Stop. Don't Don't reach in that car. >> Hey, come here. >> Why would you wait 30 minutes to call us? >> I can't. >> I have a lawyer. >> I'm I'm a nurse. >> I only know that I've been here for 3 days. I don't know where it is. >> I don't know if I have an end. >> Some children are forced to face situations that at their age they should not have to endure. >> Hi. You okay? >> Nope. Behind these stories lies a harsh truth about responsibility among some parents as they whether unintentionally or deliberately place innocent children in harm's way. Sometimes the place that is supposed to make children feel safe is not their home but intervention from authorities. >> Hi, you okay? On October 6th, 2024 in New Mexico, police discovered a vehicle stopped on the side of the road. The woman was found nearly unconscious over the steering wheel. While in the back seat, three children were asleep, completely unaware of what was happening. Don't back down. 821 central. I do have a subject passed out at the wheel and a child in the back also asleep. on the trailer. Yep. Child sleep on the bed. So >> Oh, correct. Two children in the back. >> Don't try to open the door and make 25. Los police department. >> Her vague and unclear explanations did not clarify the situation. Instead, they raised even greater concerns. >> Hi, you okay? >> What's going on? >> You what? What's that, man? >> What's that? >> What's going on? >> What's that? >> How'd you end up here? What's going on? >> You what? It's what? >> Ashley's fault. >> Ashley. Okay. Do you have your ID on you? >> Okay. How'd you end up here? What's going on? >> DWI. >> DWI. >> What about the DWI? >> DWI. >> I went to >> You did what? >> She said DWI. >> Who said DWI? >> Who? to our >> Anton. >> Your auntie. >> She said DWI. >> Okay. Did you drive here? >> No. >> So, what are we talking about here? DWI. >> She said, >> she said to have a DWI. >> Your auntie? Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Where's that at? Where's your auntie at? >> She's at my girl's house. >> At your girl's house. >> My girl's house. Your uncle's house. >> Yes. >> Where's that at? >> In Donana. >> Okay. And you left there and came with your children over here. >> No. >> No. How did you get here? >> House. >> What's that? >> My uncle's house. >> You're at your uncle's house. >> You're not at your uncle's house right now. right now you're on El Paso. >> Uhhuh. Is this your truck? >> Your uncles. Okay. How did you end up over here? >> You drove over here? How long ago was that? >> 3 hours ago. >> 3 hours ago. >> Okay. Why are you out here in the street with your children? >> Did you get into a fight with your aunt and uncle? >> No. He wanted to drive. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Do you have your ID? >> May I have it? Yes, sir. >> Sorry. What were you on? There we go. >> You don't have a driver's license on you? >> No. >> That one? Okay. Is it possibly in this purse right here? >> No. >> Is this a Mavic card? Doesn't have your name on it, though. >> It just says Nitro. >> Nitro. Okay. What is your name? >> Shantel. >> Chantel with the S or the C. >> C. >> C. Chantel. What's your last name? >> S. Okay. Last name? >> Um, S h a n t o l. >> S h a n t e l. >> And your last name? >> That's your first name, right? >> S H n >> Okay. What's your last name? >> My last name is Hantail. >> You're Chantel. Shantel. >> Yes. Alvarez. >> What's the last name? >> Chantel Alvarez. >> Alvarez. Okay. What's going on tonight? Is that your phone down there? Not your phone. Okay. Why are you out here on Opale? >> Uh, my phone had an accident. >> Your friend had an accident? >> My phone? >> Your phone? >> Mhm. >> Okay. But why are you out here with your kiddos in the middle of the street? In the middle of the streets here sleeping. What happened? All my ex my kids had an accident down there and then the phone and then I was pretty cold when they came through here. So they were done here and then we had an accident with them. >> You had an accident? >> Yes. >> What type of accident? >> Uh they just like were sleeping and then >> Okay, Miss Alvarez. So, I guess they they had been calling about your vehicle that's been on the side of the road a few times tonight. The last time was 15 minutes ago over there by the convention center. Okay. The same vehicle description and everything. It is very distinct with the the logo that you have on the side over here. I'll stay on the other side. It says Dodge or whatever. Durango. So, uh where were you coming from? >> Uncle. >> Your uncle. And where does he live? >> Indana. >> Indana. >> Yes. >> Okay. How much did you have to drink when you were there? >> Two. >> Two. What? >> Two bottles. >> Two bottles of what? Do you remember? >> No. >> No. All right. Shanta, do me a favor. Can you step out for me? What are you doing? It's already on park. Step out for me. Let's go over here. Okay. Step right here. Okay. Santel, are those the kids in the back? Are they your kiddos or nephews? Nieces? >> Oh, they're my kids. >> They're your kiddos. All right. Here's what I'm going to do. Okay. I want I want to conduct some field sobriety tests on you. Okay. I want to make sure that you're good to drive. >> Okay. >> Okay. Can you get my lights? >> Okay. Officers quickly conducted field sobriety tests at the scene and the results were as expected. >> And uh you know what? Let's go over here underneath the this uh awning here so that it's it's more level. It's not a over here. Okay, let's go over here. Watch your step right here. Step right there. Right there. Okay. All right. Look at me. Face this way. Put your feet together, hands down to your side. Okay. All right. What I'm going to do first is I'm gonna check your eyes. Okay. What I need you to do, let's follow the tip of my pen. And actually, if you can put your light towards that so you can see there, a little bit brighter. Okay. I need you to look at the tip of my pen with your eyes and eyes only without moving your head. You're going to follow with your eyes only and keep following until I tell you to stop. Okay. Heat. Heat. All right, go ahead and relax. Um, can you go and take off that purse so we can we'll put it back in the car. Okay. Is that okay? Or do you just want to hold it here? in the car. But all right, let's um let's go use this line over here. Okay, follow me. Stand right here on this line. All right. So, you see this line before you, right? Okay. We're going to use this line. What I need you to do is put your left foot on that line like this. Go ahead and do so now. No, your left foot. There you go. Now, you're going to put your right foot in front of the left foot. Heel to toe on that same line. Now put your arms down to your side. Touch heel to toe. Touch heel to toe. No, no, no. Go back. All right. Stay on that line. Now stay in this position until I tell you to move. Do you understand? All right. When I tell you to start, what you're going to do is you're going to take nine hillto toe steps on that line. Okay? When you get to your ninth step, you're going to leave your front foot on that line. Take a series of small steps to turn around. I'll show you how to do that. And you're going to take nine heel totoe steps back on that same line. Now, on each step, I need you to look down at your feet the whole time. Count your steps out loud so that I can hear you. And don't stop this test until it's been completed. Do you understand? What's that? Yeah. Okay. If you watch me, I'm going to demonstrate. Okay. For demonstration purposes, I'm doing three steps. You are going to do nine. It's going to look Okay. It's going to look like this. Okay. Get back in that position. Okay. Again, for demonstration purposes, I'm going to do three steps. You're doing nine. It's going to look like this. Okay. One, two, three, up until nine. Step out like this. Series of small steps to turn around. Get back on that same line. One, two, three, up until nine. Do you understand? Yeah. Okay. Do you have any questions? All right. You may begin. Okay. outside. All right. All right. This next one, stand with your feet together like this. Hands down to your side. All right. Remain in this position until I tell you to move. Do you understand? >> Okay. When I tell you to start, what you're going to do is you're going to raise your foot. Here you can raise your left or right. Doesn't matter. It's up to you. Raise it approximately 6 in off the ground like so. Okay. You notice my foot is parallel with the ground. It's not facing up or pointing up or pointing down, but it's parallel. Have your knees straight, hands down to your arms down to your side. Now, holding this position, you're going to look down at the elevated foot and count in this manner. 1,00 1,002 1 3 and so forth until I tell you to stop. Do you understand? All right. Any questions? >> All right. You may begin when you're ready. 1001 2002 1003 2004 2005 2006 2007 100901 2012 2013 >> your foot >> 2015 2017 2021 2022 >> Okay, you can What's wrong? >> What's wrong? Why are you crying? >> You okay? Okay. What made you cry? >> Nothing. Okay, let's go back over here to the uh back over here. Okay. >> In the end, the decision to arrest her was made. There was no resistance and no explanation could change the reality she now had to face. I want you to step right here and go right here. Okay. Back of this tire. All right. Go ahead and face the car for me. Put your hands back here for me. You're under arrest for driving under the influence. Okay. Who can we call to pick up the kiddos? Is there anybody we can pick a call to pick up the kiddos? >> My mom. >> Your mom. Okay, we can certainly do that. We'll grab our phone for me. Please have a 114487. Please. Okay. Now, turn around. Open your mouth. Lift up your tongue. All right. There you go. I got her back down. Okay, just a second off and start. >> Do we have um >> Yeah, we're going to get our phone. >> Okay. >> It's on the floorboard on the driver's side. Grab that. We're going to call our mom right there. You can go ahead and have a seat. >> All right. Go and have a seat for me. Do you know your mom's uh phone number by heart? >> I have this >> cuz it looks like your uh phone's You do? Okay. Give it to this officer over here. >> Okay. All right. Give us a second. When we grab the phone, okay. All right, Miss Alver, I need you to listen to me, okay? I'm going to read you something. All right, listen to me carefully. I'm about to tell you something important. You are under under arrest for driving under the influence. The New Mexico Implied Consent Act requires you to submit to the breath test to determine the alcohol content of your After you take our test, you have the right to choose additional independent test. If you choose to take this additional independent test, you have the right to a reasonable opportunity to arrange for a physician, licensed nurse, laboratory technician or technologist who is employed by a hospital or physician of your own choice to perform the additional chemical test. The cost of this additional test will be paid for by the law enforcement agency. Do you agree to take our test? No. Okay. I cannot force you to take our test, but if you refuse, you will lose your New Mexico driver's license or non-resident operating privileges for one year. If you are convicted in court of driving while under the influence, you may receive a greater sentence because you refuse to be tested. Do you understand? Okay. And I have to ask you again. Do you agree to be tested? No. Okay. All right. We're just waiting for your mom to come pick up the kiddos. Okay. As always, it's your brother that's coming for the kiddos. Yeah. Did you want to wait for him before we take off? No. Okay. We'll take off here in a few then. Okay. I just want to make sure your kids get back and then we'll take off. Okay. This way. She was charged with driving while intoxicated in child endangerment. She could face 90 days to one year in jail along with fines of up to $5,000. Love for children must begin with awareness and responsibility behind the wheel. Because luck does not stay forever with intoxication. And when it runs out, it leaves behind consequences that cannot be undone. A fateful Sunday pushed a family into a cycle of wrongdoing. As anger overtook reason and children became the victims of those they called family. >> Look at my neck. He just a bullet >> and he he pulled me. >> On June 16th, 2024, authorities received an emergency call reporting a serious domestic dispute. When officers arrived, the scene had already turned chaotic, forcing them to use control measures to stabilize the situation. >> STOP. DON'T DON'T REACH IN THAT CAR. >> Stop moving. Stop moving. Stop moving. Don't do this. Relax. Okay, we're here. >> Help me out. >> Give it a sec. >> Look at my neck. >> Sweetheart. Sweetheart. >> Look at my neck. >> He just a bullet and he he pulled out. >> He pulled my neck. >> Hey, we're here now. Stay here. >> I just want to go to my car. Stay here. Hey, stay out of the car. Stay out of the car. No, no, no. Stay out of the car. Stay out of the car. >> OH, NO. >> STAY OUT of the car. >> That shot a me. >> Hey, stay out of the door jam. Hey, close that. Close that door for me. You got to >> my nephew in the car. >> Okay. >> Yo, my nephew. >> Okay. Give me a minute. Let's Let's >> see. >> Let's Let's open the door. The window so y'all can see. >> Go ahead. >> That's my wife, bro. At the station. Diamond is my baby mother. They out here fighting cuz Diamond caused the problem with my son, bro. So, I came to escalate the situation. Put her hands on me. So, my wife got licensed to grab her gun. That's self-defense. >> You understand what I'm saying? >> This out of hand, bro. It's female. That's not cool, bro. >> Yeah. You know I got you. That's not cool, bro. That [ __ ] paid the gun is already out of the car. >> We good. The gun is OUT OF THE CAR. >> YEAH, I'M STRAIGHT, BRO. IT'S just dumb female [ __ ] That's crazy. No. Hell no. The only one with who got license for that. >> Heck here. We're here. We're here. We're here. We're here. Just take a deep breath. We got you. >> And then he just pulled a coming out the side of the park in that bag. >> Don't shut the car. >> How many? >> Don't have them open that door. How many? >> And they friends each other. There's one. >> Listen. Listen. How many? >> He just pulled me. >> She got what he got. >> And I And I have conceals also. I didn't pull no. Heck. And he trying to I want to I want to press charges, too. >> Who's cheating you? >> And like tell him you put your hands on me, too. >> Hey, can we be honest, please? Did you not put your hands on me? >> No. No. >> Call my lawy. I'M GOING TO call I'm going to call the car. Step out. >> Diamond. Stop touching. >> WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. STOP. I CAN'T CALL MY LAWYER. Stay in the car. >> I have a lawyer. Stay in the car. I'm a nurse. I'm a nurse. I'm >> being as nice as possible here. Please stay out of the car. >> Yeah. Ain't nothing in there. >> I'm not saying there is. >> Yeah, I understand. >> But until we figure out what's going on, just relax. I want you to know, please don't ever put your hands on me. >> That's it. On you. No, I grabbed her. That's grabbing him. >> Apologize. >> It's okay. Just relax. >> But that's why that's why >> she's not she's not the person that's doing it. I know, but they have to come and interview both people. >> We're not We're not head of this investigation. All right. We're just here to calm everybody down. These officers are going to come >> make contact with everybody and have conversations. >> Who is he to you? >> That's your baby. >> My name is Diamond. >> He had my son for a week. >> Hold on. I'm going to give you the whole rundown. He had my son for a week. My son joint. No. >> The reason I can't have her go in the car is she said she >> No, there's no joint cuz he can't have her take it in the car. I don't want nothing like that. >> I know, but I don't care about the >> I think I've met you a few times before. >> Yeah, you put on some weight. Good weight. Good weight. Good weight. Good weight. >> But I was being a good mom. >> Not too long ago. I think you was in the civil one like >> I changed a little bit once more. >> Stepmom had made a had made a verbal a verbal complaint. >> Somebody could have got his >> amid repeated claims of self-defense, officers were forced to restrain the mother. The sight of a child standing quietly within the police presence was deeply heartbreaking. >> You're not under arrest. You're detained. >> Okay. >> For reaching into >> No, I you just asked. Did he have a weapon? I was giving to give it to you. >> Can't reach into >> Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't know. I just was trying to make sure that >> for my safety. What if I accidentally >> Sorry. You know what I'm saying? On some accidental stuff for something that you were >> I'm sorry. You just said, "Do you have any weapons?" And I was reaching in to give it to you. That's all. >> Well, love this is what's going on. >> Let's Let's start fresh. >> Okay. No problem. >> I want to know your name. I'm in a stage with Dennis Dexter. >> Spell your name for me from scratch and then we will get into the parameters. No problem. >> So far west. >> She did just put her hands on my husband. Just to let you know, the baby mom just hit my husband. >> We'll get into all that. >> Yeah. Just my husband in his face. >> All right. First name? >> Anastasia. >> All right. What's your address? >> Um right now I'm homeless. I don't have an address. >> Homeless. All right. Both of you guys are homeless. All right. Um >> Well, we're staying at a hotel right now. >> Am I going to jail, love? Cuz I really >> I don't know. I'm going to figure that out right now. Give me a second. >> Who is this? This him? That's Yeah, that's all right. I'm going to put his ID right here. >> But I am still I got my license and everything on me. I just didn't want you I thought y'all was body slam husband. So I was trying to make sure when you said that is there any weapons in the car? I was trying to go on and give it to you. >> That's [ __ ] up, bro. >> Crazy, bro. That's my son, bro. >> I got We're in the >> I would never my child. I got four kids. I got a baby in the car right now. I would never harm my son, bro. And you know me, fam. >> The kids only in this car. >> Yeah, just my kids. >> Who's in that car? >> That's her car, bro. That ain't that ain't nothing to do with me, bro. >> Just wait right here back in the back seat. >> Can I get my baby? >> They're fine. You want to talk to him? Yeah. Talk to him. They're good. >> Can you make sure there's no >> I'm looking right now >> and then I'm going to have him pull the kids out. >> Yi, >> I'm off the coffee. Y >> for switching. >> Yeah. Yeah, I got you. >> That's crazy. I would never hurt my son, bro. >> All right, let's go. >> Why would you even disrespect my wife like that's my son? Why would you do that? >> Oh, hold on. Let me get >> All right. It's probably in the ignition. Who are you? >> I'm the >> No. No. Are you mom? Are you >> That's my mom. >> All right. Can you take the paper? >> What's the problem? >> We got guns pulling out on each other. >> I'm going to put her hands on me and Anna put out her gun. >> She has She has She has faith. Hold. >> Conflicting statements from both sides led officers to expand their investigation and clarify each person's role. >> And that's the mom. The mom, she know what's going on. This is drama. I can even show you the text. >> Give me a second. Let me let me make sure your information. >> We tried to drop the baby off. The baby mama is with drama like >> can you roll by pawns person named date of birth for me please? >> Baby mama always with drama all the time. She probably the one who called y'all and she the main one with the drama. >> But severity of that you probably was doing something right. I can't deny I know what I'm saying. I don't know what you was thinking but >> I was trying to get it out my purse from my you could have reached in there. >> No accidentally pointed towards me and if and if it leads into >> upside down in my >> No, I'm just saying that's that's the reason why you're in handcuffs right now until I can identify who you are and then we can talk. >> No problem. No problem. >> Did you see them have a >> They They said they did. >> They said they did, but you never saw one? >> Yes. The uh girl with the white pants on. She went in her trunk. >> You saw it? >> She went I don't know what type of gun I just seen. >> Oh, wait. Did you see a gun or she just threatened it? >> I saw her glint go in her trunk, pull out something, and then soon as y'all pulled up, she threw it back in the trunk. >> Okay. Something, but you don't know if it's >> I don't know if it was good or not. >> Okay. I'm going to turn the uh I'm going turn >> She only know I have a gun because she said she'll me and I said you me I'm told her and I'm being honest. She told me she was going to shoot. So I told her she me I'm >> That's fair enough. I'm going to turn the AC on for you. >> Okay. >> So if if he if he once she >> shot where did she >> did a shell come out >> too far from my shell right there. >> You got to open the door >> right there. And I'll tell your mom. Just >> I just don't want anybody going in the car for a gun in there. And I don't I know you, but I don't know everybody. >> Oh yeah. No. You know, >> you can stop. >> I got I got my um >> 2024 mine. >> I'm not even diamond. Listen. >> So listen, >> where's your ID? >> I don't have my name on there. Walter. What's your first name? >> Walter, can you just do me one thing? Can you just grab my phone so I can call my lawyer sweetheart? >> Give us like y'all. And then the black guys. So, >> I'm going to call my >> What's your first name? >> Diamond. And he's been to jail before for being aggressive like this. He's he he literally put his hands on me before. Both of them have went to jail before for the same thing. >> And you're the registered owner of this? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> She This This the sister house. He told me to meet him here to get the baby. >> Well, he's not a baby. He's going to be 11 next month. >> Yeah. Correct. That's the reason why because he the the girlfriend who just said that she would his ass and tell his mom, "You're not going to physically my child. That's ridiculous. >> What's your son's name? >> Never. So for her to be with all that rage, I don't understand that. I'm a great dad, bro. >> That hurt, bro. I'm a great dad, bro. I don't do no disrespectful. I'm a man of God, bro. I don't even don't play like that, bro. My mom is a pastor, bro. I don't play like that, bro. That That's crazy to me, bro. Yeah. Like I just said, she put her hand on me and my wife acted in self-defense. >> Oh, no. I'm just relating to you. I can talk. That's freedom of speech. I can talk. >> Probably going to do that. >> No, I could talk. You tell me to shut up, bro. That's what I'm not going to do. >> You're not telling me to shut up. >> I'm not going to shut up. >> Give me your Give me your water this time. Give me your water. >> I'm just talking. That's all. >> I got you. >> She Yeah, she [ __ ] self-defense. >> Hey, guess what? All we supposed to be doing is a drop off. All I did was grab Billy out the back seat and walk into her car and she grabbed neck and Anna put out her gun. Self-defense. >> That's self-defense. Whether I acted or not is self-defense, bro. I know my law. I know. My best friend is a cop, so I know the law. >> No, I get that. All right. >> Uh, >> somebody got tape. Let's just tape it off now. >> Can we check this car? Cuz she's saying that they have >> case was supposed to be checking. >> And that old girl put it in the trunk. >> Let's just rope it off for now and then we'll go from there. >> I'm going start grab stuff. >> Search your vehicle. >> Yeah, they said it's in the trunk. >> How could I possibly beat if it's a if I touch you, why would you gun and shoot at me? >> I feel your middle >> and look at my neck. You don't have no You don't have no B, no bruises, nothing. You're a man. Why would you even do that to me? My baby was weak with the dad for a week. He just got out on summer break. So, I let him go for a week till my son called me and told me about what the girlfriend said to him. Yeah. Threatening him. >> He said that the girlfriend had said, "I would ass." So, I said I called to him and I also called the mom and I said, "Hey, just tell him to drop my child off." He said, "Meet him over here at the sister house because you don't want me to know where your child where you live at." That's sister. That's right. You want to check the car? >> Yeah, >> I can step away. >> I can step away. Go ahead. >> She's got a She said she got a CCW on. >> Yeah, but I ain't got my gun on me. I >> No, it's not in the car. >> Go ahead. Check it. Go ahead. I ain't pulling nothing. What's up? Go ahead and check it. Hey, listen. I give you permit. Go ahead. Weird. >> She pull on nobody. >> Hi, Dley. How are you? Are you okay, buddy? >> What? What? >> You guys need Do you need You need the medics. >> Tell the police what she said. You don't have to be scared. They can't touch you. The police here, >> Miss Diamond, walk away. >> Diamond, you need the medics. Hey, what's up, buddy? >> What happened was Well, what happened was she told me that it was time for me to go to bed. And then she thought she thought I was just sitting there and wasn't going to get up, but I was trying to tell I was trying to tell her that I was stretching, but she didn't let me talk. And then she said she said she said that she said that I was being disrespectful while while I was stretching. After I was done stretching, she she as she said she said something about um if if I keep being in respectful then um she she'll let my mom know that no name. >> Okay. >> Don't have no name. >> And that is the girlfriend that was put in handcuffs over here. Okay. Do you know her name? >> Don't have no name. What is that real name? >> Yeah. >> Anastasia Dennis. >> Anastasia Dennis. Thank you. Just hang hang out with your mom. Give us a few minutes. >> Y'all y'all go ahead and search the car. It's It's not my investigation. >> Whoever investigation, tell them I get them I get them permission. Go ahead and search it. >> That's you. You going to search it? >> You can go right ahead, sir. >> The one with the blue shirt and the other one with the the two females that look like females, they both said the first female was just like shoot. And I said, "Ho, if you me, I'm" And then the baby mama was just like, "I'm going to get my She went in her trunk and popped her trunk and got her." That's why when y'all came by, I was standing in the door seal of my car cuz if she would have me, I have the right to defend myself. >> All right, give me a second. >> An officer approached the children involved, speaking gently to hear their accounts. You >> remember what happened? >> What happened? >> Yeah. Could you tell the deputy what happened? I need you. Um when we was at home, um my dad started to um Bitly cuz Bentley had told um cuz Bentley had told um his mom a a story that when he when something had happened on the phone and he was and his mom told him, "Can you go somewhere to walk outside?" And then my dad go to jail today. Tell me about the baby. Put the hands of my baby. And then my dad had one for my brother because that and then they cuz and then my mom and dad told they was outside on the phone and then and then my mom and dad told um all diamond people to to come and then my mom pull out the sheed. >> Each detail was carefully noted forming key pieces of the truth. >> All right. >> So I got a call from I got a call at 7. Well, no, sorry. Let's go to the first one. 6:47. And it was from my son. My son was stating that his dad girlfriend had stated that she would be and tell his mom. That's when the dad started getting aggressive with my baby. And I said, "Just drop my son off." He don't tell me where they live at. >> So, this is the aunt house. We usually exchange here or I drop the baby here and we pick the baby up from here. So, this the common place where which is Bobby's sister. This her house. So, you arrived here to for a charging exchange? >> Yes. I text at 6:46 that I was here. So, around 6:00 I meant around 7:20. That's when we had Well, they arrived. And then when he arrived, I was trying to tell him I got out the car. My aunt got out the car first to try to get him. But it was prior commotion. So, I got out and I was just trying to tell him I'm not disrespecting you. I just want my child because you don't say nothing like that to a child. And when when I'm telling him like he's not an aggressive kid. He's only 10 years old. So if you saying aggressive things like, "Oh, I'm a be this, that, and the third." He's going to get scared and shut down. I don't talk to my kid like that. So then that's when he started like finger pointing. Y'all saw the video. Started finger pointing blah blah blah blah blah. >> Finger pointing or what? >> No, just his hand. >> Who? Who was finger pointing? >> Me. Me. He was pointing. He was fingerpointing me. >> When you say when you say when you say Bobby, >> what's his what's his real name? >> Bobby. Bobby. >> That's right. That's when the girlfriend just she got off her. When she got out of her, she was she started selling out. Like I'm like it's not about you. Like no one's talking to you. I'm talking to him which is my child father because I feel like we don't have nothing to talk about. My child is with in his in his custody at the moment. There's no need for us to talk. So she started selling out. I'm like girl I'm not talking to you. So that's when he came to me aggressive. He grabbed my neck. We ended up coming. >> That's why you have you have that on your neck. >> Yeah. And then as y'all seen we we like walking this like cuz obviously I'm way shorter than him. So when you grab somebody by the neck he picked me up. He like walking me this way. So when he walk me >> So when he was he choke you? >> Absolutely. >> You see? >> Yeah. Now I can see the marks. >> Yeah. >> So as he was grabbing he was he saying was he saying anything like [ __ ] I'll kill you. >> Did you lose conscious anything? >> I had got lightheaded for a second and I kind of straddled. So when I had straddled that's when when I was standing right there. That's prior to that she jumped out the car. She caught the gun back and she like so I stood right here behind. >> Okay. Slow down. Slow. So you said who jumped out? >> Anastasia jumped out where? >> She went back to the car. She walked back to the car. She grabbed the gun. She caught her back. I was just standing there like, "Okay, she before she could even Yeah. She went to the She went back to the car. >> She chambered around >> the passenger side of the car. She grabbed popped it back. She shot one time >> in the air or at you?" >> No, it was like pointed towards my me and my little sister. >> So he demonstrated. So how how demonstrate how how she pointed like when she how she grabbed how she fired. So from from here >> she tried to Yeah. She she shot like she was going to shoot at them. >> Yeah. So he's standing over here. When she my car standing right here, he had a gun also because when y'all had pulled up originally, he grabbed he got in the front seat and he had a y'all had pulled up. >> So he had too. >> Yeah. >> So were you in fear for your life when she she grabbed a gun? >> Who wouldn't? >> I have to ask these questions. So you was in fear that she's she probably more likely. >> All right. And then after she >> because a bullet could a bullet could hit >> after after she found what did you do? >> When she had at me I think No, I was standing right here. My my thing was open. So my son was sitting in the back seat. I tried to lift up the trunk like you get what I said just in case >> in case if she was still >> As statements were followed up, clear signs of violence were discovered during the child's examination. >> Take your take your pants off. >> You said you in your chest, right? >> Yeah, you pressed on the chest. >> Thank you, >> you can keep your you can keep your boxers on. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Just slide your pants all the way. Just want to make sure like so we can at least see your legs. Oh my dog. I have bruises here. >> Mhm. He got Yeah. He even got bruises on his hand. >> And those he he got me two bruises here. >> And you said I was with a belt, right? >> When you said he >> he punched me and he also whooped me with >> Who was he? >> My dad in that off in the police car. >> Who was he? >> He said his dad. All right. >> Kind of like stand like kind of stand you for >> stand up for me. Just back up a little bit. >> Cuz he said that I was lying, >> bro. What the >> When you woke up today, none of these marks were on you. >> No. And I also have this right here. >> Around what time did this happen? Right before the police came or >> Yes, right right before I had came here. >> Now, I know you said you your chest. Are you breathing? Okay. >> Yes, I >> lit up. Does it hurt? >> Going to have to know. >> All right. It doesn't hurt. >> Just have him before he puts his clothes back on. >> He going to take pictures of you. All right. Don't put your clothes on yet. >> Based on the findings, police arrested the father who admitted to the violent behavior. >> All right, Mr. Mr. Dexter. My name is Officer Joy K West Police Department. Right now I'm conducting a a assault with a daily weapon and domestic violence by strangulation investigation. Before I talk to you, I'm required to warn you have the following constitutional rights before you make any statement. All right. So, I'm going to read you your Miranda rights. You have the right to remain inside and I answer your questions. >> You you like you're not like I told you, you were under when I first put the handcuffs on you, you are not under arrest. You're being detained. Am I underrest? Me reading you your rights doesn't constitute of you being under arrest. I >> I can't go to jail. I do that to my kid. >> This is once once we conduct our investigations after we're done talking to everybody. saw you guys looking at her hands only cuz she put her hands on me first out of self-defense. Bro, >> I understand but just give me a second. Let me read you your constitutional rights and then we can talk about the rest of the stuff. Cuz if you talk to me without this, it doesn't help the investigation. I want you to understand your rights before I even talk to you. Once you once you understand your rights, then you can free and willingly talk to me about whatever you want to talk to me. Like I said before, you have the right to remain silent. I answer your questions. Do you understand? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Mr. Dexter, with your constitutional rights being read to you, do you wish to speak to me about the incident that occurred today? >> I definitely will. When she when I got on the phone, she was going off in a raid. She just kept saying, "Bring my son. Bring me my son. Meet me somewhere to bring my son." I said, "Okay, cool. Meet me at my mom's house. I will bring him there to you right now." If if it's that serious. >> What happened when you got here? Okay. Prior to here, there's there's bruises and stuff on your son. >> How did he sustain them bruises? >> What kind of bruises are on him? >> He has all kinds of bruises. >> Like fresh marks as if someone just And and that's not punishment. Whatever whoever did it, it was is not it's not punishment. That wasn't a regular. He has welps. He has all kind from his arms, his thighs. >> Your question, have you ever got before? >> I have. >> Have you ever swore up from a SP before? >> Of course. >> What we talking about? >> But I'm saying who who who >> I for what? >> Because when I asked my son, why did you call your mom? You know, he said to me, she's not my mom. She can't tell me what to do. So, you know what I said? Okay. Well, if you can't respect my wife, you know what happened? He got an attitude with me. So, I said, okay, get in the car. I'm taking you to your mom. >> And what did this occur at? >> This would occur at my house. So yes, I did my son because you're not going to you're not going to disrespect any adult cuz my son has that that my son has that problem. My son has that problem with other adults as well. Even in school, he disrespects teachers. And guess what? His mom allows it. She allows it. So at some point in time, every child needs discipline. And and to be honest with you, that's my first time ever my son cuz I don't believe in kids. I believe in communication. I believe in you talk to me so we can come to common ground. >> I don't believe in But soon. So we got here. All I did was get out the car. Mind you, it's a $2 car. He was sitting behind my wife. That's where it escalated because she walked over the mom, Diamond Kraton. >> When I told my wife, "Hey, get out the car and let Bentley out so he can go home." Diamond Kraton rushed over to the door, the passenger door side where my wife was sitting and she ran up in her face. They was doing all this arguing. D. I'm like, "Yo, let him out. Just let him out. Let if he wants to go home, let him go. I don't have a problem with you going to be with your mom. That's never been an issue for me. At the end of the day, I'm going to love you regardless." So, boom. They start arguing. I step in between it. When I stepped in between to When I stepped in between it, the situation escalated from the car to over here by the sidewalk. >> What happened over here by the sidewalk? >> When I step, this is when I stepped in by the sidewalk. When they were face to face and I felt like they was going to throw blows, I stepped in between both of them. And instead of me me trying to be the the mediator, the peacemaker, I get hit by Diamond Kraton. So I I I could I could be honest and say I responded in self-defense cuz I got hit. So all I did was put my hands around the nut and I pushed her off. If I squeeze it too hard, okay, I understand that. I'm sorry. Did I put my hands on it? Yeah, I did. That was me getting her off of me because of course at end of the day, I'm the father of the child. So, of course, you're going to take anger out on me rather than my wife. So, okay. Boom. So, when I broke it up, as I was walking back to the car, Diamond Kraton rushed over to Anastasia again. Anastasia pulled out her gun self-defense. >> And then what happened when she put it? >> Diamondraton ran to her car in her trunk to receive her what? I don't know if she had it in there or not. That's all she kept saying. Oh, oh, you ain't the only one. You're not the only one with So, she ran to the trunk of her car and was searching for something. Were you ever in position in a firearm? >> No sir. >> So at no point in time, >> no sir, >> you had this is your only chance to to be honest firearm. >> At no point in time did you drive a >> All right. So does that concludes your statement? >> However, the situation took another turn as further evidence revealed the involvement of the stepmother who was also taken into custody. >> I was told that there was a and that Anna shot it in the air, but now I'm hearing it was two. >> That's what y'all said. And I was like, what? So where's protective gun? >> And here lies a problem and why DCF might be up in your house because somebody whether is I don't know if your mom knows who's the who's the boy in the red pants. >> My nephew. >> I'd be willing to guess when we go back through our body camera footage. I'm the one that got the video. >> You saw Bobby with the >> I sure did. >> What about him? >> Both of them next to each other like the wild. >> He sure was. But we have one. We not blaming a little boy for arguing with his parents. It's not his fault. >> Mhm. >> We going to report to DCF. DCF probably would have came out tomorrow sometime, did their little investigation, but they it's going to be an emergency contact call out if people >> Mhm. >> There's guns missing. There's people shooting guns at each other. >> Mhm. I agree. >> The stepmother was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. No bond. Firing a weapon in public, no bond. And three counts of child neglect without great bodily harm, no bond. Under Florida law, each charge could carry up to 5 years in prison. Timely intervention by law enforcement is not only about enforcing the law. It is also about protecting children when their environment is no longer safe. When children are not protected, is that the greatest failure of a parent. Share your thoughts in the comments. Some mistakes are excused as a first time, but for a child, being left alone, even once, can create fear that lasts a lifetime. >> Yeah. Hey, hold on. Let me call you back. >> All right. Bye. >> On the night of April 23rd, 2025, a 6-year-old girl shocked hotel staff when she came down to the lobby alone in a state of panic. Police quickly arrived and began investigating while the child still innocently believed her mother's promise that she would return soon. >> Okay, what happened about an hour or so ago? I have a little six-year-old come down from the elevator crying. She wants her mom. I finally figured out what room she was in. So I tried calling her. No answer. Okay. So I have a friend of mine talking to her. She's a young female. We're getting along real well. I had somebody knock on their door cuz they got a do not disturb sign. Nobody's answering. Now the young girl's telling me there's nobody else up there but her and she's crying cuz her she can't she can't see her mom. I called her mom several times. It rings once and blows the voicemail. And I don't know what else to do with the young lady, you know. I hate I hated to call you because I know what that's going to do. But this poor girl, you know. >> Okay. >> I'd take her home if I could. >> Okay. What's uh what what room are they? >> They're in 223. >> Okay. We're um is there a way that we can get into the room? >> Oh, yeah. Okay. >> I want to go up there and try and knock first. >> Okay. >> We can always TLO a phone number. They have a phone number. >> Okay. >> He said he's called us. >> I called and it's this rang one time. It went to voicemail. >> I want to try and nod, but I want to try and call. >> He said like an hour ago she came down from the elevator crying. Um he's called the mom's number multiple times. It rings once, goes to voicemail. They went up there and knocked. No answer. >> Okay. >> Can we go up and check the room? >> Yeah. Would you stay with her? >> I just want to go and check the room. Officers confirmed the child had been completely alone in a messy room, and her innocent responses made the situation even more heartbreaking. >> Nope. >> Do you know what kind of vehicle she's in? >> No, that one I don't know. >> Those car keys? >> Yeah. >> All right. Look, I think it's Might be a rental, >> huh? >> Might be a rental. >> Why the heck would you leave a six-year-old? >> So, how how long have you been here? >> Do you like Do >> you remember like how many days? Like, >> like a couple days. >> I only know that I've been here for 3 days. I don't know. >> I don't know if I'd have any more days. >> Okay. When mommy left, what did she say? What' she tell you? remember what you told me. It's okay. She's my friend. Yep. >> So, I promise you, pinky promise you. I pinky Listen, I pinky promise you. Or I'll go get you another candy right now. Like, you can >> That's candy. >> She's I know her and that's why I called her to come here because I know her and she's going to help us. >> Yep. >> She said that even if she said if it's even if it's a while, she'll come back, but I'm not sure. Okay. And then what did she do? She gave you a >> this >> Mhm. >> Okay. Well, that's cool, right? >> The mother returned shortly after with an older man, and officers quickly moved in to arrest her. >> Yeah. Hey, hold on. I'll call you back. >> All right. Bye. >> What are you doing? >> Come in here for a second, ma'am. >> Emily, come in here for a second. >> Come in here. All right. You want to face that way? >> Take a purse off. Take your purse off. You're under arrest. I don't >> Are you in >> Florida? You don't leave a six-year-old alone in a motel room. >> Doesn't matter. >> Are you kidding me? >> Stay this way. >> What happened? Uh, you left daughter in a hotel room by herself for multiple hours. >> Not multiple hours. >> Well, not multiple hours. >> Not multip. >> Yeah. >> You're kidding. >> All right. >> Let me tell them to go do something else. >> Hold on a second. We don't want your daughter to see you like this. >> But like, what happened? So, we'll explain all that to you. I'm going to read you your rights and then we'll do an interview and uh then I'll explain to you what happened. Okay? But we don't want your daughter to see you in handcuffs. So, we're going to move her out the way. >> We told her I was going to be right back and I'm coming right back down. >> Okay. Well, I can tell you we have been here for probably about 30 minutes. The hotel said that she's been down here for over an hour before they called us. So, you've been gone a lot longer. >> An hour. Have you ever seen an alligator? >> Do you want to see an alligator? >> Come on. Um, we can go. >> We're going to walk this way. >> All right, let's go see an alligator. >> Do you want to Do you want to be in the cart and I'll push you? >> Bring in the bear. >> No, she's taking this, too. We're all We're We're all going on that. >> Don't forget your chocolate and your tic tac toe. Oh, we'll be right back. >> Yeah, we're coming right back. Yeah, we'll be right. We're going to go to my car. She came down here crying. Mhm. She wanted to know where you were. You're going to go on this side. Which side? This side. Go all the way up. Nope. I can open the door. Go all the way up to the front first. All the way up to the front. To the front. To the front of the car. There you go. All right. Lean up against the car. Do you have anything on you? It's going to stick me. Poke me. I mean, I literally left my mother. >> Okay. >> There's always a time for something new, I guess. And you did today. So, never walk back this way. >> Never, never, never. Where Where's my daughter going? >> Uh, she's with many other deputies. >> Okay, cool. >> So, we've contacted DCF. >> Cool. That's awesome. Okay. All right. You just want to hang out there. >> On the trunk. >> Yep. I know where it's at. If you want, you could sit with your different way. You can put your cuffs this way. It'll be more comfortable. I'll be back in a minute to ask you some questions. Okay. >> Instead of showing concern, she continued offering excuses as if nothing serious had happened. >> I'm going to read you this and then it's up to you if you want to talk or not. Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him present with you while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and I answer any questions or make any statements. Do you understand each of these rights? I have explained to you. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now? >> 20. >> Will it let me go to my daughter? >> I don't know. I have never left my daughter. >> This was the first night ever and she was asleep. So, I thought I could sneak out for an hour because I was single and I was with my husband for 15 and 1/2 years >> and the first time I dated right after him for 3 and 1/2 years. >> It's our first time. I'm the most protective mommy. I'm a counselor. This is embarrassing. Like I have never She was asleep. I was like, I'm going to sneak out and have a drink and come like a drink. >> Having these rights in mind, do you want to talk to me? >> I just told you of Is it going to let me go? >> I can't give you a yes or no. >> Okay. >> But I need a yes or a no from you. >> I think I'm like a bag. I promise you I'm not. >> I don't judge anybody. No, you should. >> I don't make judgments, but before I can former crisis counselor. >> Okay. Before I talk to you, I need a a yes or a no. It's up to you if you want to talk to me or not. I can't make you. >> We're just going to give you back to my daughter soon. >> I can't tell you that. >> Do you want to think about it before you give me an answer? It's fine. Whatever. I told you what I need. Sorry. >> I'm sorry. I told you what I needed to tell you. >> Okay. So, you don't want to talk to me? >> Do we need anything else here? >> I tried. >> DCF's coming. >> Like, literally. >> What's her name? >> DCF should not come. We were gone less than an hour. I've never left my daughter. Let me explain something to you. >> In my life. >> Let me explain something to you. Can I tell you? I've never left my daughter in my life to you. >> I'm going to be quiet and listen. >> I don't care how long you were gone for. You were gone for more than an hour because the motel gave you over an hour as a courtesy to make sure. >> No. >> Tell it to the judge, lady. You don't leave a six-year-old by yourself in a motel. >> Never in my life this first time. So now you can get that off your bucket list. >> Great. >> Yeah. >> Great. I She was asleep. Okay. What's your date of birth? >> I literally What's your I literally have never left my daughter in my life. >> Not yet. >> In my life. You want me to grab you one? >> Yeah. >> I didn't hear you the first time. >> All she was going to do is make an excuse me. >> He said he said she left at 7:30. So she's been gone 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 hours. No, that's too much. And then bringing a gentleman back that she doesn't know. >> No. >> When questioned, the man stated they had only met that night and had no idea a child was in the room. I heard that. Um, want to give you a ride home so you don't get a DUI in the golf cart. >> Yeah, but she said I was just said crash here. >> She's not crashing here. >> That's what she told me. She said crash here at my place here. >> She's not crashing here. >> She's not? >> No. >> I don't know. I met her like 10 minutes ago. >> That's what I That's what I found out. >> But I don't understand how this It's kind of like alarming how this happened. >> It is. >> This chick seemed like she was all right. >> Yeah. Where did you meet? Where did you meet her? >> No, I was like I t I was tapping out at City Fire. I was tapping out at City Fire. >> Yeah. >> And this chick at the end when I'm tapping out, she's like, "Oh." >> So I'm like, "Oh." She's like, "Look at me." >> So I don't know. So she might be a scumbag or something. >> Yeah. I don't >> But I only know her like 5 minutes more than you know her. >> That's true. >> What? And I'm like concerned like why is she >> cool? I think that >> she's cool. >> No. >> All right. Ready? >> She got some issues. >> She's got a she's got a history or something. You ready? I just know her 5 minutes or 10 minutes more than you know. >> Yep. >> You ready? >> Ready. Go. >> Yeah. Miss Debbie's going to give you a ride home and tomorrow morning, come get your golf cart. And lesson learned. Next time you meet a young lady, all you got to do is say, "Hey, you ain't got no kids in a motel room, do you?" And you'll be good. >> I will never go out to get food again. I promise. I promise. >> I thought you were going out to get a drink. >> I went out to get a drink and got food, which is the whole point. And then, to be fair, honestly, they gave me a shot. But like I've never left my daughter ever. Ever. >> And then you got your daughter in there and you're bringing some grown man that you've never met before back to your room. >> No. No. I love how you think that. No. >> So who was the guy that lived with you? >> He drove me here. >> Are you kidding me? >> On my life. I was with my husband 16 years. I was with the next guy three years. I don't randoms, okay? I don't know what the you think. I know this is Florida, so it's a little bit wild town. Like, we don't >> we don't around this. Like, I have never in my life left my daughter. I left her go get food and I got a drink and I came back. I've never left her. Never in my life. In my life. This is our first trip as mommy and mom. Like mommy and daughter. Never. >> The mother was charged with child neglect, a serious felony under Florida law, and could face up to 5 years in prison along with the risk of losing custody. Don't let a child grow up learning fear. Be the support that makes them feel safe. Because what a child needs most is not strength, but a safe place to grow. A tense rescue unfolded to protect an innocent child placed in danger by a negligent parent. >> I didn't have my >> On July 19th, 2025, in Lake City, Florida, a 2-year-old girl was locked inside a car in nearly 94° F heat without air conditioning. Her cries weakened from exhaustion, forcing officers to break the window to rescue her. Come here, baby. >> Are you serious? 30 minutes, ma'am. >> Yeah. Hey, come here. >> Why would you wait 30 minutes to call us? >> You're okay. >> I was trying to get her to >> I know. Come here, baby. >> I didn't have my phone on. >> You say Yeah, you guys can go ahead and go with it. Ma'am, you can hang tight for a second. Talk to this officer right here. He's going to get some information from you. Go. You need to go get her 43. >> Yeah. The degree of annoyed she waited 30 minutes to call >> to call. Like what? >> Trying to get her done. >> 30 minutes. >> 30 minutes. >> 30 minutes in the car. >> No AC on. No AC, no nothing. She said she she was trying to get her to unlock the door and she left her phone in the theater and she didn't want to run back in to get it. >> Are you serious? >> So So serious right now. >> Is she hot to the touch? >> She's trying to get the child. >> So EMS is saying she's she's she >> No. >> Uh don't worry about it. >> But you need >> Yeah, we will document and report. >> Yeah. and just get us. We got her statement already. The mother arrived but showed little urgency, instead offering explanations that raised further concern. >> Can I go around this way and see her? >> I don't know if it's open. You can you want to stand? It's not open. They're trying to keep this. There's AC in there. They're trying to keep the air inside because she's hot. >> I just wanted to make sure because I know I didn't call instantly because I was trying to get her to open the door. I didn't have my phone on me. My phone was stuck inside the theater. And >> what do you mean stuck? Like >> like it was inside. I didn't have nobody was out here to help me like call or anybody. And she was fine. Like she was okay in the beginning. >> So the theater's open. Why would you not walk up to the window right there and tell them to call 911 for you? >> Cuz I was trying to get her to open the door. Cuz in the beginning she was fine. She was laughing. She was playing. I was like, >> "Of course." But after 30 minutes and over 100°, how do you think that's going to affect her? >> Do you understand what I'm saying? >> Yes, you understand what I'm getting at. >> I understand what you're saying. I understand what you're getting at, but I'm trying to tell you it's Never mind. >> Can I get her name? her date of birth. >> What's your first name? >> My first name is T I P O R. >> Last name, >> Mary Jackson. Witness accounts contradicted her statements revealing a lack of responsibility. >> She so she's up here at the theater for whatever reason. I'm assuming to watch a movie. She herself in the car. So instead of and her phone is already inside the theater somehow, but the baby never made it into the theater. So baby locks herself inside the car. Instead of calling 911 immediately or going to summon help from the window, she tries to get the baby to unlock the door. So baby's not unlocking the door. So she doesn't want to leave the baby to go inside to get her phone to call 911. Doesn't want to walk up to the window to get the concier up there to call 911. So instead waits 30 minutes with this child in this not running hot car. >> Where is he going for 30 minutes? >> Standing there at the window trying to talk to baby and unlocking the door. >> So her phone is up there. >> Her phone's in the theater. She has it now, I think. Is that I think No, that might be her wallet. But yeah, 30 minutes talked to EMS. The baby was obviously in distress. The baby was screaming, crying. Baby's hot to the touch. Maybe one two >> two >> about to be two. >> I don't know, bro. >> I can't get MY FOURY OLD TO UNLOCK the damn door. >> You already got it. >> Yeah, we had the window. Yeah, she's hot. Yeah, she she was >> Yeah, she's she's in the back there working on her in the truck. >> Yeah, she she was pretty hot. She used to probably do >> 20 minutes. That's ridiculous. >> Yeah, straight up. Bust the window. Like we got we going to bust the window like in this car and she's so nonchalant acting like it's nothing. Like her story is making sense to her. She didn't even realize that temperature is what I was going to do when I did. >> Yeah. >> Screaming at me. >> Yeah. 30 minutes was in the car. She was trying to get >> Hey, for the report, you want to ask dispatch to get the the current temperature outside to put it in the car mode for you. >> Just ask them on the radio. >> They transport. >> Okay. I got to I'm going to have to go. Oh, shoot. Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Can somebody say I get in my truck and go see her? Like what? What you about to do? >> Who is Is this This is your son or who he is? >> That's my brother. >> This is your brother? Yes. >> Is there another adult here with the car? >> No. >> The child was taken for medical evaluation and found stable. The mother was then arrested and officers continued gathering witness information. >> No, not right now. Not right now. >> About to go ahead and have him hook her up cuz she's getting more educated. I don't want any issues. She's 100% sure needs to go to jail. What do you think? >> Yeah, we do that. >> You want to go ahead and advise her that she's going to be 10:15 and >> Yeah. All right, man. Go ahead and turn around. >> Yeah, go ahead. Turn around for me. Go ahead and find your back child. >> Yeah. >> You're going to be going to jail today for child danger. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Has anybody been here and talked to the employees inside yet? >> Not yet. >> Where's the child's father at? We're We're going to We're going to carry you up to the hospital now. >> Okay. Thank you. I just want >> want to stay here, get some statements, and clear all this up. Where's your phone and stuff? >> Your phone's in your back pocket. Okay, let's get you to the hospital. Okay, we'll look in there. Get >> Is there an adult here with you? >> No, they're down. I am the adult with them. That's what I'm trying to say. There's nobody else here. >> How How old is he? >> He is 12. >> How old is the other person that was over there? >> He's 14. 15. >> She's 14. >> 14? >> Yes, she's 14. >> We need to get the number. >> That's They're my siblings. That's my sister and that's my brother. Okay. Okay. >> We need parents for them other two as well cuz they only 12 12 and 13 or 12 and 14. >> You got your PX on you? >> My personal >> 375 371. >> Can you call 305 PX, please? I don't have my number. >> You call 305's PX, please. >> Hey, so what? So she brought the baby in or >> So I did not witness any of it, but I asked them if they saw anything and so they did say that they saw some stuff. So >> I'm assuming they were watching a movie. They came out to the lobby kind of deal. The kid was kind of like walking around the lobby and stuff. So I noticed that she brought a kid outside. She came back in. She brought she came outside again, but I wasn't aware if she like came back in or not again. So, >> so when she came out, she had the baby with her and you did she come back in with the baby or was the baby >> first time? No, she came back in again, not with the baby at all. >> Okay. Did she ever say anything to y'all? Never mentioned like >> she didn't she didn't notice us at all. Like, she didn't >> Okay. Did she look like she was in a panic or anything like that? Didn't look like she was in any type of distress. Were the other children, the other kids, those two older ones, were they with y'all when that happened or with her when that happened? I'm sorry. They were not. Were they still in the movie or >> I do not I don't recall seeing saw the boy in the green shorts walk out like twice but didn't see a child >> and none of them said >> none of them said anything to us. They kind of just were walking in and out a couple times. Like I saw them standing next to the car and I'm thinking it looked from where I was it looked like the windows down. They were just chit chatting with whoever was in the vehicle. I'm thinking nothing of it cuz that happens all the time. So >> what was the time frame there? >> Um that would have been about 30 minutes ago that I saw the boy walking in and out. When was the last time you seen the child? She walked out with a child. >> I going to guess 20, 30 minutes. I don't know. >> So, probably what she said about 30 minute timelapse. The baby was and the baby was already hot to the touch. So, >> she had been there for >> a baby inside the the movie theater and she sent her brother out here back for to go check on it. >> She was charged with child neglect and taken to Columbia County Jail. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Danger does not always come from complex situations. Sometimes it begins with hesitation and a poorly timed decision. And often just a few minutes earlier could have changed everything. In an era where social media has become this stage of life, people sometimes forget that honesty is the key to avoiding complications. >> Any text messages? >> It was through Instagram. >> And are you able to pull that up? >> No, cuz it was on a private network. On February 25th, 2025, police received a call about two young girls running into the street, putting them at risk. A driver stopped, checked on them, and discovered the children had been outside without adult supervision. Police quickly arrived, recorded witness statements, and ensured the girl's safety. >> The police at the mall here. Hi. >> Hi. How are you? I was dropping my son off his dad lives here and I was pulling out of the parking spot and they ran out in front of the car. They said that they're locked out of the apartment. I don't know where the apartment is, you know. >> Okay. >> Their mom is at work at the mall. She gets off at 3:00 p.m. They're 5 years old. So, I just drove them up here. I didn't >> What parking lot were you in? >> He lives in 26500. So, you go in at the stop sign, go left, and it's the second left. If you can just wait here for a minute. Mind telling me uh what are you guys doing outside? >> So when we was inside somebody I just wanted to stay um I wanted to stay but somebody told my mom to stay by myself. >> Who's at home with you? >> Nobody. >> And your mom's at work at the mall? I told mommy I told mommy somebody had to come and see me but I can't me what me k say >> you know what store inside the mall she works at >> what store >> she works at the cookie store >> the what the cookie >> the cookie store okay I think there's a kiosk they sell cookies if you can check at the mall there should be a kios house that sells cookies upper level by the food court. That might be their mother. >> What's your mom's name? >> Mother's name is >> Okay. >> We make Tik Tok together. We have Instagram. >> You have it on me, miss. Do you have an Ohio driver's license? >> Do you have a valid driver's license? >> No. And you're the only one in the car? >> What uh apartment building you said? 26500. >> Uhhuh. That's where I was. She just said building 10. >> They're in Okay. You stay in 109. >> Okay. >> 11. >> Oh, building 11, but apartment 109. Okay. And they're in building 10. >> And you were just pulling out of your parking space and they ran in front of you. >> Like ran behind the car like >> You can wait in your car. I just can't let you drive off, unfortunately. Hi, I'm Officer Cam. >> Hi, Officer. >> Hi. What time did your mom go to work this morning? >> I don't know. >> She gets off at 3:00. >> Yeah. What you said? >> What time does mommy go to work? >> We don't know. >> I know, but I forgot. >> You know how long you've been by yourself today? >> I I last time I would be alone by myself without being car by yourself. This time I was alone a deep I didn't I was just like >> you said you left the apartment cuz your tummy hurt. >> Yes. >> Okay. Where were you trying to go? >> I was trying to go to to a mall. >> Why? You know, it's so it's dangerous. Do you see all these cars? It's really >> the sidewalk. >> The mother was soon located and approached. >> Okay. Are you sure they're at home? >> Yeah. >> Where do you live? Do you live in the village? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. They're out at the guard shack. >> What? >> Over in the village. You're going to need to come get them. >> Oh my god. I just dropped off my cookies. My employee will be here any second. Um I had my friend over there watching them, but I don't know what's going on. Do you want to try and call your friend? >> Where are they? >> They're at the guard checked at the village. You know the >> Yeah, that's where we live. >> She stated that she had only stepped out for 10 minutes to deliver cakes and asked a friend to watch the two girls, but could not confirm this. >> So, was anybody supposed to stay with you today? >> No. My mom's friends can watch us because they have work. >> Who all lives with you? >> Just our mom. >> Our dad lives in Bermuda. >> Okay. >> Does she leave you alone a lot? Um, this is our first day. >> This is the first day? >> Yeah. We never been lonely. >> Were you lonely? >> No. >> Did she give you instructions on what to do today? >> No, I don't know. >> All she told me is that part has to listen to me. >> Yeah. What are you able to call her on like an iPad or anything in case of an emergency? >> No, we don't have an iPad. >> So, you don't have any way to call her if there's an emergency? >> No. I look for his phone and his key so I can the way to get out. I don't know. I think >> Yeah, because he keeps his keys in her car. >> Like she doesn't have a license. She's just waiting for someone to come and drive the vehicle away. Child endangerment. >> Your mommy's on her way. >> No. >> Yeah, we found her. >> Hey N, we're headed over there now. So, uh, the lady in the vehicle right there said that she was pulling out of her parking space cuz she lives in building 11 and building 10. >> Yeah, you live in building 10. She was pulling out of her parking space and two girls ran out in front of her and she almost hit them. Uh, she I guess Carter said her stomach and she was coming to they were coming to the mall to see you. Okay. But where's Auntie India? >> She didn't come. >> What you mean? She said she was coming. She said she was here. >> No, she wasn't. >> So, I was just dropping cookies. I have a beach I have a bakery over in Be Mall. And then I have a friend who lives nearby. I just call her whenever I need her help. I was in such a rush this morning. I ran over and not this morning. What was this? And I um just dropped the cookies off and I was coming right back. >> Okay. What time did you leave? >> Like 10 minutes ago. I was at home baking all day. What time approximately? >> I was there like 1:40. >> Okay. >> Yeah, it wasn't long at all. >> And you just left to go drop cookies off? >> Yep. Yeah, my employees over there. >> Okay. Were Were you girls sleeping when mom left? >> Okay. And you said that their aunt was supposed to come over? >> Um, I just have a friend that lives nearby. >> And did you speak with this friend? >> Yeah. Yeah. I messaged her and asked. She said she was on her way. >> What's the friend's name? Her name is India. >> India. >> Did you >> as long as it's filled out on the front and back? >> I'm so No, it's fine. I'm so sorry. >> I need But you left without India being there yet. >> She was on She was on her way, >> but she never >> She wasn't there yet. But I literally call her every time and she always comes every single time. That's my honest to God that's my fault. 100% I should have been until she was there. But I >> Is there any other relatives that live nearby? >> Yep. I have a whole bunch of relatives that I Okay. >> My grandma stays over here in Shaker right here by middle school. >> Uhhuh. >> Do you have on your phone proof that you called us? India girl. >> And it would have to have a date and time on it. >> I mean, I called her at 1:40 to make sure that she was still there. I have the date and time on that. >> Are we able to see that? >> Yep. >> At what time? >> 1:40. That was just to make sure that she was still there. I had just gotten over the mommy. >> Okay. You confirmed that she was on the way? Yes, >> but she never arrived before you left. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Okay. >> She also mentioned having messaged her friend on Instagram, but the messages had been deleted. Comparing timelines and statements, police determined the children had indeed been left unsupervised. >> So, you called India after we had already received notification that the kids were loose. We're we're asking for you to show us is proof that you had somebody coming over to babysit the kids cuz 139 or 140 >> is not a good time at all. >> It was a private call is not showing anything. >> Nothing prior to 139. >> No, but I mean I can call her >> any text messages. >> It was through Instagram. >> And are you able to pull that up? >> No, cuz it was on a private deleted. >> It was deleted. Okay. Well, that's where we kind of run into kind of run into a situation there. >> I totally get it. I know this is absolutely crazy. I know. >> Uh we're just trying to figure out. So, this I'll just give you the rundown. Char found mom and the girls were walking outside of their of their building and almost got run over. >> Correct. And she's like, "Oh, India's supposed to be there." Well, mom can't provide any proof that she's like, "Oh, no, no, I called India." Well, she called India at 1:39. We got the No, she called India at 1:40. We got this call at 139. Mom's lying about getting a babysitter. Mom had no babysitter. So, anyway, we have two girls that one said she had a tummy ache. These two 5-year-olds were going to walk to the mall to find mom. Yes. Cuz cuz she got a tummy ache. And so, um yeah, she she's definitely going to get hooked up. However, this is requiring a bond from a judge. Childuring requires we contact the judge and we have two little girls we don't know what to do with. So, probably just going to have to tell the judge that and and beg for a personal. I I would like to just keep the girl the girls and mom in the same car. I don't think the girls should be in a separate car than mom. >> Are you guys in kindergarten? >> So, you came you came to the house cuz car is something but you didn't come. >> We didn't show her. Oh, >> she was Oh my god. And now I don't know why would I call you on the stupid Instagram private cuz it's not. They need a date in a time to show that I told you to come real quick. >> Is that her? >> Yeah, it's just one second. Hey Cam, >> the girl's on the phone. >> She's on the phone with her friend India that could watch the kids potentially. >> Okay. Apparently maybe the friend India can come watch the kids. We might be able to just take all the kids and mom, drop kids off Advantage and then take mom. All right. So, we'll we'll we'll work on that. >> So, as soon as we leave, as soon as we're separated, he wants you to call 696 Kids to see if they want to come and interview her at the jail cuz sometimes they haven't been able to get a hold of people. She seems like a respectable person that she's going to be here, you know, at some point. I'm not going to jump out and escape that. >> Officers allowed the mother to sit with her children in the car without restrictions to help reduce stress for the girls. >> Fire, can I speak with you please outside? So, we don't want to talk about this in front of your kids at all. Okay? You have to be booked and processed for child. So, you have it requires you to be fingerprinted at at our station. Okay? You have to get arrested. Were we able to drop the girls off in at India's house while India's not >> Okay. So, that's fine. We're going to put all three of you in the back of a police car together uncuffed. We're just going to make sure you don't have anything on you and you're not going to be handcuffed as long as you're sitting in the car with your kids. >> Can I go to my grandma's house? >> That's what we're looking for. We're looking for a babysitter. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> My grandma is not home at the moment. >> My grandpa is so much. >> Is he able to drive? >> How long will this take? You know, >> cuz we have to contact the judge for approval to let me go. I'm imagining she will, but this this requires us to call the >> bring ID, your cell phone. Um if you haven't like your wallet cuz if the judge the judge does set a bond obviously you're going to have to pay that bond to get out. >> We're going to go for a little ride car. First time for everything, right? >> Y >> the field trip. >> You guys want the big car? >> Pick which car you want. You want the big car? All right, that's fine. >> I never been in a big car before. >> Is this going to go on my public record? So it's not something that we like put out to the media or anything? >> Yeah. You don't make you don't make Cleveland. Yeah, there's we don't release a booking photo or anything like that. >> All right, scoot on over. >> Hold on one second. They kind of >> just wrap this around here. >> I can't I don't have one. >> That's okay for right now. >> Yeah. So, I'm going to call 696 kids now to see if they want to interview her before she leaves the jail. >> They're going to go to the jail. >> There's a female Theo and I've already patted her down. So, the mother was charged with childment. Under Ohio law, she could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The children were safely handed over to relatives or child protection services. The incident quickly spread online, sparking discussion. Can work pressure or a busy schedule justifying children homop. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Adults may take turns blaming each other, but in the end, it is a child's tears and fearful eyes that reveal the truth. >> But then that's when she me and she like grabbed me here and ran me back down and I tried to get back up and then she grabbed me there again. >> On May 4th, 2023, police received a call about a family disagreement where a husband claimed the stepmother had been unkind to him and his young daughter. Officers quickly arrived to clarify the situation with both the stepmother and the grandfather. How's it going? >> Not well. So, >> can you tell me what's going on? >> He been drinking. Uhhuh. She's called me, told me said, "Come down here and try." He's sitting up here. I tried to talk to him. His last year, he can't get over that. He's been gone for three three or four months. You can't he can't get over it. >> He does. Anyway, ma'am, come on. >> And he's having this like I was telling him while ago, he said she me took a goddamn butcher damn still watched him. So, you want me to prosecute against him? He just I want him to leave tonight. I don't want him at all on this goddamn phone tonight. You do what you want to. If I had to prosecute, he don't jump on me once. He ain't going to jump on me no more. >> Okay. Can I get your ID? >> I own this goddamn place. I own everything here. And my name is Ronnie Burton Senior. My son lives up. >> Can I get your um license for a report? >> You need mine too, ma'am? >> Yes, ma'am. >> You can see I'm not going anywhere. Right. >> I I do literally every Excuse me. I didn't mean to throw it. I apologize. >> No, you're good. >> But no, I do everything for him, ma'am. Forgive me for crying. I do everything for him and I get talked to like a dog. >> Is that your husband or boyfriend? >> Husband. I'm legally married to him since 2016. But I I do everything for him. Dad knows I have. Please forgive me again. >> No, you're okay. >> But no, I do everything for him. But I'm just sorry his [ __ ] on the face of the earth. >> Y'all had had before. >> Would it be okay if I haven't sipped Drake? >> Yeah. Go right ahead. >> I don't want to get drunk in public. >> I don't drink nothing. >> I don't want to get drunk in public. I'm not going anywhere. >> It's constant every time about every two weeks. He ain't been here a month. Y'all ain't been a month. But it it it was coming. He done jumped on me twice and he not going to jump on me. No damn. >> If I give you a notepad, could you write everything that happened just a few minutes ago? Everything that happened. >> No, she didn't write it down. Like I say, she called me to come down here. Come down. He was saying no side here. She said I said, "Let's go in the house." I car sit down. And she said, "Okay, can you go get the chicken?" I went to Halifax, got the chicken and come back. I said, "I'm going over to my daughter's house cuz she going take her and get some groceries." I said, "All right." I had >> And with that being said, bam, this is my dad. because he raised me, but it's technically legally my grandfather. >> Oh, yeah. >> Well, he gets it, right? >> He's not the He's not the same person as >> The mother denied all allegations. The conversation also revealed that both adults were under stress, a key factor contributing to the conflict. >> No, I I can't write it. >> You had to ride it. >> I can't write it. I'll get my grand ride. I don't write. >> Okay. I ain't touched her. >> I ain't touched her, honey. >> Well, I'm only going on what I'm saying, >> sweetheart. I have not touched her. >> Okay, >> tell them what happened. >> You lay down what I did. >> No, no, he's saying that I I didn't put braces on Cece. >> Tell him what >> I didn't put braces on C. >> I didn't say you did that. I just said what happened. tell you that he when he took a goddamn knife and tried to cut yourself and say she he's going to have my he's going to have me say that I'll sign it I'll verify God I'll stand right there when you done it >> brother you ain't going to sit in holler at me either >> I'm I'm sitting I got tired of this crap son >> okay well I mean I know that you was here last time I came here so it looked like to me you would have put a foot up back then right then >> I should have y'all been dealing with nonstop all the damn time and I'm getting tired of it if I got to do something I'm going to take both of y'all to jail I'm going be honest with Cuz I'm tired of it, too. Last time I arrested somebody here. No, no, no, no. You going to let me talk. Last time I took somebody to jail, y'all dropped the charges. I don't want to hear none of that. Okay. So, what do y'all want me to do? Cuz I >> Whatever Whatever dad wants to do, >> I can tell you what's going to happen. But yeah, both of them going to go to jail. >> I haven't done anything wrong. >> Okay. >> He can He can tell you what. I'm talking to you like a civil. >> Both of them drink it. I agree with you. I >> both Yeah, drinking is the problem. >> But okay, I have had other than that one right there. And you can see clearly it's not even I mean what one step out of it. >> Okay. I can tell you clearly. But with that being said, he has had twice as much as I have or triple as much. >> Who called? Who called? >> She called. You called? >> Yes. >> I told I told her. You got the auto jump on me. >> He said that he wanted chicken for dinner. I mean after I paid the bills, I paid the groceries. He didn't really have the money. So I called dad. I said, "Can you go get us chickenis? All I want is chicken raardies." And what did I say? What? One or two things from >> two things of gravy. >> Yeah, there you go. One or two things of gravy. Okay. Well, dad brought it. Okay. >> And brought it back. She said and >> and then I'm like, "Okay, thank you. >> Daddy's fine now." I said, "Okay." I said, "I got to go with my daughter cuz she wants me to come over and tell her to get some bro soon I get over there." Then she called me. Daddy need to come back. >> Did he touch you? >> No, he has not. >> He had touched you? >> No, he has not touched me. But he has done this. >> Mhm. >> The whole time. But with that being said, he was like, "Oh, I wanted mashed potatoes and mac and cheese." I'm like, "Well, honey, you don't like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes from Hornies." Well, you got to excuse my French. Please forgive me. You got to fix it. No, I'm not. That's the whole point of getting chicken from somewhere else is I don't have to fix like the sides. You know what I'm saying? Does that make sense? >> Okay, I'm I'm hearing you. I'm going to go back around here and talk to him one more time before I make a decision. Okay. The case became more complex when the grandfather spoke, defending his daughter. Family tensions and civil issues made it harder for police to uncover the full picture. >> Hey, look. Can I ask you a question? Now, he gets drunk. >> Yeah. The house belongs to me. When he gets drunk, you can go in there and look right here in the kitchen right here. He got mad and knocked a hole in the >> Is there a question to why y'all's lights turned on? I'm just saying. >> It's supposed to be dark. >> He lives here, so >> rent free. Don't take no rent. >> Well, you allowed him to live here, so really ain't much you can do as far as charging. So I can't >> Yeah, the evict. >> Yeah, you're going to have to evict him off the property and then if he came up here and then did some property damage, then you can charge him with property damage. So >> Okay. I mean, I don't I don't I don't know the law. Shook. >> Well, well, because the only reason we say that is because you saying you live here, which I mean, I do believe you. You do own this place, but as far as what we see, we can't determine whose property is whose once we enter enter inside the house. So therefore, that's why we have to tell you to evict them first. And that way if something later on happens down the road after you've done evicted them, then you can charge them. Okay? You see what I'm saying? >> I see. I see. But see, I didn't know that. He spent a whole lot of money down here fixing the house up. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm I'm not criticized. All the furniture and stuff is on him, but in the kitchen and all the furniture and everything belong to him and her own things in the house. >> I don't know how that works, but like everything was bought in his name, but like we bought it together. Does that make sense? >> No, that's all. So, she had to go through the court process with that. >> Okay. >> Everything pass anything criminal. That's all civil. So yeah, they go to the whole courthouse for all that stuff. >> I know the law is so crazy. He tell I can't make him >> I'm not going to jail for him. I'm not When he was the one in the wrong, but he's going to sit there and lie to get himself out of it because he's in been in trouble for >> You say I can't I can't arrest him. Is that what you're saying? >> What you mean? >> By seeing what he done to her, but the but he took it claim she did it. >> You can't arrest what I saying like you can't do anything about that. He took the and his own neck and said I did it. He can take both of you guys to jail. So, it' be the court's decision. You got to go through the whole court process. >> I'm not going to jail for him. >> It's all all depends on what uh jail. I'm not losing my job over him. >> Well, she got to go to work tomorrow night. She goes at 12:00 tonight and gets off 12:00 in daytime. She's off the day at tomorrow. >> I'm going to lose my job over him. That's just >> Well, that's what he wants. That's exactly what he want. Exactly. >> But this time, you won't be able to bail me out. I just wish one day that honey, I had voice messages. Can I just play this for you? Whatever happened the other day, I can't do anything about. You have to take it to master it if you want to press charges. >> You ain't going to press charges. >> If I have to go to jail, I will. I have his I I have him under the jail because I have voice messages of how he talks to me when nobody's around. >> Well, you're allowing it. You got to take him to court. If you don't want to be with him, you're allowing the process to letting your kids watch you be >> I know y'all. I hate to call you a problem. I don't I hate to call you cuz this been going off the lease. >> If I just leave, if dad just takes me away, can I if I just leave the house, is that okay? Well, um, Deputy Woodborn, cuz this is this, hey, you don't like me anyway. >> It's been constant for the last I see 6 months or more. >> How many Mike Daniels have you had alcoholic beverage? >> Uhhuh. >> I've had two of the Mike's hard lemonades and that's my third one. That's all I've had. >> Okay, makes sense. >> But I don't have one. I don't know what he he >> But he's been drinking since 6:00 this morning. Back home. >> He going to lay down. >> He He was has been drinking since he got back home today. >> Is it like his the anniversary or something of the or? >> No. Like that. That's a regular. >> I just got tired of it. Be honest. That's what it's going to take to make y'all move. And he said I can't cut him out. You watch and see. >> Eviction. >> I can evict him both. He said he can't do it. He 90 days. I said, "Oh, no. He don't pay no rent. I can get him up before 90 days. I know that." >> 60 days. 60 days. What a kid because technically ma'am what I think what he means is like that's my son but the daughter is >> his daughter >> is his daughter >> by somebody else >> by somebody. Yeah. >> Eviction is eviction 60 60 days. >> Oh okay. >> But he likes that. He done told it to me. He gets drunk. >> He didn't tow the house up anyway. >> He knocked go in look at go in the bathroom down knock the hole the other one. He just knocked the whole I can't do nothing. That what you're saying? >> You got to take the court. >> Let me talk to you for a second over here. >> Me? >> Yes ma'am. He jumped on me and I got he said he come here he come here jumped on me. I said let me tell you something Bruce >> jumped on you as a words or physically? >> Physically. >> Well, you can take out charges first. >> Well, I know you. He jumped on her. They get they get to fight and I try to separate and jumped on me. He flush. Oh, this you do this and you. I said you got nothing what I do. >> I get arrested because of him. >> He's got to go too then. Is he going? You going to arrest both of them? >> I did not even touch her. The story became clearer after statements from the father, grandfather, and the girl. This was not just a simple disagreement, but the result of months of unresolved family stress. >> This is so wrong. You know, I did not touch them. >> I didn't in your pockets. >> No, I did not. >> Is that your granddaddy papa or who? >> Yeah, it's my granddaddy. Why? >> I'm just I'm just asking what relationship. Sir, >> SIR, >> SIR. HEY, >> GET BACK OVER THERE. DO NOT START AN ARGUMENT while we're here. YOU ARE A GROWN MAN. Do not provoke anything here tonight. Do you understand me? You are older than me two times. I should not have to tell you that. Am I correct? >> Yes, sir. You're correct. >> Please, if you don't mind, it's a child here. >> She's dealt with another. >> So, what we're going to do here, we're going to get you to write a witness statement about basically what all took place, what before it happened, after it happened. Okay, >> maybe it's probably fine. After after you write it all down, you're just going to sign it and date it. Okay. So, basically what all how it started till how it ended. Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. So, >> so what are you going to do with him? >> Y'all ain't got nowhere else to go. >> No. >> No. >> I mean, I don't pay rent here, but I live here. >> He has some friends he can call and go stay with him, but I don't know. >> I'm not going to say I'm not going to tell you that. >> Well, I I know that. >> You obser. Does he live here? >> No, he lives up here. >> Oh, okay. All right. >> Nobody else lives in the house here? No, sir. >> But he thought to get it. He said get out of the >> It's okay, baby. Calm down. You feel like writing a statement with this nice guy right here. >> No, you you write the statement. >> Well, I'm not I can't spell very good. >> That's fine. >> Just spell the best you can. >> That's right. >> I just don't want him to come here and like I mean I don't pay any rent. I don't get that cuz it's like >> he has to he has to evict you for you out. So, you have plenty of time for Well, I'm not trying to be, you know, I'm not trying to be I don't know how to do. I'm trying to be a lawn citizen. >> Right. If he wants to take those steps, that's he has to evict you. So, you can stay in this house as long as you want. >> Okay. >> So, even though he owns this place, he has to evict you for you to be out, >> right? >> So, you want to put that beer down so you can focus? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. >> I'm going go here and focus on the safe word. >> All right. Uh, just write all what all the incident that will happen for us to come here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, >> what did like I think she's trying to say what started the argument. >> That's right. >> Yeah. What started the argument and then that's the chicken and then that's the one that went She throwed it all the way over the other dog and then it broke his neck and then it was squiggling but then it eventually I'm lucky that one still like >> you don't have to write it in cursive. You can just write it regular or that's how you usually write. >> Oh, okay. >> So, say you can I talk to you while dad's writing that? >> Yeah. I talk to him. He's fine. Police continued their investigation, gathering evidence and observing signs affecting the child. >> I thought she was going to the chickens the first time, but then she moved the house. But then when daddy said something, she tried to go up to the chickens and that's when I lost the bullet because I didn't want I know what she was going to do. But then that's when she scared me and she like grabbed me here behind me back down and I tried to get back up and then she grabbed me there again and then she took both of the chickens and threw one all the way over there and one was right there and the other one was like squiggling and jiggling it away and then the other one >> I think he's a prank. >> You know how to call 911? >> Your brother has your brother. No, he's over there playing basketball. >> But the thing is that child, not >> daddy has one child and mama has. >> You run that guy's ID, too. >> The old man. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Most of the time when they get in a fight is >> because you're fine. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Daddy's spending time with me and then she gets mad and then that's most of the time when they fight. >> There's your neck. >> Yeah. Do you mind if I see it? >> Probably need to grab. Yeah. >> Oh gosh. Is it just right here or is it more area? >> Some on her arm. >> Right here. >> You look really close. You can see where her fingernails went into her arm. Right there. >> Okay. Well, I went there like Oh, yeah. Right there. >> I want to take some pictures. Okay. >> Mhm. >> I think the other guy took some pictures. >> Okay. He did. Okay. >> Yeah. Cuz he has to see my arm and my neck and my face right here. >> Is it okay? How's your finger? your thumb. Okay. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry that you got hurt. Remember, next time if you feel scared, just call 911. Okay. >> Am I going to get a bail? >> I don't know. It's all up to the master. >> I didn't do anything wrong. >> It's all up to the master. You get to speak to one once you get to the jail. Okay. >> The mother was charged with two counts of simple assault against a family member. Under Virginia law, she could face up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. When adults lose control, children are always the most affected. Protecting a child is sometimes not only the responsibility of police but also of the community and those willing to support the child's safety. A lost child, a mother facing legal issues and a nap that changed everything. This story makes us reflect not only on the law but also on compassion. >> I just fell asleep. I just slept. >> On July 1st, 2024, Flaggler police received a call about a 2-year-old girl without an adult. They quickly arrived and found the child had been outside for over an hour, cared for by nearby residents, but no one had reported her missing. >> There there are two boys. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, nobody found you. >> No, I've been with her for over an hour. >> Do you know where you found her at? >> By walking towards the street. I was out running and I noticed her and I was like, "This does not look good." And she um I asked her where her parents were and she said she didn't. She clearly didn't. Hello. Your house. >> So, she was walking towards like the main road there, but nobody has come out and looked for her in the last hour. >> I think she's just >> She's just going around places. >> Yeah, because when I tried to do the same thing, she had me over there and over here. I don't think she really know. Emma, go see if there's a car seat in that yellow car. Clearly, from the looks of her, who knows if she didn't have her car seat. I'll show you exactly where I found her. And my daughter said that she saw her walking around. What's the next? >> So you saw her where again? >> Right by that Mustang. >> Right by the Mustang. >> Yeah. >> Hey, miss. >> Yeah. >> Oh, you're Oh, never mind. I No. Like I'm looking for. >> Okay. So, she's right by the Mustang. >> How's this area down here? >> This is supposed to be like a 55 and up community. >> I'm just here staying in my brother's condo and I'm like, >> looks like it could go 50/50 here. So, was by the must was she in the grass or in the roadway? >> Well, she saw me. She was in the road and then when she saw me, she ran and sat by the tire and I kind of went and looked to see where she went cuz I didn't see a parent and I walked. >> And you've had her for about an hour now. >> No, I clearly Yeah. Longer than that. It's It's bad. >> Try and just make contact so we can't find a parent real quick. If not, I need to get a written statement from you just where you found her. Just kind of describing it. I'm going to call DCF real quick, too. You got you got a few minutes. I know you've been an hour. I hate to put you out like this, but it could help me out. If this child has been without care for an hour other than with being in your care, um, that's a problem. So, >> yeah, it clearly is. >> I think Spanelli's on his way with a baby seat. She says at least over an hour. >> We're taking custody. >> I mean, I called you guys the first 91. >> I'm going to pull my car up so we get to nice shade over here. >> 9:16. It was the first call and I was there 10 minutes prior to that. >> I'm going to get a statement from you and we're going to take this child into custody and hopefully I can identify the parents and go from there. >> Halfway through. Oh yeah. Who made the peanut butter sandwich? Did you make it? >> It's coming. >> What is this? That's mine. Is it mine? >> Mine. >> You put her up front if you wanted. >> That's mine. >> Yeah. >> I don't know if it works with our seat belts. >> All right. Go for a ride. >> She's in our custody. I'm going to have DCF meet us at the district office. I appreciate you guys. If you guys will hang out till the behavioral response unit comes, she'll man another car. >> When was the last time she was changed? >> You have a diaper? >> Yeah. Shortly after, officers located the mother who was asleep in an apartment. All right. All right. So, we're go to this car over here. Oh my god. >> There's nothing on you, right? Cuz anything I don't find, if they find it at the jail, it's going to be an additional felony charge. Okay. >> Okay. But I don't do anything. >> That's okay. Is you're getting ready to go back in the backseat of my patrol car? I got to ask. >> I just fell asleep. I just slept >> again. No don't on you or anything like that? >> No, I don't have anything. >> If they do find it at the jail with their scanners, it's a felony charge. So now's the time to talk. >> Don't do anything. I don't do anything. >> Have you taken any alcohol in the last 24 hours? Cuz I don't want you if you need to go to the hospital. Okay. No. >> All right. Are you not pregnant or anything like that? >> I'm not pregnant. No. >> Okay. All right. I'm just asking if you just want to take a seat back there. >> In the car, the mother shared personal challenges including ADHD and sleep difficulties. >> No, no, no. You doing all right back there? >> I guess. >> All right. >> A child. >> It's a charm. I'm going to be frank with you, okay? I don't think you have any previous history of this. No, I just fell asleep. >> Like you're going to work with DCF for a parenting plan. State attorney is going to review everything. The judge has to review everything. So again, you're innocent until proven guilty. >> And then if I if it is proven guilty that I fell asleep. >> Even if it's proven guilty, doesn't mean you're to be denied your child or anything like that. >> What about my business? When people look me up, they're going to see I I'm a I'm a childer. That's how I feed my child. The doors were locked. Again, you're you're aware that your child's been opening >> 212 status check. >> Um you live near a water hazard. You live on a second story flight hazard >> and home or clubhouse drive is right there. And your kids in diapers, too. Like I I got a 4-year-old and I don't know what it is. And >> my son's three about to be three. >> Um there's my four-year-old right there. I don't know what it is. I wake up like he's out of diapers. I mean, he's fully functioning. go to the bathroom on his own, everything. I still like wake up. >> I would have >> every 4 hours or so. >> Yeah. >> And I just check on him because I I don't know. Maybe cuz I do this job, but >> we're in like a an apartment the size of like most people's room. Like it's like how how much could you really do? I thought it you know without lucky that nothing happened to your child. >> But I really do. I know >> cuz your child would have fallen in that water and having been to drownings and >> his father was a run when he was a year old and that could have happened too. >> So again, I'm not going for the whatifs. I'm just looking at 8 and 1/2 hours and what the the hazards, you know, I think there should have been a little bit more diligence there. Okay. >> I just >> You could disagree with me. >> Yeah, I know. I just when you're exhausted, you don't really wake up in the middle of the sleep. And if you don't, it's not really your fault if you don't wake up in the middle of the sleep. The only thing that I I could have really done differently, I can't help how hard I sleep, would have been to put like that door lock and possibly risk losing my apartment uh by putting another door lock up high. I can't help how hard I sleep. >> Well, and if you're taking cratium or supplements like that that uh that you know, mimic the effects of like a depressant, I think it is a depressant. Um, you know, those are things that you got to account for. You're going to be impaired by any kind of substance. You know, you got to if it's going to make you sleep, you need to make sure that somebody's there to take care of your child. >> It doesn't make you sleep. It usually does the opposite for me. That's why I take it so that I have the energy to work to the gym. >> A reaction to cranium, but I just know that it's often taken with my knowledge of it. It's >> I take it so that I don't have to take prescription medication cuz I was diagnosed with like ADHD and stuff like that. And my genuine hope is that from here forward you can get your kid back. >> I doubt I doubt it. Once they're in the system, I really doubt it. >> No, >> I I'm going to try frustrated with the system before. >> I don't think you're going to you're going to see your kid again. >> I think I'll see him. I don't think that I'll get him back and I don't think I'll be able to afford to anyways because I think that this is going to ruin my business and I won't be able to afford to get >> police carefully explained procedures and reassured her that she temporarily retained custody while DCF would create a temporary care plan to ensure the child's safety. >> How long do you think I'll be in jail for? >> Usually they'll set a bond once you have first appearance. >> Um, >> whatever the bond is, you probably have to pay 10%. >> And we go from there. Okay. >> And if I can't ever pay the bond, >> um, well, I mean, depending on your public defender, um, it all depends on the circumstances. I'm not the judge and I won't be their first appearance. Like I said, they'll they'll advise you the process as you go through it and then usually the judge will set the bond, but because I don't think you have any previous history. >> I do. I have um, >> Do you have any previous convictions? >> No. >> All right. So, that's what I mean by previous history is if there's any convictions. Okay, I'm going again. You're innocent until proven guilty. All right, this right now. >> But I I don't know what classifies as proven guilty. I mean, >> proven guilty means like it means adjudicated guilty. It means you went it went to trial and then either pled out or >> So, what do you think I should do? Plead. >> I'm not an attorney. I can't really advise on any of that right now. My job is just probable cause. Okay. My probable cause um >> like a motive 14. Can you send 65 followup to the signal 41 injury? Again, you're the public defender. I'm a state attorney. >> Reference to where that occurred at public. >> So, right now, it's not a removal like him. >> What? >> Right now, he's not being removed from my >> They're just doing a parenting plan. >> Okay. >> And my understanding of it is like if you when you bond out, bail out, regardless whatever happens trial, you still have the right as a mother to your child. Okay? State hasn't taken that away right now or anything like that. When they talk about a parenting plan, that's just where the state works with you and with another caretaker. It's a parenting plan. Like your child's going to have there's a plan in place as far as the care and welfare of your child. >> So, I only get one phone call when I get there. >> Well, you work with them. I mean, as long as you're not rude to them, you need to make a second phone call for something. Sometimes they do that. The jail will explain that. But >> then since I've already had pre-trial released before, I can't get it again. And it would have to be bond this time. >> What was what happened in that other case? >> Um me and my sister got in a fight when I was 18. And um it it was like a misdemeanor battery and I got pre-trial release. She dropped the charges, but the state picked them up. >> I don't know how that'll factor in on this. Again, I'm not uh as much as I want to go to law school right now and become an attorney, make the big bucks, I uh don't know all the ins and outs of that, but that's something your public defender and a state attorney will work out. Or if you have your own information, >> are they going to post my son on Flaggler Live and stuff? >> No. Your your son's information is cuz he's a juvenile. It's all going to be redacted for public record. We don't ever juveniles 18 and under or under under 18. We don't ever publicly share or display. >> Okay. What about the DCF lady said that she needs to get me another test today. Is she going to go to the jail to give it to me? >> I would assume so. That's administrative on her part, >> huh? >> That's just uh again that only helps you out too if you are >> that's nice in front of it >> in uh the immigrant thing. >> Yeah, immigration. >> Why are they here? >> Immigration customs and something. I don't know. They're going to need to back up. >> Do you know around how much 10% of the bond would be? >> I don't know. There's a bond schedule for stuff like this. And I don't and I think because it's a felony um the judge has to set the bond and I don't know it all depends on circumstance. You could also get no bond and be roared as they call it release on your own recognizance for the court date. Again I don't I don't know but all happens at first appearance. Okay. >> The mother face charges of child without great bodily. Under Florida law she could face up to 5 years in prison or probation plus a $5,000 fine. Not everyone who makes mistakes is a bad person, but lapses in supervision have consequences. When parents juggle work and child care, exhaustion can quietly affect both themselves and their children. This series of cases reveals a clear truth. The law is not only a tool for enforcement, but also a last line of defense for children. From airports and supermarkets to homes, every lapse in supervision carries legal and emotional consequences. What can we do to avoid having police step in to protect a child? Share your thoughts on the fine line between mistakes and parental responsibility. Don't forget to subscribe to explore the truths behind future cases. No one expects mistakes to happen, but each of these stories is a reminder to reflect on safety, responsibility, and choices that may seem small, but carry lasting consequences. A child's safety should never come second. It must always come first. Take something from these stories and share your thoughts in the comments. 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