Honey, where are you going? I was going to go get ice cream. You're okay, boy. You're okay, buddy. Hey, come on, man. You're okay. What lies behind the pleading eyes of those children? Yes, but he hit me. The father was right there. >> that so Where's he at? Where's he at, Sarah? >> matter. I am not leaving my son unattended. I'm his only guardian at this time. Between tears and explanations, these mothers are caught in the storm between mistakes and love. Can love be strong enough to hold a family together before it collapses under the weight of adult recklessness? When I say September 10th, 1982 >> I was born in '81. You just told me that it was 1981. >> right now is either '80 or '81. I know when I was born. In an attempt to avoid attention, this mother tried to keep her identity hidden from the authorities. On January 26th, 2022, Officer Anthony Clark received a report about a minor car incident. The woman driving a red Camaro had accidentally collided with another vehicle. Initially, both drivers stopped, but when she learned that help was being called, she quickly left the scene, creating confusion for the responding authorities. What made the situation urgent was that a child was in the car, prompting immediate attention. All right, Sarah, you okay? What happened? You can blame the fire. What happened? >> I went to turn into turning lane up here to get over. I had my turn signal on and this flies up beside me and I was already over. So, I didn't even So, you're coming in the last time I looked over to my left and she was there and there was nothing I could do. Okay. So, she left. I told her I was going She's like, "You want to settle this now or what?" And I was like, "I'm calling the law cuz I mean, I can claim it on my insurance." All right. >> Where did your vehicle come in contact with her vehicle? >> I guess she hit my tire because she got black streaks all on the back of her car. I guess she hit my tire. The front tire right here? Yeah. Okay, so just so I'm clear, so you're in the turning lane You're in the turning lane coming here? Yeah, I was coming >> Coming in here? Yeah, I was coming here and he and she told me she's like, "We turned at the same It's like we turned We was getting over at the same time." I said, "There's no way we was getting over at the same time cuz if it was, you'd be behind me and you would Okay, so you're coming into the turning lane and then she comes into you and then goes >> I was She was behind me and I went to get over and she was already over, so it kind of clipped the back end of her car, which I jerked it back real quick as soon as I seen her, but she was like right here as soon as I seen her. You're going to take a left to go that way? You were coming here to come to here and then Okay, so you were coming in the turning lane to come here? >> Yeah, and she was, too. All right, now now I'm picking up what you're putting down. Uh you got your driver's license on you? Yeah, I told her that I was going to call y'all. >> And uh what she done was she's like, "Well, I ain't I ain't sticking around." I am cuz I mean, basically, that's wrong. Would it be a problem if I pulled over here and got gas and then pulled back over here? No, just go ahead. It'll be a few. Okay. So, there's driver's license back. So, the only damage on the truck is just that front left tire, that front driver's side tire. Yeah, but then there's her car over there. Yeah, which I mean, all it done it I mean, it's I see it right here. Yeah. That rotation right there. >> there. And that's all it done, but she just pulled up here and I told her that I was going to call the law and she's like, "No, I'm leaving." So, she backed up and left and went that way. >> She was in a red Camaro with two Georgia flags on each side. I'm going to try to track it down. All right, appreciate it. Yep. Locals soon noticed the car behaving unusually >> [music] >> and contacted the authorities, allowing officers to reach the woman quickly. You got ID on you? >> I don't have it on me. Okay, you want to step back here for me? Were you just involved in a wreck? Be honest, it's okay. Yes, but he hit me. He hit you? Why didn't you stop? Cuz I mean, I really didn't know like if it was my fault or his fault. >> Okay, well, you should stop and figure that out. Where'd you get hit at? On this side. When I was getting over, he was getting over, but see, I was getting over before Which way y'all coming from? In the turning lane. We was in the turning lane going to the marathon. I was getting over, he was getting over, but see, I was getting over before him. So, it's like I was kind of still kind of behind him, but I was merging over to the turning lane. He was merging over, so he side scraped me. Okay. All right. You said you don't have your ID on you? I don't. >> Okay, what's your name? And good date of birth for you? Uh can't even think right now cuz this is my neighbor's car and I just That's why I really pulled over cuz I don't want to get in trouble. 1980. Uh good phone number for you? Where do you stay at? I stay Well, right now I'm just like living with my mom. Where at? Do I have to give her address? Yeah, so if it's involved in a wreck, we have to have your address to put in the report, so. Oh my god. What's your address? He's going to give back to my neighbor. I got you. Where? Please. We have to We have to have that info, okay? So, if y'all report this, they hit my neighbor going to know, right? I mean, your neighbor's going to find out. I mean, you know what I mean? >> He's not going to see it, but he's not going to No, he's not going to see it, but the thing is, even if he Does he know you have the car? Yes, he know I'm driving his car, but the thing is, even if he see this, is his insurance going to know? Like, it's going to go on his insurance? So, it depends on if the other driver goes through the insurance. It may not go through the insurance at all. And if you're not And if you're not at fault, then it's his It's the other dude's insurance. But my neighbor's insurance is going to find out, right? >> Well, they find out, but it's not It's not like So, if you're not at fault, they're not going after your insurance or your neighbor's, whoever's car insurance on the car. >> still going to know. Yeah. But what's a what's a good address for you? Yeah, I am. What's your good address for you? So, you say you were in the turning lane to go We was going to the marathon. You're in the right turning lane. Yes, I was going to the marathon. I was going to get ready to get over and he was going to get ready to get over and he hit me because he side scraped me. Like, I was getting over, so basically >> You were getting You were in the right lane or left lane? We was both in the middle lane, so I guess the right lane. I mean, the left lane. Between the other straight lane and the right turning lane. You were in the middle. >> getting ready to get over to go to marathon. He was in front of me. I was kind of behind him, so we was basically I got over before him and then he was getting over and he side scraped. So, he was in front of you, got over and then he slid over and side scraped you. >> so basically, we was going to get over at the same time. Got you. 2688. Do you have the guy's phone number? Maybe I can try to talk to There's an officer down there with him. Will I get in trouble for leaving the Well, so it depends on what what all the officer had. I don't know. I was just told there was an accident and the vehicle pulled in here. Do you know who the What's the name of the the guy? Cuz we're going to need all that, so. >> We just call him Mr. Jim. Mr. Jim? And you say where's his What's his apartment or lot is he? Right next door or like No, he He's not like right next door, but he is in the neighborhood. Well, I literally I'm staying with my sister right now, but he stay like next door to my other sister, so I said my mom, but my sister She really like my sister like my whatever, but I stay with her like I'm living with her right now, but he stay in the neighborhood next to my um where my older sister So, not in Springvale? >> in Springvale. Where does he stay at? He stay in Kathleen. Instead of providing [music] clear information, she caused concern by giving conflicting statements and not having identification. The interaction continued while the child remained in the car. I check on my son. I got my son in the car. Do you think we're okay? You stay back here. All right, just so just so I'm clear, I'm going to run this back to you, okay? So, y'all were both headed westbound on Lexington Road. Y'all were both going to turn into marathon. He's in front of you, right? And then y'all both get over. Right. So, how did you end up in front of him? Because I was getting over. I don't know if he was paying attention. Maybe he didn't look through his rear view mirror, but I was getting to get ready to get in turning lane and he was getting ready to get over, too, and he side scraped me. But you seen he was going to go into that lane. >> No, I did not see him. He said he had on his turning lights, but I did not see his turning lights. I'm pretty sure if I would have saw his turning lights, I would have kind of like slowed down. I wasn't even going fast. I was just getting over. >> you. What's your name, ma'am? Okay. Uh I just got to run a lot through my information system real quick and I'll be back with you, okay? Do you have any ID at all on you? Photo ID, nothing like that? Badge ID from work, nothing like that? I don't even have a work ID on me. You don't have a work ID or nothing? You have a driver's license? Yeah. You do? But I don't have it on me. I don't I was just running to the store. You're from Georgia? >> of school. You're from Georgia? You have a Your driver's license through Georgia? Yeah. Would it be at all from another state or anything like that? No. No? Just step back here for me. Did you put the right birthday in? I get I put in what you gave me. I might have said Huh? I think I think 19 Yeah. I miss Huh? What's your middle name? What's my middle name? Yes, ma'am. Why you need to know my middle name? Well, I'm I'm pulling you up right here. Uh Do you have a middle name? Say again? Yes. Okay, go ahead and put your hands behind your back. I have my son in the car. We'll talk about it in a second. All right. So, I'm going to try to make this as easy as possible, okay? What you got going on? I don't have anything going on. So, why are you giving me a false name? I'm not giving you a false name. Y'all put the right information in. The female that just popped up was born in 1982, looks nothing like I didn't say 1982. You said September 10th, 1980. Nothing comes back with that. When I say September 10th, 1982 a female >> You just told me that it was 1981. I don't know what year it was. My birthday right now is either '80 or '81. I know when I was born. I just can't think right it's wrong information. >> What's What's your middle name? Okay. I mean, just look it up. Okay. Just give me a few. 60 50s, hang out with her. Take a seat right here. Do you have any kind of identifying documents within the vehicle that would say who you are? No, I don't. So, I still have yet to identify who you are. So, you ain't pulling nothing up by No, ma'am. Do you have a valid driver's license out of the state of Georgia? How long have you lived here? >> in here. I live here all my life. Okay, I would definitely have information on that, ma'am. Hey, buddy. You okay? You good? What's your mom's name? Huh? What's that, name, Okay, thanks, buddy. Yes, y'all may not be spelling it right. Okay. Is that your name? Okay. Spell that first name for me one more time. Spell it. I mean Give me your birthday. 1980 or 81. 1980, I don't understand why it's not spelling out. When did you get that tattoo on your face? How long have you had that? Not long. How long we talking? I don't know, about a week or so, baby. Oh my goodness. Don't know, don't know, don't know. I couldn't stay here with her if you want to put her in the back of the car. I mean, I got to see if there's any kind of paperwork in here that would identify What about my son? I'll talk to him. Take that from me. You got anything else on you? Um, I don't >> your phone off you. Hey, good afternoon. Are you okay? You doing all right? How old are you, boss? How old are you? You're six? You go to school today? How was that? School was good. You want to know? Yeah, school was good. Yeah, did you go to school today? Yeah. How was it? It was good? Let me step back there. Let me check your hand, okay? Can you put it back on? You want it forward? No, no, backwards. You want it backwards? Yeah. Like that? What am I going to do about my son, y'all? You have somebody we can call to come get him? Cuz I'll be honest with you, you're probably going to jail cuz you're you're lying about your name for one, two, we got run and possibly whatever else is attached to your name that you don't want us to know about. So. So, if I be honest with y'all, it's still not going to get worse. It's just going to be an extra charge. I mean, it's it's not worth it, to be honest with you, cuz the more charges you have, the worse it it looks when you try to get your kid. Eventually, it was the boy who helped clarify her identity. Authorities then learned that the car belonged to a neighbor >> [music] >> and that the mother had previous minor infractions on record. What's your name? Do you know your mom's name? Spell that first name for me again. S Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Okay, thank you, buddy. So, what I need to do? Take a seat. Now, please, hit my vape, please. Well, you haven't been truthful with us at all, why would I help you out? Tell my Let me hit my vape. I just don't want I mean, I got my son with me and I just didn't want to get in any trouble. Hold on, I'm going to read you your rights so you have this, all right? All right, this is the Miranda warning, okay? All right, you have the right to remain silent. Do you understand these rights I read to you? Yes. Understanding these rights, do you wish to speak to us? No. I mean, yeah. Well, what's up? So, if I I sincerely apologize, I sincerely apologize. I just I got my son with me, I got my son with me and I have a warrant on me and I just didn't want to get in any trouble. I'm sorry. Birthday of 89, that's what you couldn't remember earlier? I can Yeah, I remember. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm sorry, do you have someone that we can call to get your son? My stepdad live He have dementia, but he he literally live right here. Maybe he can come up here and get him. Now, who's Do you have a phone number for your neighbor? Cuz you said it's your neighbor's car, so do you have a phone number for him? >> Maybe in my phone, I don't know how far back it go. I don't know if my son got it in his phone, he may have it in his phone, I don't know, but I know it's a 202 number, I just can't remember the rest. I can try to call my stepdad, he can maybe go next door and talk to him and tell him to come get my son right here. Well, that's that's going to be up to Officer Trotter, so. What's she got going on? She got her kid in the car. The car belongs to the neighbor. I asked her if she had the phone number, she does not know off the top of her head. She might have it in the phone. She can call her stepdad to walk over Who's missing? You Who's missing? The registered owner of the vehicle. He's my neighbor. He's your neighbor? Okay. >> Now, please, hit my Mhm? Now, please, let me hit my vape. >> that's up to to Officer Trotter. I know I I know I I know I lied. Look, listen to me, all right? I'm probably one of the most laid-back you can ask. I'm so laid-back. If I would have walked up here, you would have had your son with you, I would have got all your information, I would have gave you your citation, you would have been on your way. But now we're in this situation because you because you put us here. I was going to be on my way if I You you put us here in this situation by conducting the actions that you did. If I would have gave you my name, I wouldn't have been on my way. So, how was I going to be on my way? You know what your warrant's for? It's Newton County, it's a probation warrant. >> For shoplifting out of Covington. From me. That's what I said. >> Chances are they're probably not going to get you. Did you call the sheriff or Be honest, they probably wouldn't come and get you. It's a ways away for one and two, it's COVID, Last time I was locked up in Clark County, Chris County would they was going to come and Every county's different. >> But see, this is a probation warrant. Like, my probation supposed to end in May. It just depends, you know. >> can't afford to be locked up that long with my baby being in school. Like, please, I wish y'all would let me go. We're We're past that. Okay? You've made your bed, you got to lay in it. Okay? So, you don't think Newton County will come and get me? It depends, I don't It changes daily. I mean, with COVID >> morning at 4:00 in the You know, they know that they'll know that. We'll let them know to remind them, but they should bring you over there. Do any of y'all smoke? Y'all don't smoke? I don't, I'm sorry. I just carry a lighter around in case someone needs that. That's it. That's about it. >> How did y'all find me back there? Someone called you, said they were the car matching your description in here. I don't want to call y'all. Yeah, someone I guess a witness said they you pulled in here, so I came right here. So. Easy as that. It's not worth it. It's really not, especially for that probation warrant. >> Either way around, y'all would have still been able to catch me, right? Yeah, I mean, it's not hard, I mean, Athens ain't that big. It's big, but it ain't that big. It's just not worth it. It's not worth it and I normally don't even do stuff like this. I just I just my son with me and I didn't want nothing to happen with him. Even less of a reason, you know? Um Who's to say you say GSP was in the area and they get behind you and you decide to take off. They'll chase, now you got your kid in the car. Now, what are you going to do? That's that's the problem, right? Now we got our kid in there. All right, it's it's never a good idea. You're going to catch up to you, it's 21st century, there's cameras everywhere, you know? It's not It's very hard to get away with anything nowadays. The car's owner, along with the stepfather, arrived promptly to pick up the child. Meanwhile, [music] neighbors reacted with concern over what had occurred. It's traffic stop, buddy. Okay? He's okay. I think I'm going to get out, okay? All right. All right. Hello, baby. You don't think we're going to go? Oh my god. Come and get me. You don't want I don't I don't I'm going to try to call. All right, listen. He's okay. He's safe. Can you get a little closer so I can get him out? Can I tell you something real quick? Come here. You want to How many times have you been arrested for driving on a suspended license? A couple of times. A couple of times? I'm going to tell him to put it in my car. Yeah, that's my stepdad. For real? Yeah. He's probably going to get you. Are they able to get your son? Huh? Are they able to get your son for >> can take my son home. I need to call Can you tell my baby to come here? He's already getting in the truck. I know, but I need my You What do you need out of your purse? >> My purse, I need my I need my wallet, everything. I need all my stuff to be in my purse so I can go home. Okay, yeah. Can he talk to Mr. G? Oh, he's putting it all in there. You're okay. You're okay, buddy. You're okay, baby. Hey, little man, you're okay. Hey. You're all right. Is this your car, sir? Yeah. Okay, all right. Are you good to take it? Huh? Are you aware of what's going on? Did they let you know? No, I'm not. So, basically, she was involved in a in an accident, she took off, um, parked here, someone saw her and we came out. It's on the the right side here, but she's she is going to be held at fault for it. So, that's where we're at, yeah. And run from the She hit over, they went into the parking lot, they talked for a few minutes and then she just left without giving any info or anything. Going to be a hit and run. Um, looks like she If it was me, I haven't seen the other car, kind of looks like she changed lanes improperly and Let her pick the kid up and Yeah. Of course, they come here and get her. >> Well, she I wouldn't let her do that anymore cuz she doesn't have a license. >> I want my phone to go with me. I need my phone. Cuz I need to get my >> Okay, that's that's fine. Hey, she just saying that she needs her phone. She just needs her cell phone. Her son had it earlier. Give you my phone. He got it in the purse, but I need Tell him I need my cell phone. Give her. No. Yeah. Cell phone. Tell him I need my phone. He has it with you. You know I understand. She doesn't have a license, she shouldn't be driving regardless, so. She doesn't have a Nope, though. I would not let her be driving this anymore. Jesus Christ. Huh. All right. I wonder what Mancow is going to say now. Mhm. All right. You have Do you put it on So, we One second, I'll get you a case I'll get you a case card so you have the report number for it, okay? All right. So, it's four. No, it's actually going to be the truck at fault cuz she's coming in the turn lane, he comes over into her when she's already there. But I don't know that until I show up here. We uh I mean, you can do you can do it one or two ways. You can either spin that way or my advice to you would just be take that leg and then kick back that way. Or you can do that, too. That way I can just shut the store. Watch me. After reviewing the situation, authorities determined [music] the incident was largely an accident. Still, the mother faced consequences due to her lack of cooperation and unclear information. This is Officer Trotter, he's going to be working the wreck. She's actually not at fault, I'm sorry, I apologize. She's not at fault, so the other truck is at fault. So, she's only going to be held to the hit and run and the other charges got for no license and lying about her name, so. Okay, now, you were the other guy's fault. Correct. Correct. According to Officer He's the one that's working the wreck. That's my fault. I didn't Like I said, I didn't see the other car. Officer Charter is working the the accident. Hey sir, so I'm the officer that's going to be doing the wreck report. So, there's a case card. There's my name, there's my badge number. Case number's down at the bottom. Normally it takes around 5 to 7 business days to process through, and then you can pick the wreck report up at the Lexington Road address. They're open Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00. >> All right, who informs my insurance company, me? Uh yes, sir. I will I will tell I will call your insurance company tell them that an incident occurred. Tell them that it'll be 5 to 7 business days, and all the information that they need on my police report. Okay. And then if you have any other questions for me after this point in time, I'll write my email address on the back of the card. Okay, I didn't realize she didn't have a license. Uh yes, sir. It's just suspended. She's got a suspended license. All right. You did? So, she picked up the kid from school, and then they usually stop here and get him a treat. I got you. Do you have any questions for me at this point in time? Uh no. Okay. I'm free to take it home, huh? Uh yes, sir. You're good to go. Okay, thank you. Yep. She was taken in for further discussion [music] to clarify the events. Did my neighbor seem like he was mad? Um I mean, no more than he should be. Um I mean, he seems like a pretty laid-back guy, so. Yeah, he used to work for the uh the D- DEA. The DEA? Yeah. Wow, I didn't know that. Yeah, it's um those are the feds for the task force, federal level. Oh. Um basically, they're the guys that went down to to Mexico and Colombia and dealt with the cartel. Yeah. Those guys. That's what they do. The mother was charged [music] with giving a false name to law enforcement and run, driving with a suspended or revoked [music] license, and failing to use seat belts. Under Georgia law, cumulative penalties could reach up to 3 years in prison [music] and a $3,000 fine. None of us is perfect, but only by taking responsibility and facing our mistakes [music] can we find peace, both for ourselves and for those we care about. Amid adult disputes, three children unexpectedly became caught in a troubling situation. What really happened at the police station that day? Whenever you see him, you can go. No, I said you can wait in the parking lot until he has the kids, and then you can both leave. Okay, so she is lying. On March 23rd, 2025, a mother came to the police station to carry out a child custody exchange with the children's father. However, instead of completing the process, she left, leaving the three children at the station. This prompted authorities to step in, even though the mother still believed she was acting correctly. You left them at the sheriff's office. Okay. That's what you told me cuz I saw him pull in, and then he must have went back here and left. Because when I saw him pull in, he probably saw me, and then he was like, "I'm not coming near her because he's not supposed to." Therefore, he didn't pull up and get the kids. >> I'm assuming he is the dad? Yeah. Okay. But so >> a court order. He's not supposed to be near me. >> How is your How is your child custody swaps How are they supposed to be How are they supposed to be handled? All right, can you please How is the child custody swap supposed to happen? Uh through here or third party. Third party refused, so we had to come here. And he was on his way. >> so why did you leave them without verifying that there was someone to care for them? Well, because I saw him. I didn't know that he was he was going to he was going to leave. So, I guess he left, and then when I got the call, I come back. It's not a big deal. >> It is a big It is a big deal. Of course, look. You guys want to say, "Oh, I left them." Fine. The fact is is that when >> time out. I'm going to cut you off. This is going to go one of two ways. This is going to go one of two ways. You're going to go to jail right now, and we're going to call DCF. For what? >> Don't call my bluff. We'll take you to jail. You're going to go to jail right now, and we'll call DCF. I'm here. You can say I left them. I'm here. >> You already done what you've done. We're not reversing that. But you're going to You're going to sit here and argue and tell us we're wrong for not watching Okay, you're not wrong. We do not want You're so right. Please don't do that. >> at? Let's see where this judge says the sheriff's office is going to watch It doesn't say that. It just say Oh. Oh, so now it doesn't say that. >> say that you can't watch We're not going to. Okay, peace, officer. You're very pea- You're very peaceful yourself, you know that? >> Because you called me shaming me that Here. Yes. But the father was right here. >> Why is that so Where's he at? Where's he at, Sarah? >> doesn't matter. It does matter. That's what we're trying to tell you. He called me and I called him back. >> matter. up, right? >> Okay, let's see where it says this. Okay. Exchange of the minor children shall take place at the sheriff's office or through the third party. At >> He is not at What do you mean? at the sheriff's office. >> like in the sheriff's office. That doesn't mean drop off and then you leave. when he pulled in. Where were you at and the kids Where were they at? I was here until he pulled in. Where's he at? He must have left. That's Because I can't contact him. I'm not supposed to like, "Hey, I am amazed that you are not understanding what we're talking about. >> understand what you're talking to You do not. Okay, so you're calling me stupid? No, I'm saying you do not understand what we are telling you. That's what I'm telling you. You cannot leave cannot drop off >> They're hungry. and leave. >> Okay, fine. I'm so sorry. Take me to jail. Well, obviously we don't want to take you to jail, but my goodness. and please so I can take them home and feed them, please. Even as tension grew, the police remained calm, patiently explaining and guiding the mother on how to ensure the children's safety. I need to verify that you are who you say you are. Do you have a driver's license? I'm good on it. 61, can you copy one by 40 Dale on your phone, please? Who sets the time for him to know when to be here? The judge. So, is it like a sign time for time swapping? So, where did your last custody swap happen at? Shelly. The third party. The third party. She no longer wants So, that's why I came here. I con- contacted her, and I told her, "Hey, let him know that I'm coming here." And she told me, "Okay, he's on his way." I'm out here with the cop. The woman cop in in the I don't know if it was a cop or not. I said, "Okay, when I when I see him." And she clarified, "When you see him, you can go." So, I saw him. He came around here, and then I left. And then I got a call, and I came back. SO, WHAT I'M SO, what I'm saying is like, who was the verified person as the caregiver for your kids before you left here? I just said Shelly. No, no, no, no. No. Tonight. I'm sorry, what? Like before before Before you just them here with us, who was supposed to be their caregiver? Like did you ensure they were with a caregiver before you left? that you can't just leave. You guys can say that multiple times. It was a misunderstanding. That's all this was. I don't understand how that's a misunderstanding. Because she I handed her and she said, "You can go." And then I left. So, now you guys are calling me saying >> told you that you could go. Yeah, obviously I wouldn't just like leave without her saying that. Conflicting information from various parties and inconsistent statements from the mother required authorities to follow standard procedures to protect the children. Oh, I'm so sorry. That's what he's by you. Hey Claire, did you at any point tell her, "Whenever you see him, you can go"? >> No, I said you can wait in the parking lot until he has the kids, and then you can both leave. Okay, so she is lying. Will you step out here with us that way we can ver- She's saying things that aren't necessarily true, and we just need to verify. Do you mind for just a minute? I'm sorry. And did you at any point tell her to stop when she was leaving? No. Okay. And there she is. You can ask her herself yourself. Okay. Can I please If she said you could go. >> She says that you said she could just leave. That's She That's what we were just verifying. She did not say that. >> Okay, so when I hear Why don't you just say Okay, sure. I said, "When you get the kids here, When your husband gets here, tell me he's here. You won't You can't Listen to me. You can get in your car, and you can wait at the other end of the parking lot. >> I'm sorry, I didn't hear that. And then you can both leave when he has the kids. Okay, I'm sorry. I did not hear that. This is a misunderstanding. Okay, that's on me. and they probably need a diaper change. They've got snacks cuz we have people just crazy taking care of them. Please So, you're not going to keep Are you coming here? Cuz you're going TO JAIL. WHY? YOU'RE PLAYING GAMES. I wasn't messing with you at all. Why? I just said I came back when you guys wanted me to come back. I didn't mean to. I thought you guys were just I don't understand how you're not understanding the situation that you're in right now. report me. The court order said that he's not near me. The court order says a third party. Please, please don't arrest me. I just want my kids back. You wouldn't be violating Probably DCF. No, at this point. Please don't do this. What do you want? WHAT DO YOU HAVE? WHAT DO YOU have on me, though? What is this book about? I'm here. I'm back. I'm back, sir. After yelling at us after yelling at after yelling at us on the phone that this is You yelled at me. That's why you're arresting me. is our fault. >> Are you arresting me cuz I yelled at you? I'm arresting you for leaving. No, final time we're going to tell you. Child neglect. For leaving left I'm I'm I'm misunderstanding. It matters. I didn't hear you say that. I did not hear. What's your name and badge number? Deputy P 198. What's your name and badge number? It'll be on your arrest report. No, I need to know it now. It'll be on your arrest report. What's your name and badge number, ma'am? Name and badge number, please. It's your policy? It is not. Yes, it is. I don't even have a badge number. Okay, what's your name? Deputy Albright. It'll be on your arrest report. Wow. Can I please call my mom? No. Okay. No. I was knocking. when I was obviously I thought you were just And now you're just doing [laughter] this because I was sticking up for myself. Sit down in the car. Never been arrested in my life. Okay. I don't understand what she doesn't understand. I don't either. That's why I I kept asking her. I said, "Who was in care of the kids when you just left?" And she was like, "What do you mean?" I'll deal with something. Unless you just want me to write it, which is fine. All right. Cuz I told I looked at the paper. I SAID I SAT OUT HERE AND TALKED TO HER. And she told me that you told her she could go. No, I told her exactly what I just said. I said, "When he gets here, you can tell me that's his car, and then you can wait in your car at the end of the parking lot. And after he has the kids, you can both leave." >> You know what? I'm just I'm going to take her over there, and then I'll be right back. The mother faced charges [music] of three counts of child neglect without great bodily Under Florida law, she could face up to 15 years in prison or probation and a $15,000 fine. This story reminds us that caring for children is not only a legal matter, but also a moral duty. Thoughtfulness and attention can prevent risks and keep family safe. The police asked her to follow a finger with her eyes, but behind it was a test of focus, trust, and a mother being pushed to her limits. On August 24th, 2024, authorities were called after reports that a mother driving with her young son missed a stop sign and lightly bumped into another vehicle. They quickly arrived, calming the distressed mother, ensuring the child's safety, and gathering information from those involved. Yeah, if you don't want to sit here, you're good to go. What happened? So, you were coming northbound? Who was driving? All right, are you injured? Okay. No, you were coming this way, correct? Give me your license and proof of insurance, okay? Just you and the little guy in the car? What do you mean for now? Are you all right? Was it just you and and your son in the car? Where do you work at? Got you. Do you care who tows the car? Does he have full coverage on it? I'll just call the next available rollback if that's all right with Do you care who tows the car? I don't I you're not at fault, so it's going to be on her insurance. I'm just going to call the next available rollback if that's all right. They'll sit around if you need anything. You want to get checked out? Can you give me your license and insurance if you have it? What side was he on? Are you guys in a midsize truck or anything? With him, is he acting normal? I'll get his phone number for you. Although she insisted she was fine, the mother's lack of focus prompted the officers to check her alertness further. Is he still getting checked out? Can you just step No, you got you gave me the insurance. What's his name? Is this your son? Is he all right? Have you been drinking at all tonight? Is he on any medication? Nothing else? Nothing else at all? Can you come back here with me for a minute? I understand you're just in a crash. You got a lot of stuff going on. You're not really acting So, I just want to make sure you're not impaired right now. No, it's not a breathalyzer. I just want you to come back here. A couple observations, couple tests I want to offer you, okay? So, what time did you get off work today? 6:00 p.m.? And where were you headed to tonight? Where is that at? So, you're headed to Ashland right now? So, how do you get to Ashland from here? Were you headed to 30 or 250? Do you know where 30 is right now? Do you know where 30 is? 30's down that way. Do you work in Holmes County or do you work in Bellvue? Okay. Have you had any alcohol at all? No. During basic reflex and attention checks, she responded slowly, appeared confused, and struggled to follow instructions, leading officers to guide her more closely for safety. Against my car for me. Do you wear glasses or contacts? Do you have any recent head injuries? Do you see my finger? When I move my finger, I want you to follow with your eyes and your eyes only, okay? Follow my finger, okay? I need you to follow this finger. Okay, follow it for me. Yep. Don't move your head, though, okay? >> [laughter] >> Yep. Follow that finger. Follow my finger, okay? Just just look at it. What I want you to put your left foot on the line, right foot directly in front touching heel to toe. Nope, left on right in front. Yep. Leave your left foot on the line, right foot in front touching heel to toe. Remember, I don't want you to move, okay? I don't want you to move. I just want you to stand there. Yeah, but remember I got to explain it to you. I said once you turn to start, please don't move, okay? Left foot on that imaginary line, right foot directly in front touching heel to toe. Right foot in front. Arms out to your side. Don't move until I tell you to do so. From that position, what you're going to do is you're going to take nine steps. With each step, you're going to look down at your feet, you're going to touch your heel to toe, and you're going to count out loud. I'm going to demonstrate it for you. When I demonstrate it, I'm going to take three steps. When you do it, you're going to take nine. All right. Just like I demonstrated. All right, go and turn around, face my patrol car. All right, feet together, arms out to your side. You're going to raise one foot approximately 6 inches off the ground, and you're going to look down at your raised foot, and you're going to count out loud. Whenever you're ready, you can begin. Arms out to your side. Arms out to your side. Look at your foot. All right, I want you to close your eyes, tilt your head back. I want you to tell me when to start. You're going to estimate the passage of 30 seconds and tell me when to stop. Okay. Come out of here for me. Face the my car there. Can I see your hands back here? Palms together like you're clapping for me. All right, I have to advise you of your rights. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you prior to any questioning. Do you understand that? If you choose to answer any questions, I have to advise you that you can stop at any time. Do you understand that? Yeah, you don't understand your rights, you said. I'll advise you one more time, okay? You have the right to remain silent. So, have you taken anything other than your prescription today? Nothing else at all? Notably, she repeatedly mentioned Insurance Exchange [music] instead of comforting her crying son, showing she had not fully grasped the seriousness of the situation. Come to the back of my car real quick. I am not leaving my son unattended. I'm his only guardian. All right, he can wait. Until your son's picked up, I promise. We will stay here until your son gets picked up. I'll give you my word, okay? What's your mom's name? Your mom's coming? Did I hear your mom's coming? Okay, what she she is right there. Yes. Stop staring at her. Stand in the in the black. I'll confirm. Here, let's step over here. What's your mom's name? What's your mom's name? All right, come back here to the back of my car real quick. Promise, I'm not going to I'm not going to take take you away from your son until we your mom's here, I promise, okay? All right, come back here. I need you to get gloves out of the back. It'll be on the crash report for you because you gave me your insurance. Yeah. Can you take a breath for me? We'll write down your insurance on a crash report and give it to you. They'll get your insurance. Nobody's saying anything about going to jail. You said you're not going to jail till they get your insurance. You don't have to go to jail. It's not my intention tonight. All right, so unless you do something crazy, you're probably not going to go to jail. I'm just saying. All right, can you step in front of my camera for me? It'll be on the crash report. Can you step here for me and face that way? >> crash No, it won't. I'd rather get it from the the person right there. >> Ma'am, I handle thousands of crashes. I know what I'm doing. It's all going to be on the crash report. You'll get it. I promise. Can you stand right here and face my light, that little red blinking light? Do you have anything on you I need to know about? No. Can you come right back here to the side of my car? Your mom's name is Tammy, you said? >> Tammy. All right, I'm going to walk up there and make sure she's on scene and your your son is with her. Okay. Can you have a seat for me? When the grandmother arrived, she explained that her daughter had previously experienced anxiety and stress, offering a more compassionate perspective. Hello, ma'am. Are you Tammy? Yes. Is that your daughter? She's been placed under arrest for operating a vehicle impaired. All right. This car is registered to you. Can you get anything you guys need out of it before we tow it? >> what what did you just say? I didn't hear you. >> She's been placed under arrest for operating a vehicle impaired. >> She's under the influence of something. Okay, I just wanted to verify that's what he said. >> Yeah, I heard it. Is that who was in the car? That's right, yes. All right. Hi, buddy. She's going to get some stuff out of there real quick and then you can finish loading it up. Is the key in there? Is that all you need out of there? I think I don't know what's in the trunk. Ma'am, she's a little up and down. I'm trying to keep her Yeah, she has some She has some mental health. She's got PTSD and anxiety and yeah. >> Is she on any drugs? Not for In the past. Is that smart to come pick her up today? >> You don't have to. If nobody can She can't find a ride, she's going to go to We have to pick her up up there? Do you have to? No. No, I mean like we can't take her with us. No, she's got to go with me for now. >> to go. Okay, so you don't want me to talk to her. You can talk to her if you want. I'm fine with that. If you want to come with me, I'm going to stand there, but you can Okay. Yeah, you need to talk to her. Are you okay? Am I supposed to come and pick you up from where he's taking you? Or is he taking you? Westland Police Department. >> Am I picking you up or am I leaving you there? Where? At the highway patrol? Or do you want to stay there tonight and I'll pick you up tomorrow? >> I mean, I got to figure out what the heck is going on. Did you exchange insurance information with them? >> No. Why? Ma'am, I told you we do that. You gave me insurance, we put it on the crash report and we hand it to the other driver. They have your insurance. Well, I don't have my wallet with myself. It's in here. Do you want your phone to stay with you, ma'am? Your purse is over there. You know, just keep your phone and your ID. Okay. You can take it. So, what am I doing tonight? Am I leaving you there or am I coming to get you? >> I don't care. You'll get a phone call. If it's late, it won't be till tomorrow. She said she has a history of this. Still, authorities had to follow standard procedures. The mother was taken to the station for routine checks, while the child was safely handed to the grandmother. All right, just top search my hair, okay? All right, you're under arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or driving a combination of them. If you take any kind of test, you may have an independent chemical test taken at your own expense. Do you understand that? Yes. Down there at the bottom for the length of suspension over there. You have no priors, so the top line is going to apply to you for refusal, no priors, 1-year administrative license suspension. What? Yeah, for refusal for 1-year administrative license suspension if you if you refuse to take a test. Oh. Yeah. Oh, I don't take it for nothing, y'all. And then if you provide a sample and you're found to be over the legal limit, it's a 90-day administrative license suspension. Okay. Okay, I am offering you a urine test. With all that being said, Wayne County is a non-refusal county, okay? Which means if you refuse, what happens is I fill out a warrant, I send it to a judge, he'll review it. If he agrees with it and signs it, he'll send it back to me, I'll take you to Wayne Westland Community Hospital for a blood draw. And almost 8 years, I've never had a judge not sign one of my warrants, okay? Are you willing to provide a urine sample? Uh well, I really don't have to pee right this second. Can I get you a glass of water? I mean, I really don't have to pee. I don't think we have any water in the house with you. 45. We don't have any water in here. Well, can I have some water? So, I can go out of here cuz my mom needs to get me my Well, I'm talking to my lawyer. I don't know. Okay. Can you go right now? Yeah. Okay. Well, I need at least 2/30 if you can. Am I wearing gloves, too? Do you want gloves? I mean, do you want me to do that for you? You can wash your hands. Huh? You can wash your hands after you're done. If you want gloves, Okay, all right. I got to go like right now. Can you sign this real fast for me? Tammy, have a seat on the bench over here, please. Thank you very much. So, what you do is you just print up here, write out what happened for me right there, and your address and sign below your address. Were you wearing your seatbelt? Yes. How fast were you traveling? Give me a call dispatch. Down the road, probably. Were you distracted by anything? I was just using my phone. I wouldn't call that a distraction. Most people listen to something while they're driving, you know what I mean? Like were you distracted by something in the car, your phone, >> No. reaching for anything? >> I was on the dash thing hooked in so I could just use it. So, no distractions. Did you see the stop sign? Mhm. Did you see the stop sign? I did, but she was late. I mean, I was like just going down the road and I tried that way out of the park. What caused the crash? As I was driving through and trying to slow down and make my stop, which I approached obviously too fast, the car You were driving too fast, couldn't get stopped? Right. Is that what you're saying? I don't want to Well, you're trying to like spin around in circles on the other side of the way. >> All right, but that was after the crash, right? What caused the crash? Uh hitting the car, is that right? All right, what caused you to hit the car? The car hit me cuz I didn't stop. Okay, what caused you to get hit by the car? Cuz you didn't stop at the stop sign. Right, that's the only reason I stopped at the stop sign. Are you under the influence of anything? No. The mother faced charges of BAC, failure to stop at a stop sign, and endangering [music] children. Under Ohio law, she could face up to 14 months in jail, a $2,575 fine, and other related penalties. The incident highlighted [music] the importance of mental focus and alertness while driving. Even a brief lapse in attention can create unexpected [music] challenges and risk for those we care about. When parents are caught up in a custody exchange, [music] who protects the children from oncoming trouble? It's too busy for you to just keep walking across with a 5-year-old and he's constantly asking, "Do you want to go with Mom? Do you want to go with Mom?" And he's like, "No." And I'm like, "You can't ask a 5-year-old what he wants." On March 9th, 2024, police were called to a parking lot after reports that a father had brought his 5-year-old son into a busy roadway during a dispute with his ex-wife. They arrived quickly and worked with the mother, who seemed intent [music] on explaining and defending her perspective. Y'all okay? The white Ford running? Yes, she can. What's going on? Sorry, I'm out of breath. What's up? So, we were supposed to finally leave today. Got into this big argument. Then he ended up putting his hands on me, so I put his hands in my face. I told him to stop. I'm sorry. Stop it down. Yep, yep. I was just a little offended. Do me a favor, leave leave the hat. Who's he? Where is he? He just left in that car. Got the red one? No, it was the gray one that was sitting right there. That's why he took off cuz he seen you. Do you have a tag on it? I don't. I can tell you where it's going. Where is it going? >> To I was in the right. I was in the right. And he just told me my stuff wasn't there. Now I'm worried about my Okay, let's start over. Sorry. You're good. Take a breath. Okay, so we got into an argument up here. Okay, so we were supposed to finally leave today. We got into an argument over money. We were in an argument and he He had the nerve to put his hands on me, so I tried to avoid the situation. So, I walked away. He like put his hands in my face like this, like he gets my nose, so I got a bloody nose. You need to get out of my truck right now. I'm calling the cops. You get out. I walked away and I kind of just pretended like I was good. We just I just pretended like I was calm, calm, kind of like de-escalate, de-escalate. So, he gets out of the truck, the car, and he left. Hospital, 67th physical. I was not physical. Did he Did he touch you? Yeah. Who is he to you? Okay. Okay, that's a domestic situation, okay? I don't want to press charges. Is it still okay? Regardless of whether you want to press charges, it doesn't matter. Florida picks up the Florida picks up the charges. Okay, then I'll stop and go home. I understand that. What's his birthday? I'm recording. He said he was going to walk off, so I like come around here because there was no way to get down. And when I got over here, he was crossing the highway with him. And he saw I was getting a U-turn right there. HE DARTED BACK AND CROSSED. I GOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND I TRIED TO GRAB HIS hand and I'm like, "You got to stop walking across the highway, Buchanan. He's dying. You can't do this. THE HIGHWAY IS too busy for you to just keep walking across. It's too busy for you to just keep walking across with a 5-year-old and he's constantly asking, "Do you want to go with Mom? Do you want to go with Mom?" And he's like, "No." And I'm like, "You can't ask a 5-year-old what he wants." It's not the way it works. You don't have a vehicle and you're not getting back in mine. Yeah, we have full custody. So, we're completely divorced. He only gets every other weekend. I have full custody. The only thing we share joint is the medical. At the end of the day, I have final say. So, when it escalated like that, I said, "Just put HIM IN THE TRUCK." YOU KNOW WHAT I'm saying? "Let us go and then we'll go." And then he kept walking off, but that's what scared me is he kept like going places. I'm like, "You're not taking him where I don't know where he's at. Like you're not doing that. I don't care. We'll sit right here." And so, finally we got over here and I guess cuz there's so many people right here, I reached over and I just grabbed him. I just picked him up. He's like, "I'm getting in your truck." I said, "You get in my truck and you will get arrested. Like you're not Don't get in my truck. He's not going anywhere. Me and the kids are leaving. You are going to leave." Cuz that was his son that he picked him up. And I was like, "You're not taking him." So, that's what happened. But he grabbed my son's arm. He like squeezed my hand, pulled my fingers back. I was in a lot of pain. So, I just let him go I knew I had to and I didn't want to him in the process of trying to get him out. Give me 1 second, All right. Do you have an ID on you? Thank you. So, was James pulling your son into traffic? Like were there cars coming? I don't know. I don't think he He first crossed, I don't know, because I couldn't come down this way. He said he was going to walk off, so I backed up and came around at the red light. When I was looking, he was crossing over the highway. Okay. And I was like, "No." And so, I got Cuz at first he said he was going to Goodwill, so I thought we were heading to Goodwill. So, I just did a U-turn and drove to pull in to Goodwill and he like backed off across the highway back to this side of the way. And I'm like I told her I got to the middle and I stopped and I said, "You cannot walk with him across this and I won't It's not going to do that." So, I told her to just record just in case he put his hands on me while I was trying to get him to stop. And while I was doing that, he just took off again across the highway. >> What point did he put his hands on you? When we got like right over here, he like and it was just bending my fingers trying to get me off of my son. And that's when I was telling him he couldn't walk this off the highway with me. So, how did he get him in the first place? >> Because we were at the parking lot up there about to turn and we were all in the same video. But when he put his hands in our face, I got out of the truck because I didn't want him to put his hands on me. So, I was like, "I'm calling the police. You need to get out of my truck." When I walked away, he took her and him and got and took pulled them out of the [ __ ] van. We're walking and I said, "No, you're not. Leave them here." And he kept saying, I know you're upset, but there's other people, okay? And he said, "We're walking down the street. We're going to Waffle House." And I said, "No, you're not." He said, "You made all of us walk." I said, "No, I told you to get out of my truck. My kids need to stay in the truck." >> So, how did he get the truck? Was there someone else with him? >> called somebody. They literally just pulled up and I guess because they saw you, he finally let go of him and got in the truck. I mean, in the car like that. Do you have any paperwork or anything saying you have full custody saying you have full custody? Can I see that? Although her statements appeared reasonable, police noticed inconsistencies and consulted colleagues to ensure the response followed proper procedures. So, is it's DV or the wrong arm? So, your female suspect was bending back fingers or the male man? No, male was bending female fingers. Wait, so who's your suspect? >> The male. Okay, I'm going to arrest him and it sounds like she's the aggressor in all this. It was mutual to start and then both of them escalated, but she had She showed me an order saying the parties have joint legal custody, but the plaintiff who is the female has primary physical custody. So, I'm guessing that means she She said this is just a temporary order. It don't It doesn't say when it actually Let's call her Either way, it's going to be domestic. So, they already said that they were out for custody. They're going to They were married. They got divorced. They have physical custody. So, did any of the kids get hurt or were they in Was there any chance of them getting Possibly the 4-year-old. >> think any of those kids are old enough to tell you what happened? Just quickly ask them, "Hey, what happened?" And see what the kids say and collaborate if they say anything. When you do that When I was talking with mom, the two older kids that out were disagreeing with everything mom said. So, I very highly doubt they're going to tell me anything different. How old are they? One looks like she's like 8 or 9 maybe. The other one's in her teens. I don't know exactly who escalated it because with the video she showed me, she was walking towards them trying to get her son back. All, you know, yelling officer that other. He's yelling back at her with a hold of the son. She grabs the son. She grabs her fingers. But I can't arrest both of them. There's three kids here right now. It sounds like both of them are going to be arrested. Sounds like they both started escalating. But as far as actually physically putting their hands on one of the other adults, it sounds like he did that first. Yeah? As far as from what she's telling me, yes. And she has a video of it. I've seen I am going to ask her if she at any point in time put hands on him prior to him grabbing her. As of right now, it's just going to be simple DV on him. Are they from here? Georgia. Okay, then we definitely don't want to arrest both of them. Can you have student Miranda ask him ask him what what happened? >> Yeah, he's already kind of like kind of talked to us, but he's saying he's like, "I ain't done nothing." He's like, "I just left." Yeah, I'm going to read him his rights and ask him some further questions. The situation grew more complex as [music] initial videos and evidence seemed to support the mother's account. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. With those rights in mind, do you still wish to talk to me? Okay. Okay, so it all happened there. Y'all got in a big argument. He grabs her and the little one starts walking. They're like, "Hey, we're going to walk to Waffle House." You're following him, I'm guessing down the road or down this little side trail thingy. I am tired. I realized it was not like fun taking them for a ride. And he got come back and gotten in the truck. I said, "Let's go." Y'all get back in the truck. Y'all are not walking down the street." But of course, he had my 5-year-old who talks to him and talks to him and then my 5-year-old wants to go. So, he says First he says, "I'm going to Goodwill." So, I'm waiting for them right there and I'm like, "No, you're not." There was people out there and then he said I said, "You're not crossing the highway with him." He said, "Fine, we're going to walk to Waffle House." So, I turned down this road and I go this back way and I come up right here and I'm going to pull into the Waffle House. He's on the other side of the highway. So, then I go up there and I make a U-turn to go turn in to Goodwill. He comes back over the highway. So, I pull in the middle of the highway and catch him right there and I'm like, "Put him in my car. Stop walking with him across the highway. It's not safe. You do whatever you want to do, but he's coming with me." We start arguing and this stuff and of course, I told her to grab the phone. I said, "Grab the phone and just record just in case he puts his hands on him." By the time I turn around, he acts like he's going to get back in my vehicle and I said, "You're not getting in my vehicle. Put my son in my vehicle." And that's what he kept saying. "We're going to get in the vehicle. We're going to get in the vehicle." I'm like, "You're not getting in the vehicle. You're not going to make this an unsafe situation." He walks around the truck, darts back over to the other side of the thing and starts walking down here. He says, "I'm not going to Waffle House. I'm going to Waffle House." So, I follow him down this median right here and I'm going slow. Is it the little black road or the actual No, the actual turning lane right over here cuz it goes from all the way up here down here. So, I put my emergency lights on and I get into the turning lane. I'm going as slow as I can. Well, I will follow y'all all the way down there. You're not going to keep turning around with him and end up somewhere and I don't know where he's at. So, I blow this is the middle of Yeah. So, then he turns around again. So, I just come I just turn in and I said, "Back to this right here." He's got me and I said, "Stop. Give him to me. We're not going to keep doing this. If you're You're going to GO TO WAFFLE HOUSE, we'll go to Waffle House. I'll wait outside while y'all go inside and eat and we cool off. But you're not just going to take him." So, then we start walking down here and I'm right here on this median and I open my car door and he Up there is where he grabbed my fingers. And I just got back in my truck. I said, "We're not We're not doing this." He seems like you're going to hand him and I realized that if I didn't let go, I was going to be the one And then I didn't want to do that. So, we got back in the car and I drove down here a little bit and he's standing right there and his thumbs were up. And I said, "You're not taking You're not going to take him off and I don't know where you're at. You're not doing that. I don't know where y'all are And so, he kind of like lets loose of him and I walk around him and I just pick up my son. And he starts He's like, "I'm getting back in the truck." I said, "You are not getting in my truck." And so, then I get in the truck and he gets on you and he got his son to get in the truck and left and then his son parted. And then we got in our truck and then you got behind me and I got in my vehicle. Any point in time when you were trying to get your son, did you put hands on him? >> touch him. No, I didn't They're not I don't grab him because I know I didn't do it. That's why we're divorced because they have him. Okay, yeah, that's basically all I needed to know. I will I don't think so. Did you see any of it or did you see all of it? Is basically what mom said right? Yes. Okay, did mom ever touch him at any point in time? You didn't see it. Did you see him touch her? No, I didn't see him touch him. I didn't see him touch him. He was kind of like grabbing him. Okay, can you bring up that video one more time? You saw him touch her? However, after reviewing all [music] footage, police saw that both parents had moments of poor control while handling the child, requiring a closer look at the incident. He's like, "Whatever, I'm leaving." That's when he left. Also, The 5-year-old cuz 5-year-old wanted to go with him. He was like, "I'm taking him." He's like, "Well, I want to go with you, Dad." He's like, "Okay, I think he was saying he wanted to go to Waffle House." So, they're walking on the sidewalk. Mom has the 10-year-old in the car with her and is driving in oncoming traffic talking and yelling at him down 98 to the Waffle House. He's like, "What the [ __ ] are you doing?" He's just like, "Get in the median. Get the median. You have a kid in the car with you. You're going to get hit, you know." I guess they walk over there to the median or or she drives into the Waffle House parking lot or something like that. And she's grabbing the 5-year-old's arm yanking and pulling on it, squeezing his arm. He's like screaming and crying saying, "Mommy, stop." She's like, "You can't take my kid away." He's like, "I know. He said he wanted to go to Waffle House to see." Did he say he touched her at all or was he just trying to get her off of the kid? He never touched her. I kind of beg to differ on that one. I have video of him grabbing her arm and bending her finger backwards. This is getting more complicated by the second. The kid doesn't say anything in the video. He looks uncomfortable as hell. He's about to start crying, but that's a 5-year-old mom and dad are arguing. I really don't think I have DV anymore. Both of them were going back and forth between the kid trying to yank the kid back and forth. He's just trying to protect his kid trying to get her off of him. >> That's not DV. I don't I really disagree. I agree that both parties say they were pulling on the kid. >> Yeah. And the way that the call reads and from the way that you described it, I'm almost tempted to say that it sounds like he was trying to take the kid and leave, right? Yeah, to come to Waffle House where they all agreed on going. And she definitely escalated this, yeah? Yeah. I'm almost tempted to say we got a shirt with and her kids are with dad. But at the same time, her defense is going to be because she told me multiple times she was basically had 4-year-old and was walking back and forth across Back Beach in the middle of Back Beach. I would allow her to make that argument because put her charges with child driving recklessly with kids on Back Beach. Yeah, that would mean technically both of them had to go, too, because he was in the center turning lane in the middle of Back Beach with the 4-year-old just walking back and forth. The children, direct witnesses, also shared their perspectives, helping clarify several important details. First thing, is it okay if I don't talk to them? That's right. So, basically, You already know that she saw everything. When she was driving trying to follow him, was she driving into oncoming traffic? >> No. Were y'all there to talk to him driving or y'all No? No. I feel like when you asked her what happened, the two of them were holding him and mom was trying to grab him. I was trying to grab him. She doesn't want anything I'm just trying and then he did. That's perfect and I'm just ordering. Yeah. I'm not the right because I get it. Um when they were when dad and walking in across the front of it, were they just in the the left front lane or were they in the middle of the road? See nothing. No, I didn't see it. Get that. I didn't see it. Did you see any colors when they were walking across like were they getting close or was it kind They were getting close. Okay. Kind of like right here but it was kind of Maybe like right here. How far away? But I'm just trying to Cuz they were already past the line. So it was far away from us. But I'm just trying cuz they were far away so So they had enough time to at least get in the median. When mommy and daddy were fighting, I know daddy got a hold of your arm, did it when mommy was got was grabbing your arm and everything and she was trying to get you away from them, did Okay. Where did she grab you? Like did she grab you here or here? Where on your arm? Your wrist? Can I see? Can I grab a picture? Would you want to go with mommy or were you trying to go with daddy? Your daddy? After a thorough review, authorities determined that the mother needed guidance [music] and oversight to ensure the children's well-being. While the children were temporarily placed with the father to maintain stability. He's got like little red spots on his pinky and a scratch on his like on the back of his hand. I guess where where she's trying to grab him. Probably we're going to take her for Did he say why he just why he left? Was he just trying to separate himself from it or Yeah, he said he he didn't try to separate cuz you're arguing about the money orders. >> I don't think I have for the other two kids cuz I talked with a 13-year-old and stuff. They said that she never drove in the wrong lane, never drove with oncoming cars coming. So he wanted to go with dad and then mom started causing a fuss, started grabbing him. I don't care if you have sole custody of him, you still can't do that. >> No, yeah. Okay. So with that I'm not I Did you send me a picture? Yeah, I did. Okay. Yeah, this is on the side that she was grabbing him. They're going to CPCS the kid and if the kid says yes, she hurt me, she's and that's going to stick way if that's actions were to protect the kid, the kid with everything you told me, write it just like that. Yeah, and that's honestly what it kind of looked like in the video. It looked like mom kept charging on dad and dad was trying to keep the kid away from mom. >> Okay. So for child I have no charges on like for DV or anything. It's just the child So I'm going to have her and Scooter come this way before I 10-15 mom. I'll have dad follow them cuz I don't want to put her in cuffs until I know the kids aren't going to run out on me. And I don't want the kids to see you and I don't want her to run. >> Hello. So dad is good to go. If you want, can y'all have dad either come park in the Winn-Dixie parking lot or the Dunkin parking lot. Mom's going on child but I don't want to put her in cuffs until someone is here for the kid. The oldest isn't his. It's just she's just mom. So it's basically tell mom she's either okay with her going with him or she's going to DCF. >> Unless there's somebody else local that can come get them. Cool. That's it. Is clear? All right. So what we're going to do, we're going to walk to the very back of my car real quick. I have to give you, okay? All right, Christine. What we're going to do, okay? I'm going to let you finish your tea. You were going to get a child center record for child center. I'm explaining why, okay? I'm explaining why. Give me a minute and I'll let you finish your So if you're cool with me basically regardless of whether you have custody of your kid, it is not okay to be grabbing your kid in the middle of the road. He has welts on his arms. On the left side of his arm. On the left side. On the left side. And that's exactly what he showed the little children. He pulled him. Like you when when you were grabbing him. Regardless of whether you have the custody and or not That is not okay to be grabbing. Oh my god. So I want to do this back here away from the kids, right? I have my purse. I will I will grab your purse, okay? I'll let you finish your video. He will Yep. So where Do you want to go? This other two kids are going with him. They're going to get upset. He's going to take them home. Okay. I will ask him in just a minute Did he know that I'm getting arrested? That's why. He just apologized to me and told me he was sorry and everything. Are you cool with me? We'll let you finish your statement. I'm going to put you in on the passenger side. I will open the door first before I cuff you so the kids don't see you. I will open it and see any of his stuff. You know what I'm saying? I don't believe you are. Okay. We'll grab your purse in just a minute. We'll explain everything to dad. Are all three kids going with dad? Okay. I'll grab it for you. Do you have anything else to put in the vehicle you said? I don't have anything I need to know about. What? More than likely you're not going to get first appearance until the morning, okay? I think we can't It's not my decision. It depends on what time you get booked in. We have at least a 30-minute ride up there. Can I talk to him? Sorry, I'm trying I have anxiety and I'm trying to like keep Your play I will ask him if he wants to come talk to you. I'll let him explain everything to the kids. They probably They know him better than they know me, okay? Whatever you want to explain to the kids, explain to the kids however y'all want to do it, okay? I'll give you the address to the jail and I'll give you where it's at, okay? The mother faced charges of distorted child. Under current Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a $5,000 fine. The incident highlights the importance [music] of staying calm, respecting rules, and seeking peaceful solutions during family disputes. Thoughtful actions help protect both children and adults from escalating conflicts. For stories come to a close, but their echoes remain. Somewhere, children still watch their parents' departing figures. Some officers [music] sit in thought after filing the last report. And society continues to repeat its lessons. No one is born knowing how to be a parent, but every mistake, even [music] a small one, can leave a mark on a child's heart. If you found today's stories helpful, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you won't miss what comes next. >> [music] >> See you in the next video. >> [music]