. >> I don't give a damn. What do you need? It's over there at his at his house. >> Here. >> Yeah, it's not here. >> [ __ ] Put in jail. Are you serious? >> Stop it. >> Are you serious? >> Yo, can you wait in the car for me? >> Are you serious? Child abuse. He put his hands on her. So, yeah, she defended her damn self. That's how he to put his hands on me, I knocked this out. You know what I'm saying? Don't ever come back in here again. And I mean that. Mean that. send your ass right the goddamn juy and give my damn money back from that prom said I can spend it on prom I spend >> okay keep running that damn slick mouth >> all right so here's what's going to happen man she's going to get arrested for child abuse that's a felony in the state of Florida okay >> DCF's going to be contacted they'll be in contact with you further investigation all right given the way this situation unfolded and the one that I told you I even gave you an example of this yesterday when I talked to y'all >> you didn't talk to me you talked to her >> you were standing there when I told her what was going to >> happen standing out there was talking to her. I picked my head up. >> Well, that doesn't matter because we are today and then I went back inside. >> I want to I want to explain something to you. I was going >> to you >> I was going to charge you with child abuse, too. >> How you going to charge me with child abuse? >> You to pushing the kid down >> because he bumped in. He got up on me. >> Let me explain something to you, man. Because there was no witnesses and it was just your word and his. I can't arrest you. All right. But whatever is going on here, it ain't good. And now DCF is for sure involved. I don't give a damn about those kids. >> Well, that's fine, but what you need to do is change your attitude towards whether you care or not, I don't know. >> Those kids, >> what you about called a felony because of your behavior today. The woman was charged with cruelty towards a child. Up next is a complicated case where officers faced a real challenge in rescuing Aragon, a young child who had fallen victim to his unstable father, Athena's psychotic tantrums. God damn it. Why can't you ever just do what you're told, you stupid? They're from your dad. >> And that's the blood came out of my nose. >> And I don't know how I'm supposed to be able to help him when I can't even help myself. On January the 17th, 2024, officers arrived at a residence following reports of mistreatment involving a 6-year-old boy named Aragon, who claimed his father, Athena, had been aggressive toward him. Upon arrival, police were immediately thrust into a tense and volatile scene. Yeah, we just had a report guarding um that the child meets reported to school staff that their dad was angry a lot in need of him. He wanted to live with his mom. Reported that multiple incidents of death pushing him to the ground. Um reported that he got scared um that night and his dad ended up pushing him to the ground again. They have been I guess gave them groceries cuz the dad has been having a hard time and then dad got mad at him again. He didn't have any marks of bruisings according to the school, but um he reported that dad hits him in the face and he made a fist. He reported that dad has kicked him. He was asked about if he understood his private area and he said yes and that's where dad had hit him kicked him. Um calls him names. Dad has choked him before. He said calls him stupid. Get out of my house. Calls me um [ __ ] Calls me f word. Gives me the middle finger. And it was reported by a teacher. >> Yeah, but it's anonymous, but it's reported to school staff, it says. So >> So the kids reported it to the school yesterday, but then they just sent you guys like a >> like an email of it or like >> It's a It's a They made a report. >> So they didn't contact law enforcement? >> No. >> So then they just let the kid go home with his dad? >> Yeah. >> After saying all that? >> Yeah. >> Um and there's no record of mom at all? No, it doesn't say anything. It just gives the dad's father. >> Okay. >> As a reference, but that's it. >> Hopefully, he's here with the kid. Um I did find a grandpa in um on the kid's power school so I can give you that information if you need it. >> God damn it. >> Why can't you ever just do what you're told, you stupid? >> Officer Fernandez of Farmington Police Department. >> Hi. Hello. How are you? Can we talk to you outside? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Okay. So, we can hear that you're pretty upset. Okay. Um, so we're just going to talk to you about some stuff that's going on. Okay. >> With your son. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> How do you say your name? >> Uh, I go by Athena. >> Athena. Okay. >> Okay. How do you say his name? >> Aragorn. >> Aragorn. Okay. Where is he at inside the house? Cuz I need >> this room. I just put him in this room for a timeout because I'm trying to walk away. >> Okay. Do I have your permission to go make sure that he's okay real quick? >> Absolutely. >> As the officer went in to check on the kid, they uncovered a much more serious problem. >> Hi. How are you? You okay? >> Mhm. >> Yeah. You need a hug? >> You upset? >> Because my dad hurt me. >> Okay. Where did Where did he put you? >> He pushed me in front and that's what he did >> just now. Okay. Can I see like your hands and stuff to make sure you don't have any boooos or nothing? >> Okay. You want to pull up your sleeve for me so I can see your arms? You look a little bit red on your arms right here. What happened? See that right there? What happened? You know, >> dad just pushed me. >> He pushed me. What about these ones? Was that from the same thing? Okay. You got some red stuff. Did you Did Where did you hit? Was it your back or was it up here? It was up here. >> It was up here. All right. And that's where you hit. What? Did it hit your face at all? >> Okay. What side? >> This one. >> That side. All right. How old are you, Airborne? You're six. Can I Hey, let me see the back of Can I see the back of your neck real quick? >> You can play with your toys. I just want to look at the back of your neck. Okay. >> My dad. This is really easy. >> You got any boo you got any boo boos on your legs? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That one? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I was feeling the other one. >> What happened with those? Do you remember what happened to your knees? >> Yeah. >> What happened? >> Look at this. >> Oh my goodness. What happened? >> Michael pushed me. >> Who's Michael? >> Michael's just like my brother. >> Your brother? >> Yeah. >> Does anybody >> He really scratched me right there very hard. >> Okay. >> Yeah. That's why I start cry. >> Okay. Well, very long time. >> How old is Michael? >> Uh, eight. >> He's eight. And he's your he's your brother? >> Yep. >> Who else lives here with you? >> Um, my dad. >> Just your dad. Nobody else? >> Yeah. But grandpa and Michael just Michael just come and grandpa. Like and grandpa. Yes. >> Do you feel safe with grandpa? >> Yeah. >> And mom. >> Grandpa and mom. I scared of storm cuz I every time I get scared of storm I just hide in my room. >> Okay. All right. >> I clean my room. >> Well, your room isn't that dirty, though. >> The child's visible distress and injuries [music] raised immediate red flags. When officers confronted Athena, the caretaker, he was quick to offer excuses, trying to downplay the situation and deflect suspicion in an attempt to get away from trouble. The only kind of hitting that's happened before is just been spanked. As far as any kicking and stuff like that, um I have some aggression at times where I'll break personal items, but um never anything that goes on to him. I do yell. Um you know, it's single parent. There's times where in the mornings um he just doesn't he doesn't want to listen to me and so he throws tantrums and I'm trying to get him ready for school and I can't get to work on time and I can't do the things I need to do to provide for him and so it perpetuates and that anger just builds up and I don't know what to do because I don't have a support system and I'm transitioning and I don't have a support system for that and I just I don't know what I'm supposed to do when [snorts] I get frustrated cuz it's like just now I was trying to walk away and he keeps grabbing me and pulling me away and trying to like hit me and stuff and so I keep trying to push him away and finally I just pushed him away a little harder and he fell and I don't you know I don't know what to do in those situations like I don't want to hurt him I don't want to touch him but if he's grabbing onto me when I'm trying to walk away and I'm frustrated what am I supposed to do and I've got him in counseling with I've got in family counseling we're going to Judy Beck and there's been times where we've talked about things and we've been trying to work through it. So, I'm trying to go through the motions to get to a point where it's not bad for him at home, but I, you know, I don't I'm just lost. I don't you know, I don't know what resources there even is for single parents to, you know, >> where's his mom? >> She's in South Carolina. >> Does he have any contact with her? >> She's supposed to video chat with them once a week, but it's more like once every two weeks if we're lucky. And I've talked to her about trying to be more involved and trying to contact her more often. And she says that she will be, but she doesn't. And she left suddenly. She just left during CO. She said that she was going to go live with her mom. We had 50/50 custody and he was doing great during that time. He was thriving. >> Um when she left, it was put all on me. >> So what we're going to do is just kind of, you know, um I'm going to go ahead and talk to him as well. And then we can also offer resources to you to kind of support. We have family support services that can also come in through the home and help you out. I know they do. It's through Desert View. Have you gone through them? >> I haven't gone through Desert View before. Um when I first was 50/50 custody with um his mom, he was in it was a special um needs program and stuff and they came and visited with us before, you know, and he was thriving during that time. I was doing okay because I had someone else who could help, you know, help me on that. And so I was doing a lot better. There wasn't any yelling ever or anything like that. >> Um I forgot uh Round Treat, that's what they're called. >> Okay. >> Round Treat. Yeah. So I was with them for a long time. Okay. >> And then um when he got older, they said that they could continue service with him, but they didn't see a need to at that time. >> Okay. Does he have any developmental disabilities? >> No, I don't know. I mean, um, his, uh, school counselor has, um, said maybe to see if he's high functioning, autistic, but there's no huge signs of >> Okay. How do you discipline? >> Generally, I usually try to put him in a timeout. Lately, he's just been disobedient and stuff like that. So, I usually just get frustrated. I'll take away toys and TV and stuff, but >> again, he just tries to escalate the situation. He'll call me names. He'll try to hit me. I'll tell him that's not appreciated. I'll put him in timeout and then eventually he just escalates to a point where I don't really do it too often, but sometimes I'll spank him and it's not harder than, you know, it's enough to maybe make him go like this, but it's about like that. >> Okay. >> And it's and he's usually I wouldn't say fine after that, but he's he's frustrated and then he tells me I'm mean and then usually I can walk away at that point, but otherwise he'll just scream and cry for hours. Athena claimed to feel overwhelmed and in need of help, but it was clear that he was just playing the victim, showing no genuine remorse or accountability for his actions. >> They're from your dad. >> And that's the blood came out of my nose. >> What was that? >> That's the blood came out of my nose. >> Blood came out of your nose and it was there. >> Dad. >> Okay. >> And there's some in my bathroom. >> I can hear. Let's just talk quiet. Okay. >> Where's my dad? He's downstairs talking to somebody else. Okay. Okay. >> So, we just got to make sure that you're okay. This is Eric Gorn and he's 6 years old. The bruises on his face, he's got one right here on his right side that kind of looks like a line. >> Okay. >> It's It kind of looks new to me. On the other side is a little bit bigger. It's like right next to his mouth. Kind of the size of the quarter. >> So, I don't know if there's any internal things going on. We are going to put him on a 48 hour hold and >> Okay. >> I'm going to try to transfer transport the dad to detective. So, >> okay. Where is parent? >> Dad is downstairs, but dad goes by Athena. >> Oh, that was in the purple. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. >> Sorry for that. Wait, Athena. Um, so there is some bruising and stuff on Aragorn. Okay. >> Cheek. >> Yeah. So there's there's a few and there's some scratches and some redness on him. So we are going to we have no choice but to put a 48 hour hold on him because he has bruising and stuff like that. >> So what does that mean? >> So what that means is he's going to be transported by medics to the hospital and he's going to get evaluated for the injuries that he does have. He is making some statements about how he got those things. Okay. So, that's something law enforcement has to investigate. And with that being said, we can't have you in contact with him until everything's done being investigated. Okay. >> With that, his counselor is she going to be allowed to be involved in in such >> his school counselor or >> his is medical counsel. >> His medical counselor Beck >> Judy Beck >> and she's my personal counselor as well. >> She's been working with us. >> Okay. So, my biggest question right now is, are you willing to go with us to the detectives to talk about what's going on just because it's a more formal sit down place or are you >> am I going to be appointed an attorney? >> If if you want an attorney, that's 100% you're right and you can have one. >> So, Dina, what happened >> this morning? He had woken up and it was a pretty normal morning [snorts] and um I went to go get him dressed and I asked him to turn off the TV and it was time to get ready to go and he said no. I waited a few minutes. I asked him again. He said no and this time I turned off the TV and [snorts] I could tell he was frustrated. So I walked away. I let him be upset and then I came back. I was like, "All right, let's get dressed." He told me no. And I said, "Okay, well then I'm going to be the one that gets you dressed then cuz I need you to go to school." >> Yeah. >> And he said no. And then he started fighting and all this. So I sat down on the chair and I was trying to take off his shirt and he was swinging himself around and he swung himself into the chair and he hit himself on the cheek and then he started crying and screaming and then I didn't know what to do to get him to calm down cuz he didn't I tried to hug him. He didn't want that. I tried to say I'm sorry. He didn't want that. And then I tried to walk away and that was pretty much it. He just kept escalating and I just said, "Okay, fine. You know what? We just won't go to school today." and I I've been jobless. So, I've been trying to get job applications out. So, I was frustrated because I can't go and do that cuz I'm worried about taking care of them. And so, we've just been hanging out all day. We played with Legos. We had a Nerf war. I took a break. I was just on the computer just doing some job stuff and came into my room. And he had asked me for a snack and he said, "Sure, give me just a second." And then he started calling me names and stuff. I was like, "You're not going to have a snack if you're going to be mean to me. you know, you're just going to end up in timeout. He just kept being rude and I said, "Please stop." And he said, "No." So I was like, "All right, fine. You're going to go to your room." And so I went to go pick him up and then he dropped his body dead to the floor and was dragging his body against the floor when I still had his arm in my hand. So I let go and then he got all upset. So I tried to pick him up by the body and then place him in his room. And that's when he kept pulling on me and kept pulling on me. And I was like I I even sent him I was like, "Let me walk away." >> You know, and I I told him I was frustrated. I was like, "Let me walk away, please." And he just wouldn't. And finally, I just I pushed him onto his bed and then I was able to get out the door and I just shut it behind me. >> Okay. >> Officers explained the search warrant process while finalizing Athena's statements and planning next steps to protect the child. As they weighed their options, the case's complexity started to become clear. >> Um, so he was swinging on you? >> Yeah. So, I had him sat up on my lap like this and I was pulling his shirt up so his face is facing this way [snorts] and he was swinging around and then he verened towards like this trying to get my hands off of him and I let go and he just went like that and he turns himself and he slams his head but he hit himself right on here. >> Okay, that's pretty hard. And so I didn't know what he was upset about at first. I was like, "Why are you so upset?" And he's like, "You hurt me." I was like, "I didn't hurt you. You hit the pillow." And then he's like, "No, you hit me right here." >> Okay. Is that where these peas came from? >> Was that just like an ice pack or something? >> That was an ice pack. Yes. Afterwards, I saw it was red. So I asked him, I was like, "Do you want to put something on your face to make it feel better?" >> Mhm. >> And he said, "Yes." And I was like, "It should make it go away eventually." >> When we first walked up to the door, there's some pretty choice words that were used. And I mean, I get it. Um I have kids. I get frustrated. I I say [ __ ] I say, I say that kind of stuff. It it sounded pretty aggressive though. Everything piling the way the way it sounds >> been able to go to counseling. I mean, and I don't want to because this sounds like bad, right? But my job had asked me to violate the law and so I told him I quit. And now I don't have any way to take care of myself or him. [snorts] I can't go to counseling anymore. I can't [laughter] like I have nothing that I can do to take care of myself. And I don't know how I'm supposed to be able to help him when I can't even help myself. And so I try to just walk away from >> Okay. My dad's phone number. >> Hey, kiddo. >> Bye, kiddo. I love you. >> We'll see you in a bit. Okay. I'm sorry. I was frustrated. >> You guys were arguing a little bit this morning about him not wanting to go to school. You said you were walking towards the garage. The the chair tripped you up and you just later broke it. I I broke it in the same I tripped on it and I was because I was so frustrated and then I tripped on it. I was mad cuz I it was in the way and I didn't see it. So then I got mad and I kicked it and it broke and then I just stomped on it afterwards to get it out of and break it the rest of the way. >> Okay. Was some kicking to the groin, some kicking to his body? No. >> Um some slapping maybe some hitting that was unnecessary. >> I've never kicked him or kicked him in his groin ever. I swear. Like I I've never done that to him. No, I mean he was he got hit in the groin at school and that's what I was saying earlier with like that bully. He had got hit in the groin by them and he said that other people at school has hit them there. Um and I told him, you know, I was like if somebody hits you there, you need to tell the teacher, but if you can't get away, you know, you can, you know, you can hit him back, you know, if you have to. >> Yeah. Do you feel sorry at all? Is that is that why >> like before you guys hit >> when when he hit the couch? Was that on purpose? And then you felt sorry and grab the peas. Put them on his face. >> I did feel sorry and I did go grab him and I put them on his face. I was like, "Okay, let's try to get that swelling down cuz I don't want you to be like having a hard time chewing or made fun of." >> So, in the past couple days, have there been times where you felt that you were so frustrated and that your spanking was overboard or your punishment was overboard? >> Today was the first time I've spanked him in in weeks. And I mean, usually my punishments are, you know, no TV or video games and that's usually pretty soft cuz I feel bad. Like I don't know what good punishments there are. So the worst that I do is is I get frustrated and yell and I always feel bad about that. >> But you don't feel like you've gone overboard recently or as of late. >> I've I've definitely like on the verbal side where I've been upset where I've just, you know, gone through and had kind of my own tantrum cuz I have CPTSD. >> Mhm. you know, so like it's just sometimes it's uncontrollable, you know, and I just get frustrated and I'll just walk back and forth down the halls and try to vent out. So I'll yell and he hears that, but it's never directly at him. I do yell though, so it's not like and he thinks it's about he thinks it's at him. It's like I'll say something like, "Why can't you just listen to me?" Or, you know, like, "I wish you would just do what I'm telling you to do. Um, you're making these, you know, like things like that." Or like, "God, I'm just so frustrated with you right now. I wish I could just take a break." So, and then help me clarify something because this is a picture that I had painted in my mind. I was about to kick down the door, right? I hear some some words and then I hear you stupid. But in my in my head, I'm seeing you very frustrated and then him potentially being injured or hurt. So, where was he when that when this was ongoing down? >> Like when I right before you got He was upstairs in his room. He was upstairs in his room and that's when I had walked straight to the door. I'd been sitting here for a second and I looked at the time and I real I was like, "Dude, uh, it's 12:00 in the day, you know, I mean, now it is, but you know, it's 11:00 in the morning. I haven't done anything with my day." >> Mhm. >> And so I was frustrated about that cuz I was reminded just how the whole day went. I was sitting right here the whole time when you guys knocked on the door. I mean, I was 5 seconds away, you know, I I answered immediately. So I was down here, he was upstairs in his room. >> Okay. Do you think he might explain something differently? Um, as far as like the incidents today, >> I don't think so. I mean, it's hard to say what words he would use, but I'm pretty sure you would get almost the same general story. >> Okay. What they'd uncover next could [music] change everything. >> So, Aragorn told me that you had thrown him up against the wall and that's how he got a scratch on his chest. >> I've never done that. never done anything like that. >> So, [snorts] is there >> I'll walk through the whole story as many times as I have to, but I've never touched him in that aspect. >> Why would he feel the need to tell a police cuz usually police officers make kids feel safe, right? >> Right. No, I've picked him up like, you know, like how I usually pick him up is underneath by the arms and stuff like that. And I've and he was facing me, but I've never pushed him against the like thrown him against the wall or anything like that like it's some kind of like movie investigation or anything like that. So he said that um in his room that when I was up there earlier um he said that you gave him a nose bleed the other day and that the blood that there is blood on his bed is from you is what he said. >> He had a nose bleed in the middle of the night and it was on his bed and he woke me up and I didn't know what was going on at first cuz he said my nose hurts and I was like what's going on? He had already gotten up and wiped it, but yeah, had a dry nose and it was in the middle of the night. There's all kinds of stains on his bed from other things before, but I didn't give him a nose bleed. >> I got to be frank, right, as a cop, do you feel like um you don't want him in your life anymore? >> No. >> That that it would help you through your transition, that it'll help you through your frustrations, get better without him, and then once you're better, you want him back? >> No. I want to have the the partnership that my ex-wife and I agreed on. I want to have like I want to be involved in every step of life, but I can't do it on my own. I need somebody who's like a parental figure to be able to take on that that role. >> So, you don't feel like a parental figure? >> Well, I mean, I do feel like a parental figure, but I need somebody else like a partnership in some some way. Like I don't have to have like a significant other, but like I've talked to his mother. I've asked her, I've begged her to move back. I was like, "Please, like I need your help to raise him. You know, he needs his mom." I've said that when we got divorced in court that I said he needs both of his parents in his life. >> And when she left, she gave me the option to either not have him at all in my life or take him full-time. And it's like, what are you going to do in that situation? He's my son. Of course, I want to see him every day. Yeah. >> So, it's like I' I was pushed into either having him fulltime or not at all. >> Yeah. But as of late, do you feel like you don't want him right now? I >> like you want to not push him off to somebody, but you you need your own time, right? >> I just want somebody who's able to take him half the time. I want to be able to be a supportive parent and involved in his life, but I don't know if I have the ability to do that every day. You know, I'm I mean, you know, I have like like I said, there's all this stuff going on. I just, you know, I don't know what that is. Like I don't have other friends really who have kids. you know, it's not like if that was the case, you know, it's like maybe, you know, they could go hang out together for the day and, you know, I can do the same for them or something, but I just don't really have that option. So, it's just I do need a break of some kind, but I don't want like a long extended break away from him. I love him. I love I mean, I love playing Nerf Wars with him. I love playing Legos with him. Like, I love all of that. >> Every part of it. and I'm happy to be in his life, but I don't know if I can be the only one in his life. >> In New Mexico, we're pretty [snorts] proactive with keeping families together. Um, usually they want to see families stay together, but honesty goes a long way. Um, in order for us to help you, there's a bunch of services that we can provide [snorts] you. If you work with CYFD, they can get you through parenting plans. They can get you services, maybe put him in some clubs or some youth clubs to help him and aid him, right? But you're going through a lot and it sucks. You got this ball of piled up inside of you. But I [snorts] need honesty. >> I'm being as honest as I can. >> I need to know if if it went overboard and when because if he's saying that it went overboard and he's telling us and he's going to tell multiple people, he's telling his school that it went overboard. >> The only time I've been overboard is trying to get him dressed. I'm trying to pull his clothes off of him and it's yanking him, but I don't. That's it. That's the only time today where it was really overboard. >> Did it frustrate you so much right here that you pushed him into this chair? >> No, I lifted up off of his shirt and he slammed forward. So, if I did it wasn't intentional, but I don't think I was going like >> Is this the shirt right here? Or was it? >> No. Um, but I was trying to put on his shirt. So, I guess Yeah, you're right. No, I realize that now putting on his shirt, it probably pushed him down like that. So now you rather than taking off your shirt his shirt, you're putting it on. >> Yes. I'm sorry. And >> it's okay. It's okay. We're we're going to willing to work with you. That's what we're here for. >> I'm sorry. I'm nervous and I'm trying to We're coming with you. I really am. >> Like what? Show me. >> Pushing pushing down on his shirt. >> Did you do that intentionally? No, [snorts] I was just trying to get it on his arms fast because usually what he does when I'm trying to get him dressed in moments where he has been frustrated with that is he'll start like pulling off his sleeve on his own if I can't get over his head. So, I tried to pull it over his head and just pulled it down as fast as I could. >> Were you Were you pissed off at that time? >> Yeah, I was upset. >> A detective is on his way here right now to come and talk to you and he's going to kind of let you know what's going on a little bit more. So, if you could for me just grab your phone, maybe like a jacket, and we can go talk outside real quick. >> After finalizing the safety plan and arranging temporary care for the child, officers reviewed the evidence and came to a conclusion which did not look good for Athena. >> So, the thing is is I'm just going to have you stand up. Okay? Can you stand up for me? So, right now, you're just being detained, right? Um, you're under arrest right now. Okay. So, >> for child for right now, okay? because we believe that there's probable cause to believe that there is child going on. [music] So, I'm going to be transporting you up to the jail. >> I thought I was allowed an attorney and that I got a little confused here. >> You still are you're able to call an attorney. >> How can I do that if I'm being detained right now? >> You you it's a like I said, it's a process. One's appointed to you. That's how it works. if you can't afford it. >> My option was to go stand outside and get arrested outside >> or >> so I tried to give you an opportunity to get things that you wanted to get without us getting them for you. >> And so that's why I asked that. >> Okay. But I'm just confused how that led from one end to the other because >> So we basically already knew these things. >> I'm sorry. I've never been I've never been in this situation before. So can I finish talking please? >> Definitely. >> I've never been in this situation before which is why I was asking the questions that I was. Okay. >> I don't feel like that should mean that I get detained. >> Okay. So, we have enough probable cause to believe that child is occurring and that has occurred over the past couple days, if not more than that. So, we have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. >> Option to go outside. >> Well, I was going to detain you in handcuffs anyway. >> Yes. >> Got it. Okay. So, that's what I was asking with that. So, that's perfectly fine. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being lied to. >> No, I'm not I'm not lying. given the option of the situation. >> So, um, when do I get my one phone call? >> Yes, you get a lot at the jail. >> So, my name is Jamie Smith. I'm the investigation supervisor here at CFD. Um, based off of the circumstances today, um, we are needing to set up a safety plan for your kiddobee. Um, the biggest thing is is that we need to get your consent once we go through all of this stuff on the safety plan because we do have some concerns obviously. Um, the biggest thing is I'm under the impression that you're okay with sending him to stay with your dad. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> I'm detective and com with Farmington police. Quick question. >> She was by Athena. >> Athena. >> Yes. >> Okay. Athena, where do you keep your keys? So, after we're finished with the house, we can lock it. >> They're like that currently. >> Questions for me? >> No, not really. I'm sorry. There's like a thousand questions. However, are they relevant? You know, I'm nervously. Can I grab my medicine? I'm sorry. That's in this. Yes, we can definitely grab any medicine that you need. Um, I also do have another question regarding if there any is there anybody else that lives in the house? >> No. >> Okay. Just you and >> just me and my son. >> Okay. All right. Do you feel comfortable? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> If I'm going to jail, and this is really weird, but um because I'm transgender, I'm like afraid of going to male jail. I don't want to be assaulted. >> Is like do you know what happens in that scenario? Cuz I really >> Yeah. So I I know so I don't have the exact answer, but if that is a concern of yours, that's totally understandable and I wouldn't want that to happen to you either. I don't want that to happen to anybody um to have that type of fear in general. Um unfortunately, it is a fear and so and I couldn't imagine having to have that type of fear. So I'm going to do my best to talk to them, but it's more of a them question. I don't want to just tell you yes or no, but I'm sure that they can put you alone rather than with a group of people at least. >> Athena was eventually taken into custody and charged with abuse and neglect. Athena was bad enough, but the next case took things to a whole new level. A mother, Amy, went on a drugfueled rampage right in front of her seven-year-old daughter, forcing officers to step in before things got even worse. >> Okay. Why is your face bleeding? >> By the lip. >> Yes. Um, >> somebody really got out of control on >> I'm going to tell you. I'm going to be honest with you 100%. It's either you have someone come take Okay. Or we call DCF. >> Where's my daughter? Please my daughter. >> On May the 25th, 2024, police officers responded when reports surfaced about a mother who was attempting to celebrate her daughter's first grade by taking drugs and causing mayhem on the streets. Officers arrived at the location and confronted the woman. >> Hello, ma'am. >> Hi. How are you? >> Could I speak with you for a few minutes? Are you comfortable talking in front of these people or you want to speak privately? >> I would like to speak privately with my daughter. >> Yeah. Do you want to step aside then over here? What's your first name? >> Amy. >> Do you want to have a seat just so >> we're out of the What's going on today, Amy? >> Um, okay. So, my um my ex, he was like um he was like very rude. I mean, I don't know. It's just like nothing more than like rude. And then like um my uh like a neighbor of mine >> actually was like, "Hey, we're going to like you know help you guys now." >> And I was like, you know, like we move over like whatever. I I don't think >> I'm sorry. I'm not >> So So what happened in the vehicle today with this gentleman? A gentleman speaking with my partner far over there in the gray shirt. >> He's my neighbor. >> I know. So, what happened in his car today, ma'am, that led us to this situation today? >> I'm not I'm not sure. >> Okay. Why is your face bleeding? >> My lip? >> Yes. >> Um >> Amy's neighbor told officers how the chaos unfolded. Despite Amy's claims of being treated unfairly, her unstable behavior spoke volumes, leaving her young daughter to witness a scene no child should ever have to see. >> What's going on, man? >> Somebody really got out of control on >> Do you know her? >> Yeah. We had just met the other day and we were going to try our first date. See how it was. I didn't know she did. >> How Why you guys all the way down here? >> Cuz her daughter wanted crab legs. >> Okay. >> So, we were going to go to beach. >> Mhm. >> Only we never made it that far because she lost her. We couldn't understand what she was saying. She jumped on top of me while I was driving. She was pulling on my hair. She kicked me in the face. >> Then she started hitting her daughter. >> Is this your daughter? >> What happened? Is this your mommy? This is my daughter. >> Okay. >> Why is she being mean to me? >> He's not being mean to you. >> He's trying to figure out what happened >> and I'm trying to help everything. Look, you must have no right. I'm American citizen. Okay. I have my own rights and this guy should be an [ __ ] to me. Really? Are you kidding me? >> Who's this gentleman that you're here with? He lives down here with He lives like a block away from me. He He lives away from me. He's not like He lives like a block away from me or whatever. I don't know what that means to you guys. But >> what happened to her face >> when she was climbing over me? I swung my hand back >> because she was kicking me in the face and hitting me. Yeah. >> While I was in traffic >> and she jumped on top of me, she had her hand around my neck and was pulling my head backwards. Wait, do I have a busted lip? >> Yeah. Do you know how that happened? >> No, you know how I box your lip on like a seat or something. >> I'm stupid now. I'm I'm >> Do you know what happened? >> Can I tell you something? Look. Hey, can I tell you something? Hey, I'm a boxer. I do kickboxing. I do uh I do kickboxing. I do all that. >> Hey, Amy, what's your daughter's name? >> Excuse me. Why are you asking me about my child? >> Cuz I'm trying to figure out what's going on here. >> Yeah. Yeah. You don't have the right. Well, I do have a right. >> No, you don't have the right to can. No, no, no. >> I'm trying to make sure you're in the right state of mind to be care to be caring for a young child. >> Oh, really? Huh? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Oh, I am absolutely the worst. >> You're not able to answer my questions properly. >> Oh, I am. >> Okay. You couldn't tell me why your face was bleeding. Your pupils are pinpoint, which is indicative. >> Here, I'm going to take my daughter and walk away. >> You're not free to leave. >> You don't have the right I don't. You know what? >> Sit. You're not free to leave. >> You don't have the right to do. You know, I will I will Hey, you want to see me call my lawyer? >> Sure. Sit while you call him. >> Call my lawyer. >> Yes. Sit while you call him. >> I'll postag. >> Okay, that's awesome. >> Sit while you call him then. >> Oh, why are you looking at my question? Huh? >> Amy. >> Yeah, I saw you. >> What's your name? >> Amy. Amy. >> My name. >> Do you mind? Do you mind if I talk to your daughter for a minute? >> Oh, he just No, I do not. You do not have the first to talk to my daughter without my >> fortunes are handing me. That's the problem. I'm sorry. Here. You seem like the most reason she's the most. >> Listen, I'm just I want to I want I want to figure this out. Okay. >> But can we just talk to your daughter real quick? You'll be sick right there. >> Talk to her though cuz she's a minor. Are you kidding me? >> No, you can't. I was talking to my daughter. >> What's Amy? You understand? No. You got to force her hand, right? Like, >> do you have any family nearby? >> Um, yes. I have a lot of family nearby. >> You have a lot of family here. You have uh a mom or a dad? >> Uh, yes, absolutely. >> Do they live locally? >> Are they kidding me? Yeah. >> Can we get them on the phone real quick? >> You know what? Here, I'm going to take my daughter and I'm I'm going to walk into the uh the uh No, they're going to hit. >> Officers tried speaking with Amy and her daughter privately, but she refused. They already have witnessed statements accusing her of being high on substances, and her erratic behavior and vague explanations were beginning to prove them right. >> You were the one that caused the problem. >> Amy, have a seat. >> You guys are what? Trying to stick around. >> Listen. Listen. Please don't make a fight. Can you sit down? >> Can you sit down, please? Please. Hey, can you call a family member, please? Can we call a family member? >> Because we need somebody to come pick you and your daughter up. >> Why? >> Because you don't have a ride from here. >> I'm sorry. What is the problem here? I don't understand. >> Can I ask you what the problem is? You said this one person. >> First off, listen. I don't know what you've I don't know if you what you've taken, what you drank, but you're intoxicated. Okay. >> I'm not I'm not intoxicated. >> We're not going to debate that fact. Okay. So, something happened, right? And I don't think it's a wise idea to pick up the kid right now. All right. >> I think it is because >> listen, I'm being real with you. I don't I don't want have to force our hands here. Okay. We got to figure this out. Can't drive. Can't walk. Okay. >> Really? Since when? I can't drive or I can't walk. >> Can you Can you guys get like the uh >> Can you get the uh >> Give this a go. >> Hey guys. Hey guys. Can you get like I don't want to do this in front of the camera. >> Am I chucking a brace? I want the fire department, not the police. >> Can they Can they have like everybody walk away from me? >> Yeah, they can they can back up a little bit. I want to look at your face. You got a little bit of blood on your face. >> Yeah. You know what? I have a um I actually have a cancer. >> I have cancer. >> Can you Can you let us >> Oh, very. Please don't trip. Oh, I'm going to [ __ ] right? Just looking at the [ __ ] Stop looking at the >> Why are you looking at my >> Hey, sweetie. Can you get down? >> No. Leave my daughter alone. >> I want to check you out. Why don't you put her down? >> Yes, sir. I have cancer. I put down the first alone. Leave your >> Are you okay, Nora? >> No, I'm trying. I'm trying to Check it out. You want to get down? Do that. >> I miss my sit right there. That's all it is. Okay. >> That's all it is. All right. >> Where did you guys come from? >> Can you ask down? >> Fire department. >> Fire department. >> Are you guys like hurting us? >> No, we're trying. >> I'm trying to check you out medically. >> I know. I just wait. Why? On your face. 10year-old blood pressure. No, I don't give you permission. Okay. I hear a person and I don't have to. >> Sweetie, >> you got to stop walking. >> You're going to trip and fall. >> Stop walking. I'm not stupid. We're going to take her down. Don't touch my daughter. >> I don't want you to fall. Please. Please. >> I don't want you to fall with her. That's it. Can you give her You You're acting like I am under You acting like I am under like Can you hold her? What is it called? >> Amy, listen. >> You're acting like I'm under. >> Sit down with her. >> At least sit down with her. Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Amy kept resisting as officers laid out her options. Though by her behavior, it was clear that she would only understand the hard way. The main concern now was ensuring the child's safety amid the chaos. >> I'm going to tell you, I'm going to be honest with you 100%. It's either you have someone come take, okay, or we call it DCF. So, those are your choices. There's no >> DCF. >> Okay. >> Oh, no. No. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Then call this that's two two torses. >> The reason why we came out here to Florida is to like because my family died here. >> Amy call your dad and have my dare to die from cancer. I have cancer. >> I gave her I let her know two choices. >> I have colon cancer. >> Okay. >> There's no way that you guys can. This is illegal with you. >> I don't want to do this. But you're forcing our >> want to do this either. You want you do want to do this. >> I want the straight line. What is your problem? >> The legality is Oh, hey. Hey, stop. Cut it off. >> My daughter's This is Amy. >> My daughter is watching all this [ __ ] Trying to get some You're not You guys My daughter used to want to be a police officer. >> Trying to get someone to come get her. >> Do you want to still be a police officer? You want to see this piece of >> Listen, >> do you want to be a police officer? Amy, >> she wanted to be a police officer. All I did was speak highly of you guys. >> Amy, >> no more. No more. No more. All I smoke was highly of you guys. >> She's not speaking highly of you guys before. >> I'm sorry. Listen. Now you're going to tell me. She don't really You're going to take my daughter away. >> No, we don't want to. >> You don't have the choice to >> We don't want to. >> You don't have the opportunity. >> But you have two options. >> No. No, you don't. I'm just being real with you because I'm just being real with you. You don't have the choice to kidnap my daughter. >> We're not. >> You're not going to kidnap my daughter. >> Hey, I was up here illegal for 6 years. >> I know you guys like. All right. Here. We're going to do this. We're going to walk away. >> No, you're not. >> Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. What? >> Hey, baby girl. Come here. You guys going to take this off your head. >> No, you're not going to touch me. >> You're molesting me. You're molesting me now. Stop. >> You're molesting me. Nora, it's okay. Norah, just do what they said. >> I'm sorry. Okay, you're right. You're right. You're right. >> Go along. >> Okay. She'll be okay. >> You can you can Can you help us? >> I'll help you. >> You guys are going together. >> Hey, I just want to be going together. >> I want to keep them in the nest. I swear to God. >> Okay, >> let's walk, baby. >> You don't talk to me. >> Let's walk. >> Hey. >> Okay. >> You want to Hey, Wes. You want to take her um over to my car? >> Yeah. >> The situation hit a breaking point as the intoxicated Amy fought against her restraints while her seven-year-old daughter stood by visibly shaken and confused. >> Don't do this in front of my daughter. >> You're doing this for your daughter. >> Yeah, it's embarrassing for your daughter. >> Ridiculous. >> Get in the car and knock it off. to yourself. [screaming] [screaming] >> I just can't believe we got to do that for a kid. Sit [screaming] up. >> Hey, she slipped her cuffs. >> She did? >> Yeah. >> She's going to be a hobble then. Ready? You ready? [screaming] >> Get the spit mask on. >> On the ground. >> On your face. >> On your face. >> Put your hands. >> Why are you scratching me? >> Don't kick my daughter, please. What did you do with my daughter? What do my >> Thank you. >> What are you arresting me for? It's early intox. >> Sorry. That would have been a lot of fun. >> That child neglect. >> Child neglect. Huh? >> Correct. >> No, that's impossible. >> Okay. You want to sit back there? >> Yeah. >> You're not in trouble. All right. I'm going to call your grandma. Do you? And you said your grandma's at North. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> It's like 10 hours away to get here. >> And her name's >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Amy, just stand up. We're going to have you sit right here. >> WHERE'S MY DAUGHTER? >> Where's my daughter? >> Where is she safe? >> Where is Where's my daughter? Please my daughter. >> Hey, get >> there. You go. Take some deep breaths. >> There you go. >> I'll do what you say. >> Why is she in the hospital? And what is she going to do there? She >> Well, she I think she's just a little sick right now and so the doctors are going to make her feel better. >> Oh yeah, but what if she tries to get them or something? >> She won't, sweetie. >> Yeah, she won't. They're going to take good care of her. They're They're really good at doing that kind of thing there. They're used to uh helping people like they're going to put her to sleep and give her surgery and then they're going to get >> No, baby. I don't think they're going to do any type of surgery. All right. No surgery. >> Are they going to put her to sleep? >> No, honey. She just attacked him like a while ago. >> By the time your mom's there, she's going to be tired and she's going to sleep. And then they have medicine that when they give it to her, your mom will be in much, much better shape. By tomorrow, your mom will know where she is. Authorities placed Amy's daughter in DCF custody for safety, while Amy was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Upon release, though sober, Amy's combative attitude showed little sign of change. >> Where's my shoes? Oh my god. >> She here. It's not going to be hard. All right. >> Can you tell me what place? >> She have she have a diaper yet? >> Yeah. >> You put a diaper on me. >> All right. I'm going to put this belt around your waist. We're going to cuff up front so I can stay walking. Okay. >> Where did my daughter go? >> What? >> So I know how like what to do because >> they're going to be in contact with you. >> They don't are not in No, they say that to you guys. Trust me. They don't they don't do you know or >> I do know the child is with department and children and families. >> Families. Where do they go? Like in the night >> in the in the night like they're going to be with a >> like they're going to go to placement with one of the DCF workers. Yeah. >> Is it going to be like a family? >> No, it's it's with one of the employees today. >> Is it going to be in a facility? >> No, it's going to be at somebody's house. >> It's going to be somebody's house. Yes. Somebody that works for DCF. The child will be placed until they can figure out what's going on with their kids. >> All the other ones your hands. Okay. >> My daughter might get >> Amy was eventually charged with neglect, disorderly intoxication and battery on a law enforcement officer. Moving on to another deeply concerning case where officers had to intervene to rescue kids from deplorable living conditions and an unfit crackhead of a mother. Miranda. >> Am I going to jail? Um, yeah. That's why we're going to walk this way and I want to get you out of the kids. Hey, come on. >> All right. What am I going to jail for? >> You're going to go to jail on four counts. Child abuse. >> Can you let my kids know I love them? >> On December the 8th, 2024, officers conducted a welfare check after disturbing reports of neglect and abuse at a residence. At the scene, they found Miranda, the mother, who was visibly distressed and barely coherent. >> Hey, 213. >> Hey, can I talk to you real quick? >> Am I in trouble? Well, no, but we need to have a talk. >> All right, let's come out here. [clears throat] Just follow one up with you. DJJ kept him last night. >> Yeah, >> they did. Okay. All right. And so, Alex and your three children that live here, right? >> Yeah, >> they do. Okay. Is there anybody home right now? >> Only the kids. >> Is it just the three of them right now? >> Yeah. Am I going to jail? >> Um, yeah. That's why we're going to walk this way and I want to get you out of the kids. Hey, come on. >> Come on. >> Why am I going to jail? >> So, I'm going to explain it here in a minute. All right. Hey, we're going to get out of sight of your kids. I'm going to give you that respect. All right. >> Earlier, officers had entered the home and were met with the scene revealing severe neglect. The conditions were utterly unfit for anyone, let alone for the four children living there. Realizing the urgency, the officers wasted no time taking swift action to ensure the kid's safety. >> What am I going to jail for? >> You're going to go to jail on four counts. Child abuse. Okay. And I'm going to explain it all. >> Cleaning last night. I literally >> Well, [snorts] can I get shoes at least? >> We'll get everything. >> We'll get everything. Okay. >> Too tough. >> That's too tough. I have a whiskey shot. [clears throat] >> All right. So, what's going to happen? I'm going to take you to the jail. >> Four four counts of felony child abuse. Okay. One, as a mother, you're supposed to provide adequate >> I was cleaning the house. You >> adequate care for your children. I don't think you've met that level based on our observations yesterday. and just the culmination of everything. I I don't I don't feel like you're culpable and negligent. >> Oh, can you please listen for me a minute? >> Is there any shoes that you want or need? >> Yeah. You can you ask my niece and nephew to get me my um flip-flops? >> Well, I don't want them to see this. Okay. So, >> can I had a bad day yesterday? I don't want I don't want it to double down. Okay. >> So, >> I literally have a case manager and I literally I'm being honest with you. Call Brian Chavez. >> All right. Well, I'm going off my observations. Okay. >> I know. I'm being serious. Call Brian Chavez and ask. That's why I'm telling you DC case manager is Brian Chavez. >> I've talked to DCF this morning. My investigation based on my observations yesterday. Okay. >> Call Leilani. It >> callani. She literally took pictures the day before. >> Okay. >> Can you please and then maybe you'll have a different change. You'll have a change of heart. I'm being serious. Calli. >> I believe I do believe you're going to want to improve your situation and I hope you >> I literally was I was I actually was cleaning the date. I actually had it cleaned up today. That's a good start. >> I've been here several times. Okay. It has never You can say you're cleaning now, but I've never this property. >> All right. But >> and it's it's based on a total investigation and arrest that we conducted. Okay. >> Can you please call my boyfriend to take care of my animals? [cough] >> We will. >> I I honestly I'm hoping I can I >> All right. All um they're we're standing by with your house like yesterday. Um we're not going to leave any animals unsecured or uncared. That's why I asked if he can call my boyfriend. >> DCF is coming out and um like I said, DCF may come talk to you at the jail >> and they're going to figure out arrangements for getting you care for your children. Okay. >> Uh can you call Stacy Reading? Have him call Stacy Reading? >> I I don't I'm not going to be part of that. We're going to do paperwork. Um >> I'm going to be honest with you. just leaving yesterday like and just all my observations. >> That's strictly what this is based off is observations. >> Um, you know, I hope that >> whatever comes of this. >> Can you answer that? That's my son. >> Can you please please I need to know what's going on. >> Hang on. >> Whatever comes to this, I hope you guys get to a better spot. Okay, >> but this is where it's going to stop. >> Please, that's my son. I'm begging you. >> Please. >> That's my son. >> I I right now I'm not permitted to answer phones like that. She's got animals in there, too. So, we might have to call animal control. >> Can you please just call my boyfriend? He'll take care of them. >> I really can't lose my service dog. >> Even after being restrained for neglect, the mother of four showed little concern for her children and instead focused on her pets. It was a revealing moment that underscored exactly why officers had to intervene. >> And also, I they juvenile justice just called my phone. Can I please find out what's going on with my son? >> Please take care of it right now. All right. >> I just want to know what's going on with him. Like I know >> he's in a safe place, right? He's safe. He's in jail. >> I just want to know if he's able to get out. That's what it is. >> Okay. >> Cuz if >> we'll cross that bridge, right? So, I want you to know he's safe. You know, he's not on the streets. He's in a facility. He's taking care of you. >> What's a good number for uh your boyfriend? >> Uh can you get in my phone? I don't know the number. I think it's 864. >> Are you allowing me to get in your phone? >> Yes. >> How do I do that? >> Um, just hit the screen and push up. No, it's a little My phone's not If you can If you may have to hit the side button. >> It's upside down. >> Yeah. >> Then swipe up. >> Yeah. Okay. >> And then go to um you can go into the phone and you can go to contacts. No contacts, not recent because I know you can't. Um, go to um Richard. >> Richard? >> Yeah. >> Right there. You may call him on the phone >> if you don't mind. >> All right. >> Ow. These are >> He lives local. >> He lives in Hastings and he can even take my kids. >> Can you loosen these? These are hurting. >> Heads up to DCF. >> These are hurting. Can you alone? >> Yeah, he'll take he'll take care of them. >> He's not call back. He's going to be going to be here for a little while. >> Hold on. Let me leave a message. 8 641 638 >> Hey, Richard. I'm getting arrested. I need you to come get Mutley and the and the cats, please. Can you let my kids know I love them? >> Yeah, we'll tell them. They're [snorts] going in there now. I guess two of them are waking up. >> No, they're getting ready for church. >> They're getting ready for church. >> They're getting ready for church. >> Where do they go to church at? They're going they go to um status check >> calvary you want to talk to your your daughter real quick >> if you don't mind any questions what's going on charge with anything like that >> you don't have any questions >> all I know is I'm working with DCF and I've been trying to get this I'm trying >> Amanda okayanda >> I literally just have a case manager I have a case manager I have you listen to me. What you need to do is try harder. >> All right. So, it's just paperwork here on out. Okay. >> And I really do hope this is uh the point where things change and improve for you. Okay. No, you guys just got my niece and nephew taken from me permanently. >> Officers informed the mother that her children would be placed under the care of the Department of Children and Families. With that, she was transported to the processing unit for booking as officers [music] offered her firm but necessary advice. >> DCF is responding. Okay. Before we release, DCF's going to help us determine who your kids are going to be released to. Okay. DCF usually tries to find a family member first, whether that's the father or [clears throat] your mentor or whoever. Um, they're going to come up with a a safety plan or parenting plan. >> They can go really soon to my boyfriend, >> but they're going to probably be in contact. They're probably going to come see you at the jail um and talk to you. Um, all right. They're going to come up with that. As far as your bond and stuff, the booking will talk to you about that, but I am charging you with four felony counts of of child abuse. Um, again, you're innocent until proven guilty in court, so you'll have your day in court. Um, just remember that the jail staff, they're here, they're just doing a job, okay? They [music] have nothing to do with the investigation. Um, >> I'm not a mean person, so you don't have to worry about that. >> Amanda, I've How long have I been working with you? Say goodbye. I remember when your kid got hit with the seat belt buckle on the bus. I came out and did that report. I was there when >> And he's still been hit by again. I was there when I guess the that 106y old friend of yours that passed away. I was the one that managed that for you. I've been out with you a lot. I don't think you're a bad person. One bit not a bone in my body thinks you're a bad person. >> Okay. I do think you're in need of some help. I do think things need to change. Um >> I was working on that. I I literally had a case manager or I have. I don't even know. >> So no like I'm [snorts] going to tell you this. Okay. >> No case manager. No other person's going to make this stuff better or change it. >> I was She was just out the day before. >> She was out the day before with Family Home [clears throat] Builders >> and she took pictures and she goes, "You need I want this done by the time I come back on Monday." >> So >> So we were working together to to make a plan for everybody everything to get done. >> Well, and there's a culmination of things going on. I do think you've had [snorts] a rough year. I understand that. Um, but and I get it's not easy, but there's also some things it's got you got to try harder. As my supervisor even said, you got to try harder. >> And there's some things that you need to step it up on, okay? And and my genuine hope, okay, from the bottom of my heart is that it starts here, okay? And I hope >> it's not cuz I just lost my the two little ones permanently. You don't understand [snorts] >> litigation case against them to prove I'm not a fan mother. You just gave every single piece of case to them. >> No, I'm holding you accountable for what I believe you need to be held accountable for. Okay. >> Like I said, there needs to be a change and I hope this is the start of that change for you. Okay. >> The woman was officially placed under arrest for neglect and endangering the welfare of her children. If you thought Miranda was crazy, then wait till you see the next case where officers had to restrain a drunk mother who lost control and lashed out at her own kids. Be quiet before you have another charge. >> You just kidding him. >> Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on November the 5th, 2024, expecting a routine welfare check. Upon arrival, they found a confused woman outside a duplex. But as the investigation unfolded, it quickly became clear that the case was far from ordinary. >> What's going on? >> What's going on? Can we talk on the driveway? Oh, I didn't. >> You live at You last side A. >> You You live on this house. >> No, this is my sister's house. >> Okay. But you were on side A on the on this side of the house, the duplex. Why don't you >> And my car is over here. >> I'm saying were you inside the house at some point? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Side A. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What's What happened? Why? >> I don't know. I don't even know why somebody called the police. >> Was there an argument? >> Um maybe. Mindy came talk to whoever's in the house. >> Are you involved in anything? >> I don't think so. >> Hi. >> Hello. What's going >> What's going on? Did you call? >> Yes. Um, she like came in our house and she was drinking and she came in to talk to her daughter and her daughter and she jumped on her and started slapping her. >> How old's your daughter? >> 14. >> Okay. Where's your daughter at? from upstairs. >> Can you get her real quick? Who are you to her? Who is she to you? >> She does my life. >> Okay. How old are you? >> I'm 20. >> You live here? >> Okay. >> You witnessed this? >> Yes. >> Witness statements painted a grim picture. The 14-year-old had been attacked by her intoxicated mother. When questioned, the woman turned defensive and erratic. But her resistance didn't last long, however, as officers quickly took control with a firm, nononsense approach. >> I said, "Nobody's allowed in the house." >> You told me you don't live here, remember? My sister lives here. >> Okay, >> ma'am. >> My sister does live here. Let me see. >> I'm talking to an adult right now. >> Who's the adult in there? Nobody adult in here. >> Ma'am, stop stepping towards him. >> My investigation. You said you don't live here. >> Adult, but my sister does. >> And that's not adult. That's my daughter. >> My daughter is Stop walking. Stop walking closer over there. Okay. You have an ID. >> You ever get stuck in the grass over here? >> All right, ma'am. Just do me a favor right quick. I see that. >> See what your >> phone >> What? >> Don't resist your trigger out. >> Don't Don't resist. Like you drinking, huh? >> No. >> Smelling on your breath. There we go. >> Why am I being >> because of the allegations that are being made? >> Because of the allegations being made. >> But that's only >> Is it? I don't know. I got two different testimonies from two different people. >> But you guys >> Well, we if you want to continue to give us more talking stuff, we'll read you your rights and we'll continue. But right now, you're being detained. Okay. I just read your rights and see if she wants to provide anything further. Not. Uh, my car is unlocked. All right, stand right there. Whatever your name is. >> Yeah. To search my car. >> What's that? >> You don't have a right to search my car. >> Okay. >> I give you no right to search my car. >> No. >> I guess it's a good thing I didn't ask. >> So, um, can you tell my mom? >> No. I ain't telling her nothing. You got to say, >> but I got a pretty old son at home >> by himself. No, with his dad. >> Okay, then >> black women don't have fathers. >> Were you saying it like like >> I'm just asking you to tell my niece to tell my um >> you know that I'm going to jail but at the end of the day I still have children and I'm just asking you can you um tell my niece that you know what's going on? The drunk woman became so agitated that even her own mother, exhausted by her behavior, expressed relief and gratitude toward the officers for stepping in. >> You're not going to talk to me. >> We don't have any available. So, >> well, you'll find one. >> If there's none available, then I got to do >> find one. Ain't no man going to be searching me. Period. >> Well, it's not up to you. >> It is up to me. What you talking about, >> man? My name is Deputy Harrison. >> I don't give a name. You're not going to search me. Do >> you mind if I grab your ID right quick? >> Yes, sir. >> So, she's going to go to jail for child abuse and uh sir. Thank you. >> I'm so I'm so I'm so tired of I'm sorry. My daughter has a drinking problem, sir. And this will probably be the best thing to help her. You understand? I hope I'm sorry. >> I'm so sorry. I'm so tired. >> Does she use drugs right there? >> No, she don't do no drugs, sir. She's not on drugs. She just only drinks. >> Right there. >> Yeah, sir. Don't worry about her. She's going to scream in the trunk. Okay. >> Hey, stop all that yelling. Sit down. >> You going to get another charge in a minute. >> I'm going to get you for disorderly. >> Oh, man. >> Be quiet. Be quiet before you have Be quiet before be quiet before you have another charge. And this is for what you told me earlier. You know, you said that she came here drunk. She came here for whatever purpose it was. She went upstairs. What you witnessed as far as the hitting, the slapping, make sure you're specific. Like you said, she was winding up. The slaps were audible. Uh she was crying and all that good stuff. So, make sure you write that stuff down. All right. Use that same pen. Date of birth. If you want her information released life center, which provides uh free and confidential services to victims of uh domestic violence or anything like But the drama wasn't over yet as during the arrest, the woman resisted officers and made a reckless move that only worsened her situation. >> All right. All right. Step out right quick. Face the vehicle. I'm about to search you. Do not resist me. Okay. >> All right. >> Okay. To your left, please. To your left. Thanks. That's good. Nothing less against the vehicle. >> I'm sorry. Nothing in your shoes or anything like that. You want me to take along? >> That'd be great. >> No, I can't cuz it's too hard to get back on. >> Oh, well, we'll help you against the car, please. Can you leave us the car, please? >> Let me take him off cuz y'all are telling to his orders. >> No, I'm doing what he [ __ ] asked me to do. Shoot the [ __ ] text. >> You just kicked that out of him. >> She just kicked that out of him. >> Don't sit here and say that was a [ __ ] threat. Really? >> I don't know if you felt assaulted. Come on. >> All right, we're going to put your shoe down here. Don't worry about them. The jail won't take good care. >> All right, you put your seat on just for good measure. You never know these days. >> Oh, yeah. I hope you >> The woman was charged with abuse causing serious bodily harm. Next, officers were called to rescue a child living in deplorable conditions with a drugaddicted father who tried to lie his way out of an arrest. >> He didn't eat all of it, but she had to get a little bit of it. >> How much of it was left? >> Probably about half out of like, you know, a gram or something. >> Honor residue all over the the countertop on top of dog feces everywhere. Environment for a child to be in at any at any point in time. You're being placed under arrested child in the guard. On the 23rd of June 2023, police received a report about a one-year-old girl who had ingested her father's. This caused her stomach to enlarge and led to an urgent admission to the hospital where she required a tube to support her breathing for several days. Once the results came out positive for the police immediately went to confront her father. When they arrived at his residence, they were faced with a father whose level of recklessness was nothing short of dangerous. >> What? What happened? I was in my living room. I'm watching TV. I was flat out with you. I was about to roll up the blunt. >> Uh-huh. >> And I stopped, set it down, went took a [ __ ] real quick. >> Okay. >> And she ate it. >> I know. It comes in various strains. What kind of strain are we talking here? Like >> I don't know. Just some >> Like is it a medical type? Like the kind you get from those doctors and stuff that are like >> professionally? No, not that. >> This shit's [ __ ] half brown. >> How How big was this one? >> Probably about a gram. >> What time was that? >> That was probably about 7:30, 8. And I noticed about 8:30. Real stiff. So that's when I called her mom, got her in truck, and called. >> Why didn't you call us like an ambulance? I thought I get there faster. I didn't >> Jacksonville. >> No, no. I went to um Flaggler and we were there till probably 11 12 and then we got transported to Jacksonville. Oh, >> okay. So about an hour after all that happened. You what what were you thinking when like you went to the bathroom and it's gone when you come back? >> Has this ever happened before? >> Daughter, right? >> Yes, sir. >> You watch her often? >> On the weekends? >> Yeah. Is that where your custody is for like week custody? >> No, we we don't have a custody. It's just there's there's no child support custody. >> Not married or nothing? >> No. >> No. >> Going to jail, aren't I? >> I mean, I I don't make that decision, but we're here to try and figure out why a one-year-old's in the hospital. So, we have to figure out what's going on with all that. How much more is here? >> I threw it all away. To be honest with you, after seeing that, I don't give a about swiping that [ __ ] anymore. I I don't give a about it. That No. >> How come? I I just don't get why you didn't call us at all. Even if you thought you'd get to the hospital first. >> Like even on the way like, "Hey, kid's going through something. I don't know what it is." Like >> I I wasn't I freaking out >> and it's 7:30. What time did you get to the hospital? I noticed they're doing this around 8:30 and that's when I I was probably at the hospital by 9:00. As soon as I noticed what something wasn't right, I'll hau out. >> How many pe How many kids you got in here? >> Huh? >> Any other kids here? >> No, not right now. They're with her I got two kids total. >> So you have a baby mama that's not in a relationship, but you have a kid a kid in common? >> Yeah. >> No other here. >> No. Making sure you got food, water, all that stuff that you're supposed to have for children. >> Well, I need to go grocery shopping right now. >> Well, I mean, we're not if you're if you got a little bit of food, that's >> The tension was already high, and now it was time for the cops to investigate the living environment. The man led them inside his house's compound, but later realized that he had made a huge mistake in doing so. Inside his house, the police witnessed something beyond anyone's imagination. >> Can you kind of just give me a rundown of what happened last night? Honestly, we're in there watching TV and I rolled one up and I didn't finish rolling it. So, we're in the bathroom not thinking that I had to go. I had to go. I run in there and come back and you didn't eat all of it, but you had to get a little bit of it. How much of it was left? >> Probably about half out of like, you know, a gram or something. So about she ingested about half a gram of >> Yeah, give or take. >> And she's a month a year and a half old. >> Yeah, roughly. How how heavy is she? >> Oh god. She's not the big She's not a big kid. >> Okay. >> That's a lot of for a little kid. >> I kind of see she's just seems lost and clenched up. >> Mhm. >> So I I called her mom and got her in the truck and out of the hospital up there. >> Why didn't you call us? I freaked out and I just I don't know if by the time y'all get out here I'd be out there. I don't know, man. >> You didn't even notify us at all. >> I got to the hospital and told them what happened. >> No, I shouldn't have to come here looking for you wanting to talk to you about something that happened last night, which still to this to this point >> from the hospital. >> You still haven't even tried to bother to call law enforcement any sort of way. >> Your uncle had to call us. As a father, you should be the one. You're you're the caregiver for that child. That is your responsibility and your sole responsibility. If something happens to that child on your behalf and you think something's wrong, we are the first people you should call. I understand you may have thought I was faster, but the the problem is you still didn't even call. >> I I thought I don't know, man. I freaking out the whole night. >> What's the deal with the What's the deal with the loose everywhere? You got loose all around the house, man. >> Don't clean up. the baby crab inside of your bedroom. You got a blunt, half smoking blunt on the nightstand. >> You got loose grinder residue all over the the countertop on top of [music] dog feces everywhere. >> Dog piss everywhere. >> I ain't been home. >> Okay, but if you're going to have a child here, you should clean up after yourself. And >> I have not been home. This is not that's this is not a livable environment for a child to be in at any at any point in time. >> The cop's investigation revealed that the environment was hazardous for anyone, let alone a one-year-old child. The sheer level of carelessness was evident everywhere, leading to this incredibly dangerous situation for the kid. With all the evidence stacked against the dad, it was obvious he was headed [music] to jail. >> So, right now, turn put your hand behind your back. You're going to be placed under arrest. >> Is a dog in the house >> in a second. You're being placed under arrest. The fing Do >> you have any other in there besides? >> When was the last time you used? >> No. >> Never? >> No. >> You didn't overdose last year? >> Thought I did, but I didn't. I had a panic attack. >> You did a panic attack. Okay. >> That's pretty different than an overdose. >> So, you want to be the only I was drunk. I hit one of those two and I started freaking out. Thought I was overdosing. I don't know. I don't do that. >> What's with all the strand of tin foil on the floor? [music] >> Got it. >> All right. Let me ask you a couple questions. >> Yeah. >> So, all the relocated yours, >> I know he already asked about harder. Okay. Is there anything in the house we need to know about? >> No. >> A little bit of somewhere. >> How much weed do you usually keep at the house at a time? buy it. When you buy it, how much you buy it? >> Quarter. >> Quarter. >> Maybe like seven grams or so. With me switching jobs and everything, it's just last priority, you know. >> But how often do you buy them? >> Probably every week. >> How much you spending on it? >> 50 bucks a week. >> Probably got an ounce of shavings just on all your counters. >> It's accumulated. In a rush to work in the morning, I'll pack it real quick and then tear out and same thing next day [music] >> and it just accumulates. So all all the in there is it yours? >> No, it's mine. >> Do you know what the charges are? >> Child life. >> That's a bad one, isn't it? >> It's a third degree felony, sir. >> When you came out of the bathroom after you rolled up one, what did you see? Was she actively eating it? >> No. And there's, you know, a good little bit of it on the floor. Just kind of watch it for a minute and then she something's not right. I [ __ ] hold ass. >> You still need a contact list? >> No, I didn't. I I just >> I I freaked out. You know, you see your kid like that, you >> I freaked out and I did the wrong thing. >> I have kids, so I can't say I understand. >> No, I'm not a bad guy, dude. I'm not I I do everything for my kids. I up. Just glad she's okay. >> She was having seizures. >> No, not no more. No, that was that night. She's been good. >> That was last night, right? >> Yeah. She's been good for the majority of today. They've just kind of been, you know, holding on to her. They had plans to go back up there, but that's not happening. >> Days later, the baby recovered and was discharged from the hospital. In the end, the father was charged with and banned [music] from any contact with his own child. But this crackhead parent is still nothing compared to the next suspect, a druggie mother who got into a car crash with her kid in the car. >> She wrecked. She might drive. I turned my head and look at the girls to talk to them and they were fighting and I just turned my head. >> On the 16th of October 2023, officers responded to a call about a car crash. Upon arrival, they found a disoriented driver struggling to explain herself near a wrecked vehicle. But nothing could have prepared them for the heartbreaking discovery they were about to make. >> Guys, I don't know about her. No, I'm just >> She's out of She don't know if she's in this world or not. >> She didn't even know she wrecked. She went airbor >> the baby that's in the back license. >> Okay. >> Get out of my car, >> I can't do that. >> Where's my other ambulance? >> That's my everyone. in my hand. >> You don't even know where your kids are. >> You're going to jail. >> Am I going to jail? >> You're going to jail because you don't know if you're in this earth or not. Come here. >> Come on, baby. >> No, baby. You leave her on the >> Oh my gosh. You Let's take a seat. >> What? No, baby. Let me go. >> Let's go take a seat. Okay. >> Please let me go be with my baby. The matter right now is the babies. Please, why would you let me do but talk to my baby? >> Do you have any weapons on you? >> No, I got nothing. >> Put this down. >> Okay. I don't have anything. >> Do you have any needles on you? >> No. No. >> All right. Take a seat right here for now. >> Please. Please. Where? >> I need a Can I go see her? Can we go? Come on, baby. >> Let me have that. >> Here. >> Not right now. >> School bus going off to turn around. >> Worked. I just did a whole >> So, where were you coming from today then? Right now before the crash. >> Where did you come from? >> When you were driving on the road, where did you leave from? >> The house. >> You left your house. Where were you going? >> To Christiey's and from the store. >> Christy's in the store? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Um, what happened with the crash? Do you remember it at all? >> I turned my head and looked at the girls to talk to them because they were fighting and I just turned my head. >> Okay. >> All right. So, you haven't used since yesterday then? >> Right. Right. I took my sleeping pill last night. >> Took your sleep pill last night? >> Yes, I did every night. Everybody. >> All right. Well, I'm going to run you through a few field sobriety tests here. Okay. >> Um, I'm going to check your eyes first. do the uh horizontal gaze test here. Okay. >> It was hard to imagine any mother doing all that after her child was deceased. She calmed down rather quickly for the sobriety test, which was strange given that one of her children was deceased and another was seriously injured. >> We want to check your eyes first. Do the uh horizontal gaze test here. Okay. All right. On this test, what you're going to do is you're just going to follow this pin with your eyeballs only. As it goes from side to side, you're going to keep your head dead straight. Okay. So, the only thing moving here is your eyes, and you're going to track this pin. All right. Do you have any questions about any of that? All right. Can you see the pin just fine? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Also, you can blink if you need to during this test. You don't have to keep your eyes open. Okay. >> Great things about my oldest daughter. your oldest. >> Focus on this for a second. This one's going to go all the way out. >> Quite a place for him. >> Yeah. After a little bit. So, >> we're going to do that one again cuz you kept looking everywhere. Sorry. Just going to stay out here to your right or to your left. Okay, I'm going to do the modified Romberg test on this next one here. Okay, I'm going to explain it all to you and I'm going to ask you to take it from there. All right, it's a pretty simple test. What you're going to do here, you're going to have your feet side by side like you already have them. You're going to have your hands straight down to your side. Okay. From there, you're going to look up at the sky with your eyes closed. >> I'm going to call it later than that. >> Okay. >> Well, I'll catch you if you fall over. Okay. >> Like I said, with your head back, I'm going to You don't have to do it yet. I'm going to explain everything to you. Then, then I want you to do it. All right. So, your hands down to your side. You're going to maintain that straight stance there. You're going to lift your head up till you're looking at the clouds. You're going to close your eyes. All right. Back and your eyes closed. You're going to quietly to yourself estimate the passage of 30 seconds. Okay? When you think 30 seconds has passed, you're going to drop your head and tell me to stop timing you. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. Are you done? >> Yeah. >> How long was that? >> I think it was 30, but that kept getting on my elbow. So, >> how did you get to 30? >> Taking it. Count. One, two, three. Two, three. Okay. >> But then I stopped for a second while he said he crawling on me or >> Okay. So, you had a little pause there in the middle and you just kept on going. You just count to 30 then. >> Mhm. >> Okay. All right. Uh, how do you how do you ingest your pills in your when you take them? Do you sort them? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How do you how do you explain having zero nasal hair in your nose? >> And that was from years ago probably >> years ago. >> Yeah. >> Did you used to sort Xanax or something? >> Yeah. Xanax. >> Okay. The officer suspected recent drug use, likely contributing to the impaired driving that caused the crash. He tried to establish a timeline of the woman's drug use and the substances involved. After this incident, she denied very recent use or the use of certain substances, which was surprising. >> How do how do you ingest your pills in your when you take them? Do you sort them? >> No. >> Okay. How do you how do you explain having zero nasal hair in your nose? >> And that was from years ago, Paul >> years ago. >> Yeah. >> Did you sort Xanax or something? out and then etc. >> Okay. How long ago has it been since you done that? >> About 5 days when I did that last. >> 5 days since you did that last. >> Okay. All right. U >> because I passed away. >> Okay. Have you smoked any marijuana or anything like that today? >> I don't smoke. >> Okay. All right. All right. Let's step over here into the middle so I don't so you don't fall off the road here. >> All right. This next test is going to be the walk and turn test. All right. I'm going to explain everything to you and I'm going to show you what it should look like and I'm going to ask you to do it. All right. For this test, you need to start out with your uh right foot in front of your left. So, that is touching heel to toe just like mine is right here. Go ahead and do that now. >> I can't even do that. >> All right. And your hands your hands straight down to your side. >> All right. >> Do it. >> Stay like that till I finish explaining this to you. From there, you're going to take nine heel to toe steps right down this straight line here. Okay. >> I got to melt a rod all the way from the top this way to the bottom. >> Okay. You see the scarring from the pins and everything in it. >> Does that hurt you right now? >> Yeah. Always hurts me. Just see the leather. >> Okay. Uh but like I said, from there, you're going to take nine heel totoe steps right down this line. All right. While you're taking them nine heel to toe steps, you're going to look down at your feet. You're going to count out every step out loud so that I can hear you. >> Okay. You're going to keep your hands down to your side the entire time you're taking this test. All right. When you get to that nine hillto toe step, you're going to leave your front foot on the line. You're going to pivot around your front foot with a series of small steps to change direction. Okay? And then you're going to return right back down the same line, taking nine more heel totoe steps, looking down at your feet, counting every step out loud with your hands down to your side. All right? >> Look up or look down. >> Look out your foot. Count every step out loud like I told you. >> One even do it. >> Horrible. I can't do this thing. So, I can't do it. Sorry. I mean, I'm just That's awful. And I'm freezing now. 2 4 5 6 9. >> Okay. >> Finally, it was her last sobriety test. >> I got one more test here for you. All right. I'm going to explain this one to you as well. This test is going to be your feet together just like they were for the first test we did. Your hands straight down to your side. Okay. From there, it's whatever foot's most comfortable for you. You're going to raise one foot off the ground about 6 in. All right. You're going to keep a straight leg when you raise that foot. That foot that's off the ground is going to be parallel to the ground as if you're pointing your toes like I'm doing here. All right. So, with your hands straight down to your side and that foot 6 in off the ground and parallel to the ground, you're going to look at those toes you have raised. And you're just going to count 1,00 1,002 1,0034 out loud until I tell you to stop counting. Okay? Do you have any questions about any of that? >> Can I get my sweatshirt on so I'm not shaking so >> is it in the back? Stay right there for a second. Put that on. This is my life right now. >> Oh my god. That was a box of two. Just >> I'm going to explain this to you one more time here. Okay. >> Feet together, hands down to your side with a straight leg. You're going to raise one foot off the ground about 6 in. You're going to keep that foot parallel to the ground. All right. While you're going to maintain that position, you're going to look at your toes you have off the ground. You're gonna count 100,00 one 1002 1003 till I tell you to stop counting. Okay. Do you have any questions about that? All right. Start that one. >> Which one would be best? >> It's whatever foot you want. Start it whenever you're ready. >> Okay. 2001 2002 34 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 12 13 14 My balance is not great. Okay, you can relax. >> At that moment, after what she had done, all the woman could do was freak out. >> And I shook up on top of it. >> I can't. That's all I care about. It's just right. >> Is there any chance you're pregnant right now? >> No. >> Not pregnant at all. >> Okay. >> Actually, that time right now. >> Okay. >> Like, yeah. >> Turn around for me. >> Do you have any shoulder injuries? >> Oh, yeah. >> Not that you know of. I'm looking at the window my kids actually face me this way. Damn, it's cold. >> Right now, you're under arrest for OVI. Okay. >> Okay. We're going to read you your rights before we go any further. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions. Have a lawyer present with you during questioning. If you're unable to pay a lawyer, one will be appointed for your priority in questioning if so desire. If you wish to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you have the right to stop answering questions at any time. Uh you have the right to stop answering questions anytime until you just talk to your lawyer. Do you understand your Miranda right? In the end, the suspect was arrested for allegedly operating a vehicle impaired and faced multiple felony charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, endangering [music] children, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless homicide. I