Two little bears. >> Yeah, I GAVE THEM >> CHILDREN [music] ARE MEANT TO GROW UP IN COMPLETE SAFETY, but sometimes the very place called home becomes their greatest source of concern. >> Hi, honey. Where's Mommy at? >> She went to work. >> No. >> I guess she fell asleep. >> The following stories are [music] not simply legal cases. They also highlight situations where children may not be able to speak up and how adult decisions can affect their well-being. A report to authorities isn't necessarily interference. Sometimes, it is the only door that opens a path to safety FOR A CHILD. ON AUGUST 11TH, 2024, a tense argument inside a small home prompted a neighbor to call the police. When officers arrived, they heard shouting mixed with a child crying, but repeated refusals to open the door made the situation even more concerning. >> Police department. >> I knocked on one, two. >> No answer? >> No answer. Someone's inside. >> Uh police department, man. >> I'm good. >> No, we need to talk >> Yeah, we got to talk to you. >> I'm good. You have a warrant? >> It's how it works. >> Yeah, come outside. We I just got to talk to you. We're not going to come inside. You can step outside and talk to us. >> I got to talk to the door. >> Yeah. >> Sir, we just want to talk to you. >> I don't want to talk, though. >> Okay, are you in there with anybody else? That's what we're asked. >> Not at all. >> You got to go away. >> Are you by yourself? >> want to talk. Do you know what that mean? I don't want to talk. >> Are you by yourself? >> want to talk. I'm not going to respond no more. >> Okay. >> talk to the door if you want. >> So, we got a report for a domestic disturbance. We have to make contact with the parties to make sure everybody's okay. If everybody's okay, stop talking over me. >> Not from here. I didn't call you. >> It doesn't have to be from you. It could be from a neighbor. >> Not here. >> we are >> So, goodbye. Have a good day. >> Is there a tiny kid? A tiny kid? >> Yeah. >> There we go. >> Was there a report of a kid? >> No. >> Just screaming and yelling, banging. >> Is that why they're trying to come in? >> We're We're going to come in and talk to us. >> You got to talk to us. >> We are coming in. >> You're making this a lot harder than it has to be, MAN. >> COME OUTSIDE. >> OKAY, THEN OPEN THE DOOR and then we can go away. >> If we can ID you and nothing's going on, we're out of here. But if you don't >> All right. >> Open the door. >> Let the other adult come outside cuz I know you're not BY YOURSELF. >> ALL RIGHT. CAN I >> CAN I SPEAK TO HER, PLEASE? >> WHY DON'T YOU LET HER DECIDE THAT? >> The thing is we have to speak to you or we have TO COME IN. >> HEY, THAT'S WHAT IT'S GOING TO COME DOWN TO AND WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO do that. >> No, it's actually not. We have to make contact to make sure everybody's okay. >> Ma'am, can you uh come to the door? Ma'am, can I speak to you? >> So, guys, we're giving you a choice here. You can choose to open the door and talk to us so we can sort this out or you're going to choose to have the door broken down. You can make a good decision or you can choose to have us use force to enter, which could result in somebody's injury. It could result in your poor child being terrified, which none of us want to do. We got a report of an argument, possibly a domestic. If we can confirm everybody's fine, we're out of here. But if you're going to interfere like this, it only gives credence to the fact that something went on and we have to check on your safety and welfare. So, this is your choice. >> Bathroom's going to be like right here where the kid is. >> So, this is the last opportunity you have to open the door. We're going to open it. >> It's going to be high, too. >> Officers were forced to enter and take control of the situation. At that moment, the mother panicked and began shouting loudly. The father's defiant behavior quickly pushed things further out of control. >> Thank you. Stop. Hands. Hands up. HANDS UP. YOU HAD A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES. ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS OPEN THE DOOR. >> DON'T PULL YOUR HANDS AWAY from me. I didn't do anything. >> Wait, and if you opened the door, we didn't have to come in. >> anything. >> That's fine. Y'all doing whatever y'all doing. >> Nobody's doing anything. >> She's telling you about just herself, and she told you how TO COME IN. >> WE NEED TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE'S WELL-BEING. BECAUSE WE EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY. COME ON, IT'S OKAY. IT'S OKAY. All they had to do was open the door. We explained it TO YOU REPEATEDLY. CUZ YOU HAD TO COME TO THE DOOR. WE EXPLAINED IT TO YOU REPEATEDLY. GET YOUR IDS, NOW. AND YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL, AND YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO DCF. FIND IT. FIND IT, NOW. FIND IT, NOW. >> WHAT IT IS. Y'ALL HAVE TO CALM HER DOWN, BRO. LIKE, y'all was >> We're calming her down. We're calming her down. >> You're yelling at her. She can't even hear y'all. She's bathing my son and I told y'all that. >> No, she >> Let's walk this way. We'll come right into the stairs. >> I don't want to help her so she can just calm down. >> Okay, I know. We're going to come right into the stairs. >> Stuff all over the carpet. >> Can you calm down? >> Where would I >> I don't know. >> YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? You're yelling. >> I DON'T CARE IF I'M YELLING AT YOU. OKAY, I'M >> AT LEAST WE'RE AT MY DOOR. I WOULD COME TO THE DOOR and answer. >> YOU GUYS JUST BROKE INTO MY HOUSE. >> I'M BATHING MY KID. >> YOU COULD NOT TAKE A SECOND AND HAVE THE OTHER GUY WATCH your kid while you came to the door to say, "HEY, >> WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED [laughter] TO DO? I HAVE TO COME TO MY DOOR? I HAVE TO COME TO MY DOOR? >> WE HAD A CALL ABOUT a domestic disturbance. >> Okay, BUT DID YOU GUYS SAY ANYTHING when you came to the door? >> We came to the door. The guy refused to answer the door. That explains that something could be going on. When we don't get a response from you after speaking to the male, we fear that something's wrong. The baby's crying. We hear you talking. You could have came to the door and spoken to us. But you allowed your boyfriend or husband or whatever to continue to play the games that he was playing when you could have came to the door. We need to make sure everybody is safe. Bottom line. We're doing our jobs. Can you please tell me what was going on? >> Nothing was going on. WE WAS JUST HAVING an argument. >> have been an easy conversation to have in the hallway. >> See what I mean? >> So right then and there it confirms that you guys were involved in some sort of disturbance. I'm not saying it was physical. You're already saying that it was a verbal argument. We don't know what's going on inside. Had you came to the door and spoken to us, you could have clarified it for us. So can you please tell me what happened? >> having an argument. It was nothing crazy. He I screamed at him. See how I was just YELLING AT YOU? I'M SORRY FOR HUMAN. I JUST >> WHAT WAS the argument about? >> our relationship. Like like three years Like just our breakup, whatever the case may be. >> How long did the argument go on for? >> Just a few minutes. That I remember. >> Aside from the basis of it, what were the main points of it? >> The main points was like I'm giving my friend more attention than I'm giving him. >> A female friend or a male friend? >> Female. >> Okay. How How it unfold? >> So he came home. He was just upset. >> And when he came home, he just started arguing with you about it? >> No, like he wanted to talk, I would just ignore him and then that's when the argument started. >> Okay, why were you ignoring him? >> Cuz I didn't want to talk about it. We've been talking about it all day. I'm tired. I came from work. I work from 7:00 to 3:00. >> So, you're tired about the argument and you don't want to continue it, right? >> Yes, that was it. We were just screaming or whatever the case may be. And it might be in this room. >> Can you give me some dialogue to it? Like >> Like, I feel like you don't care about my feelings. I'm talking to you about something, you're ignoring me. Basically that. >> At any point like get physical with you? >> No. >> Where was the child when the argument was going on? >> He was in the room with me. >> Did you ask him to leave the room? >> Yes, plenty of times. >> Did he keep coming back in? >> Yes. >> And it was about you hanging out with a a girlfriend? >> Yes. >> Or is it more accusations of you being with like somebody else? >> No, this is this is my friend. Me and my friend are close. We are nursing school together. >> People heard you guys arguing and they got worried. How old your son? >> He's 18 months. >> Do you want to dress >> As they looked around, officers began to notice a larger issue. The apartment had a strong odor and belongings were scattered everywhere, creating an unacceptable level of disorder. >> Why wouldn't you come to the door? Was he telling you not to? >> I don't like police. Like I have bad experiences with police officers. >> I can tell you in this scenario, when we're not getting a response, we fear the worst. And then we hear the kid crying. We hear the water going. We're wondering, "Hey, is somebody about to baby with the water?" You know what I mean? Had you came to the door and been like, "Hey, listen, we're all good here." I probably would have been like, "Hey, can you just step outside so I can verify?" The water's running, the baby's crying. You come outside, you're like, "Hey, listen guys, I'm just trying to give my child a bath. Here, come inside real quick." We probably would have stayed here. Okay, yep, the baby's getting bathed and stuff like that. Talk to him, talk to you. I appreciate your honesty because >> I'm being honest. >> Yeah, you guys were having an argument. >> I thought it was nothing. You're not supposed to be here. >> Your baby? Why? Where's the baby supposed to be? >> He's supposed to be with my mom this weekend so I can get myself together. I'm I'm in the process of moving and >> Do you have custody of your child? >> Yeah, yeah, my baby is my baby. She takes him to daycare and stuff. The daycare is around the block. >> Some statements could not hide the truth. While the father claimed he was cleaning, what was visible told a very different story. Have a seat. >> Am I under arrest? >> You're detained. >> you're detained. >> For what? >> So, did you hear us through the door when we were talking to? >> No, I spoke to you and I told you everything was fine. At the same time, I'm in the house cleaning up and my girl is bathing my son. >> So, we get called to what sounds like a a physical fight in a residence. We are obligated by state law to get go inside and make sure that everybody's okay. We get what you're saying. Look, I don't necessarily want to let people into my apartment either, but we have to. If we cuz if cuz God forbid we leave, I'm not saying you're not a nice guy, right? But somebody else in there that knifes up his girlfriend and then I leave, you want to know what they do? They take my car, they take my house, they take my cat. >> understand that, right? But at the same time, everything going on right now, like we could barely hear y'all through the door and I'm telling y'all like everything is fine. >> Yeah, we asked multiple times for you just to open that door. >> Why y'all call my name to the door? >> We we said are you that's who lives there and you said no. >> How y'all know I'm living here though? Like that's what I'm saying like >> Cuz it's on your DMV it's on DMV. >> So, we have an in-house history at the department. So, dispatch told us who resides at the apartment. >> That's how they Okay, okay, that makes sense. >> Bro, I'm really just in there just trying to get everything together. >> So, what's going on tonight though cuz somebody's calling in that there's yelling and stuff going on and they said your apartment. Can you tell me what's >> We're not even on no we're loud. We're loud, bro. You could see we were in there bathing my son. But look at this. Y'all heard me clearly through the door? >> Yes. >> We could hear you when you were right there by the door. We could hear you. >> Could you hear the kid like crying a little bit laughing in the background? That's all we could hear cuz it was really loud. I couldn't hear your girlfriend or whatever that is at all. >> And that's what I'm saying like a lot of the time it do happen like that. Like >> I know. >> Even the last time like and that's why I'm I'm saying that like yo bro, like I'm good off of this cuz >> That's the way it works. We have to come and make sure everybody's okay. >> I understand it. He spoke >> And you had this conversation in the hallway? >> Listen, listen, listen, listen. He already explained that to me and I understand that completely. And of all, yeah, I apologize, right? >> But, you can apologize all you want, but the fact of the matter is, if somebody gets hurt because you refused to open the door, we're here investigating a domestic, that falls all back on you. You I'll tell you right now, you have another problem, cuz you have a child in that house, and it's absolutely disgusting. >> I was in the in the process of cleaning. >> Cleaning? >> Yeah. >> Well, what did you clean in there? You got to get a shovel and maybe a backhoe to clean that mess. >> Not really. I'm the one that did all of that. >> Okay, but you got a little child in there, man. You got to be considerate of that. You got mold over the couch, you got stuff all over the >> Not all over the couch. My son wasn't here. My son just came home this weekend. >> Okay, but he's here now. He's here now, and that's not acceptable. >> Right, and I was at work. I'm I'm cleaning it up now. My son is never around now. So, you talking about unacceptable, you have no idea how >> Your son is in there now, and that's why it's unacceptable. You need to clean that up. >> You have no idea how I keep my son. So, understandable. I don't care what you think about that. >> Okay, well, I know I know what I see right now. >> All right, and I'm in the process of cleaning. You also see garbage bags. >> I see a lot of stuff all over the place. >> an indication of cleaning. You see mops, you see brooms, all of that. I'm cleaning it up, I promise. >> You can come back tomorrow, it won't be it won't look like that anymore. >> I'm not going to come back tomorrow. I know you're not, because you're just talking [ __ ] to be honest. >> No, no, I'm telling I'm explaining to you why DCF is going to be involved in your life now, because that's >> That's fine, because we I I will go through that. It's one day, everybody has their day. That's fine, completely fine. I promise you, my son is never in a situation like that. >> Look at that. >> You bugging. You just in the process >> I'm not bugging. I'm telling you it's an unlivable condition for a child. >> that. I was literally in the process of cleaning an hour ago. What's it looking like >> A day later. He's sharing his concern. >> I'm not trying to disrespect him at all, but I'm telling you, bro, y'all came in the wrong time. >> I know. It happens, right? We're here when we're here. >> We don't live like that. My son don't live like that. Not like that. >> I understand you all right, but I So, tell me what's going on tonight, man. Why did somebody call that there was yelling and stuff going on? >> We're not in here fighting, we're not in here bugging on on each other. We're loud. We probably got a little feud. >> Wasn't even a a heated argument? >> No. >> No, not even a little >> She's going to say the exact same thing, man, cuz I The last thing I want to do is go talk to her, and and then have Well, it's not pretty positive, right? If me and my girlfriend are doing whatever, right? If two people separated us, then they ask us, "Hey, what was going on?" We're going to have the same story. Okay, but what was it? Arguing? Yelling? >> Arguing, yeah, of course. >> What are you guys arguing about? >> Multiple things. Just silly arguments, school. I had to work from everything today. Not nothing like on her Wasn't nothing crazy. Just our responsibilities. >> Responsibilities, kind of, yeah. >> Yeah, okay, man. I hear that. >> The same we talking about the house being dirty. Like >> Okay, I get that. Do you and the father both live here? >> Yeah, we do. >> Was he telling you not to come to the door? >> He didn't say anything to me. I was sitting there and I don't know what they want. I said I'm not coming. I don't I don't want to talk to >> Did at any point in your mind did it cross, "Hey, maybe the police are here cuz we were having an argument?" >> Probably. >> I mean, your neighbors, they don't know what's going on. They hear the shouting. Sounds like pretty good neighbors when they're like, "We're in fear for whoever's inside the apartment." Hang tight, okay? >> We're not >> This is interfering with a police investigation. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, she's interfering. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Baby's going to stay here and he's going to be contacted. And technically, they both should be going 10-10. But >> But with the kid here, yeah. >> But this is completely unacceptable. >> Yep. >> But he's going to go 10-10 on risk cuz it's his residence. >> Hey, stay here, little guy. Stay here. >> All right, where are you going? COME HERE, BUDDY. >> HEY, HEY. >> WHERE ARE YOU RUNNING? >> GO GET YOUR MAMA. Go get your mama. >> You're coming here? Come here. >> Hello. Hello. Who got him? You want to see your mama? Go see your mama. >> No explanation could outweigh what was clearly in front of them. And everything [music] pointed to one conclusion. This was not a safe environment for a child. >> All right, come on. >> He's going to go 10-10 on risk of injury to himself. >> Uh, what? >> I did a search of the apartment. >> Do you understand the police just broke down your door, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It's a complete misunderstanding. >> Okay. I think the only misunderstanding is that you didn't open the door. >> Hang tight. He's going to bring his car here. >> She can even tell you we're getting everything together. I would have opened the door for y'all. >> Here's the two that you're going to get charged with. It's interfering >> What did I interfere with? >> You interfered with a police investigation. So, we're at that door, we're asking asking asking asking to get in. >> Yeah, and you asked to see He said, "All you have to need to do is speak to the female." I told her to go to the door. She went to the door. At that point, it's not on me. That's not my home. How am I getting charged with that? How? I'm not custodial parent. He's in the car. Bro, that's crazy. They're really doing this? >> There's a misconception. You don't need to be custodial parent to be charged with this crime. >> My son wasn't even there. >> Even before that, I'll stop you before that. I don't need to argue charges with you. You're under arrest. Get in the car. You got the seatbelt on? >> I want to just say, like, listen. Honestly, told >> Go ahead. >> Honestly, I I swear to God, with everything I love, I was going to open the door. I'm getting everything right. When I tell you, ask her. She was butt naked. All I'm trying to do is get everything situated. >> Sure. But, that's not the conversation we had when the door was closed, right? >> Well, sir, I could barely hear you, sir. I'm telling you >> We were having an open conversation. You said, "And like, whoa, take the door, do whatever you need to do." And we did. >> I'm not going to lie. I'm not going to lie. >> And we did it. >> DCF is clearly going to be involved at this point, regardless. He was having his conversation with her, saying that he came home, kind of was going at her, that she's not spending time with him, she's always spending time with her girlfriend, she's doing this, X, Y, Z. And he's frustrated with it. She kept trying to end the conversation. He kept initiating the conversation, but nothing ever physical occurred. >> That's about what he said too. He said >> So, I'm hearing the same on both sides. You know, nobody's getting arrested for any sort of domestic That's why we're here. >> Ma'am, this this apartment's not safe for a 8-month-old. >> So, what's next? They're going to take my baby now? >> No, we're not saying that. We're not saying that. We are going to make a DCF referral. But, that's more just to get you the services that you need to juggle school and having a kid. I mean, I I know you said your mom helps out. Maybe you need more support than just mom right now. Hi, Bubba. How are you? Is Is here tonight or Was the plan for him to stay here? Where was he going to sleep? You know that's not safe, right? Yeah, cuz if you roll over, you know what I mean? You can fall asleep on him. I mean, you all three of you sleep in the bed? Where does he sleep? >> Is there a way you can clean out that pen? >> Does the baby have food? What does he eat? Is he on formula still? Got food? No? >> Did you guys have dinner tonight? >> Where's the box? What do you got for 2 weeks out? What do you got? Yeah. >> I could do the 26th. What do you have for food in the morning for breakfast? >> I have a lot of concerns with this apartment. It's not conducive for a child to be in. Kid like that, you can see he wants to walk around, he wants to play. It didn't happen today. >> Yeah, this is a long This is like weeks of >> Man, we got dirty diapers everywhere. I mean, this the the diapers alone are just We're not No, no, I'm not being judgmental. I care for your child. I want your child to be safe. I can tell he doesn't have any markings on him, he doesn't look malnourished, but these conditions here could get him sick. The last thing me and this officer want to do is have to respond to an emergency call about a child who is unresponsive. And God forbid it it's your child. All right? Because of something that could be taken care of. I know you have your hands full. If you need help, it's okay to ask for help. It's out there. We just want him to be safe. That's it. Bye, Bob. No? Okay. >> I was completely wrong. Is there anything like >> No, you're under arrest. It's pretty straightforward. >> This is going to be a lot worse than for me like than if it would be I promise you, sir. I did not expect any of this. >> You had a lot of opportunities to get OUT OF THIS. >> I DON'T WANT TO ARGUE. I DON'T WANT TO >> YOU CAN TALK ONCE YOU'RE IN THE ONCE you're in holding, all right? No, don't tell me anything else I need to know about. All right. Have a seat. So, um All right, bad news. There's going to be a bond. Unfortunately, the bond wasn't there. He doesn't know the situation. It is what it is, all right? I don't think it matters what it is, but it was 50. >> Yeah, it's really ugly, man. They >> Good news, you're court in the morning. So, you're only going to be here for like not even 12 hours. Just listen to what the judge says cuz you know, just don't want anything else to come back on you. >> The man was charged with risk of to a minor and interfering with an officer. These charges could carry a sentence ranging from 1 to 10 years. When the signs of danger to a child are clear, speaking up is no longer a choice, but a responsibility. Sometimes, what is most frightening is not the self, but the silence of those around it. How much does a well-behaved child quietly carry? Sometimes, their innocent words hold an unexpected weight. >> Hi, honey. Where's Mommy at? >> She went >> On February 18th, 2025, everything began at a school where a 6-year-old boy repeatedly lost control [music] and showed aggressive behavior. What concerned teachers even more, however, were the [music] things he said. Police were called and quickly arrived at the home. When the door opened, the boy was standing there alone, trying to manage by himself in a silent house. >> The child is actually home alone by himself, 6 years old. >> How do you know I'm 6? >> At work. >> How do you guys know I'm 6? >> I just checked the house. Yeah, this is neglect. Yeah, he didn't even go to school. >> No, I still have a tablet. >> When did Mommy leave for work, honey? >> Right now. >> Right now? No, when when like how long ago? Do you know what time? >> It was It was >> Was it earlier this morning? >> It was 2:00 It was It was 2:30. >> 2:13 in the morning? Oh, yeah, he doesn't know. Good question. How often are you home alone? Like a lot? A lot or a little bit? >> A lot. >> A lot? You're home alone a lot. Do you have a phone? >> No. >> have still a tablet. >> Hi, Jessica. This is Officer Canupp with Long Beach Police. Um I need you to come home like right now cuz your your child is left home alone. >> The mother appeared shortly afterward [music] and offered several explanations, but they felt fragile as a young child [music] cannot protect himself from potential risks. >> Did she not take him to school? >> He had an incident yesterday at school and it was more of like saying his stepfather is hitting him. That's why I'm here. >> Okay. >> Right. So, it just says that disrespects teachers and displays extreme aggression when triggered. He struggles with anger and appears to have some triggers related to child childhood trauma. He says that his mom and stepdad hit him a lot. Stepdad doesn't claim him. Um hits him with a belt every time he does something wrong. They did see a red mark, but that was it. Um mother's currently pregnant with stepdad's baby. Mother has other kids in other countries, I guess in Columbia. And um he lives with his mom and stepdad and other siblings, step siblings. So, that's why we came here for an initial The school said he's not here today. >> Yeah. >> And he opens up the door and nobody's home. So, we're here because there's a DCF case. Um Something happened yesterday at school with your son. >> Okay. >> Uh are you aware of that? >> Well, I don't have a phone right now, so the assistant principal said they emailed me. Um >> Okay. >> But then when I picked him up, she gave me a statement saying that they had to restrain him, Carlos, because he was banging his head. And before that all started, um he took a toy to school and then the kids were touching his toy and he got upset and started hitting other kids with it. >> Okay. So, that's why that's why there's a DCF case. They they have to notify DCF of stuff like this. So, DCF shows up. They go to the school, figure out he's not at school, they come here, and he's all alone. >> he got suspended. >> Right. >> I'm sorry. Okay. Yeah. I received a report um of concerns saying that the stepfather is hitting his son. He does it with a belt. Um about him having aggressive behavior in school. >> These are just the concerns. >> Yeah, that's why we're here. >> We're not saying that these are substantiated. It's just that's why >> That's why I'm >> No, he said that because I mean, we had to dis- I had to discipline as a parent, so I did it with the belt, but I never left marks at him, but This is how he probably doesn't hit >> Okay. >> We just scold him when he's out of character. >> So, yeah, we went to the school, me and the officer. Um he wasn't at school, so the next day we do a protocol is was to come to the home residence to try to make contact with you and the kids cuz they gave us nothing but 20 blocks to see them and make sure they're safe. However, when we came he was home alone. Um, there are some concerns. There are a lot of concerns. >> he's not in danger. >> However, when we weigh if the kids are safe or not, he doesn't have a way to contact anybody if an emergency was to arise. Asking him, "What would you do in case something should happen?" He said he would scream for you to come. >> Right. >> That's And he knows that's not a way to >> but he tells me all the time he would call 911. >> You What time did you leave today? >> 8:30. >> 8:30 in the morning? Okay. And I'm I'm then told that you have other kids that are at a daycare. Is that correct? And he is not allowed to be at school so he's suspended. >> Right. >> Okay. So, why did you leave him home alone? >> Because somebody was going to come and get him or I was going to come leave work earlier than usual. >> Okay, at what time were you planning on getting here then? >> At 1:00. >> At 1:00? Okay. So, what time did you plan on earlier coming home? Because you didn't show up until we called you. >> I was going to come at 1:00. >> Okay, but you didn't. You came at It's 1:42. >> Okay, my work is 30 minutes from here and there's traffic. >> Okay, great. But, do you think that 4 hours your 6-year-old child home alone for 4 hours? What What is he going to do if there's an emergency? >> What do you mean what is he going to do if there's an emergency? He has a cell phone. >> If the If the house started on fire, someone Someone's apartment down here started on fire and it started burning up there. >> What would happen? How is he going to call 911? >> What seemed like small details [music] became difficult to ignore because they no longer reflected innocence, but pointed to signs of an unsafe environment. >> He goes to the neighbors and asks them for a way to contact her. >> Okay, so you think that a 6-year-old child is capable of being home alone by himself? >> he's not. >> Okay, so then why did you let that happen? >> Because I had to go to work. >> So work is more important than the safety of your child? >> You know, okay, I I get it. You just had a new baby. You have two You have three kids. He works. He's got to go to work and then you you're back at work. >> And then he and then Jean Carlos gets suspended from school. >> I get it. Is there Was there any other option? Do you have family here? >> No, everybody's working. I don't have anybody to watch him. >> Okay, do you have like a babysitter you use on the side? >> Sometimes, yes. >> Did you call her? >> She wasn't available. She said she couldn't take care of them. >> When did you call? >> I didn't call her today, I called her 2 weeks ago. She said she's not available >> wasn't available for two 2 weeks ago, but you didn't call her today, okay? So yeah, I I get it. It's a It's a struggle. What about the daycare that the other two kids went to? Do they What's the deal with that? Could I have to I have to sign him up for that. So basically our issue here is that your 6-year-old child has no has no way of calling 911. He's smart, but he doesn't know how to make himself food. Um I saw that there were eggs in there, but that's really it. And he said he walked down to a neighbor to get a snack. >> Yeah, he usually comes to the neighbor next door or down here. >> Okay, so I think he said the one down here. Um that's not appropriate, okay? >> I understand that. I don't tell him to go out anywhere. >> Right, so um you will be arrested today for neglect, child neglect. Okay? >> I'm going to be arrested? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> 4 plus hours is unacceptable to leave your 6-year-old child home alone. It You know, maybe 10, 15 minutes, I got to run here real quick, he's fine. It maybe. But God forbid something happened to him. He turned on the stove, anything. >> the kitchen. >> He was in the kitchen the whole time I was there. >> All right, but he doesn't turn anything on in the kitchen. >> Well. Yeah? >> Yep. >> For real? Do you have anything in your pockets here? >> Yeah, my wallet and my phone. >> Is your phone working right now? >> No. >> Okay. >> Can I have a baby like halfway feeder? >> I don't know. >> Need a walkie-talkie charger. >> Does the jail let Do you have a phone? >> Yes, in my car. >> You might have to ask the nurse. I don't know if the jail will let you in with it. >> I don't know. >> I can call both. Okay. >> All right, I'm going to put you in the back seat of my car. >> All right. I'm going to >> In the end, the mother was taken into custody on charges of child neglect and risk of injury to a minor. In the state of Florida, these [music] charges can carry a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. Often, the most understanding children are the ones who have endured the most. When a child learns to stay silent, it is no longer a minor oversight, but a reflection of adult responsibility. What may seem like a careless decision was placed on a 2-year-old child who had no awareness of it. >> I saw you had two little bears. >> On February 29th, 2024, police received a call from an upscale apartment complex in Bay County, Florida, [music] where a troubling incident unfolded. Under intense heat, a mother left her nearly 2-year-old child alone in a closed vehicle for hours, and her calm demeanor raised serious concerns among responding officers. >> Do you have any other kids? Hey, how are you doing today? You doing okay? >> Good. >> You got You got a video? >> Yeah. >> Any babies? >> I got one, my son and my daughter. >> Okay. How old are they? >> Um my My eight and he's 2 months too. You got your ID with you? >> I'm right here in the room. >> Somebody said that the baby's been in the car for a long time. How long have they been in the car? >> I just came back with my son. >> Mhm. >> Cuz I picked him up, and then I dropped off my stepson over at Pizza Zone. So, I just came back like 5 minutes ago. >> Okay. >> She pulled in. I was pulling out the bags. >> Along with the the baby in the car? >> She's been with me all day. >> Inside? >> No. I haven't been inside that long because I have to be going back and forth. So, she came and did most of the the work. >> Mhm. >> So, I was told to pull the the linens outside cuz she threw them on the floor. So, that's what I was doing. >> So, you're just pulling linens? >> Yeah, I was just pulling linens, and the sink the sink is I don't know if it's leaking or what. >> Mhm. >> But, I did clean that outside and threw that that cloth right there >> Mhm. >> um that's on top of there um because I went in to clean the sink and closed the door to come out. >> Okay. >> Do you clean this uh is it a condo? >> Yeah, she She is the one. >> Is she the one that cleans this with you? >> Yeah, she she's the manager. >> Oh, okay. She's the one that called us, maybe? >> Yeah, she >> Okay, so you came to work today to clean this? >> Um yeah, but I've been back and forth. >> Like what time did you get here? >> I pulled in at 12. Um I left because I got a call, so I left. >> When you pulled in the first time, did the baby come out with you? >> I I didn't come out of the vehicle. >> Oh, okay. You just pulled up yeah, at 12. >> up, and she was here, so I just left after I just left. Um she left some instructions for me to pick up the linens off the floor. >> Right, right, right. >> And I left. I didn't went in I didn't go inside. Um and then I got a call, so I left. Um my sister-in-law called. My sister-in-law called me. I went to the school at Beachwood Elementary. >> Okay. >> there. I signed out for my son at 1:30. Was there waiting on him. You know there's a line. >> Yeah, yeah. My daughter goes there. >> I didn't get to him because it was already after 1:30, so I had to wait on him. >> Yeah, cuz there's like a certain pick up time. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um and I passed that time, so I had to wait on him. I left >> That's your 8-year-old that goes there? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I left um then as soon as I came back here, I got a call from my sister-in-law saying that she's unable cuz she works at >> Walmart. >> Uh-huh. >> She's unable to pick him up um due to the traffic. So I went for Armando. >> Which is your nephew? >> No, it's my in-laws. >> Your in-laws? >> Yes, that's her my my daughter's family. I went for him and I had to take him to his grandma. >> So when you pulled up the the second time here with your son before you got the second child, >> Mhm. >> how long were you here for? >> I didn't come out of the vehicle. I was here for about 5 minutes. >> Okay, so then you left again to pick up the other child and then you came back. >> um the night worker was asking me for a number. I gave it to him. I guess he wanted to switch on those or something. So I left. I went for Armando. I had to join the line because it was like after two. Um came back. I left again cuz I needed to get something >> for your son to get this. >> Mhm. something for my son. >> Right. >> And the bag's been there, but I just pulled the door up um so that no one could go in. >> Mhm. >> So I entered the code like twice. >> So when she pulled up, I ran to >> dry the the sink. I came back out, she was gone. >> She went for her son then came back. They came back. >> When when did you go in there and do the holding with the linens? >> Not when she was sitting in the vehicle. She was right here. So I just before she a little bit before she pulled in, I just ran to grab the linens cuz I know she was coming. >> And then your daughter was in the vehicle as you Your daughter and your son were in the vehicle. >> back and forth with them. >> Okay, did they ever get out of the car with you back and forth or you just kind of ran in back and forth? >> I ran in with them once um to pick the linens. When I went to wipe, but she started she started crying cuz she's not feeling a little bit good. So, she started crying. I needed my hands to pull the bags. So, I went and I came back. >> Okay. You got some energy. >> you got to >> The truth gradually came to light as officers gathered statements from a coworker. And what was shared pointed to a level of negligence that was difficult to overlook. >> So, I wanted to ask what unit were you cleaning before this one today? Were you over at Sandy? >> Um 120 Sandy. >> Okay. So, the 120 Sandy, right? And you were there before 12:00? >> Um yeah. >> Okay. And that's you also had the baby with you? >> I brought her inside. >> Okay. Did you Did y'all make contact at all? Did she tell you anything about the baby earlier what happened there? >> didn't She didn't talk to me. She only said hi. I brought the the baby inside the unit at 120. >> Okay. What about before 120? Like thank you at 12:00. What about like around 12:00 before you went to beach? >> At 12:00 I was done cleaning before 12:00. >> Okay. So, you weren't here like at noon? At 120 you weren't there like around 12:00 or before 12:00 with the baby? >> 12:00 I was there. I finished the unit like 11:30. >> Okay. So, around 11:30-ish. When did you get to that unit? Like at >> I got there like 10:30. >> Yeah, cuz I know the checkout is like what 10:00 or something? >> I'm not sure. It's not It's the clean is not due today. So, I don't know what time the checkout is. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um I usually when I have cleans I do I usually bring the babies inside. >> Okay. >> She has told me that several times. But I bring my kids inside the unit. >> All right. I understand that. My mom has a cleaning business. So, sometimes she'll take my my daughter and my son with her when she needs to. So, I know how that works. Yeah, I get that. >> They were inside. I just put them back in the car to to the linens downstairs. So, when I clean, I bring them inside with >> Okay. So, for the Sandy one, when you were there at 1:20 before you picked up your son from school, cuz he told me you wanted to go get him like at 1:30. >> the unit with me. I took her out, put her in the van when she came to inside. >> Um and when you were over there, did she mention anything about like the baby crying in the car? Or what was that about? >> She didn't say anything to me. >> Oh, okay. She didn't say like, "Hey, >> No, she did not say anything to me. >> And what did she say about today? >> to me today. She just goes inside the unit. You realize she didn't say anything. Like that's how she offered. She text message me on saying, "This is her number." >> So, she text message me. And you know how I found >> This is after 1:00 when I said, "Okay, thanks." I was sitting in the vehicle. I was on a call with the issue. >> So, when you were over there, she didn't say nothing like, "Oh, there's a baby crying in your car." Nothing like that. >> anything to me. >> Was your baby crying in the car at all? That might have caught her attention or caught someone's attention. Mhm. The babies cry all the time. I have a 6-year-old and he's not a baby, but he'll cry. >> When I came back out, she was gone a while ago. When I came back out to to strap her in to go pull the linens to the door, she started crying. I came back to the car. >> Yeah. >> And then I put down this. >> Oh, okay. What about over there? Was she crying over there? >> No, she wasn't crying over there. >> Oh, okay. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on cuz, you know, we get a call here and we're like, "What is really going on?" But >> it's for the safety, but I clean with my kids. >> Yeah, I get that. And like I said, my mom has a cleaning business. On my off days, I help her clean. >> cuz I've been cleaning with this company since >> What company is this? >> 2022, Vacasa. >> Oh, I've seen them around. Yeah, yeah. >> cleaning with them since 2022, since I was pregnant. I've always bring my kids to any unit. I bring them inside the unit. >> Oh, okay. I mean, yeah, I get that. That's That's on you. If you want to bring your kids >> bring them in there? Is there a law >> Honestly, that That's between um that's between you and the company. Like, you know if they're your employer and you work for them that's honestly whatever their policy is but I mean my daughter's my daughter's 11 so when she's got to come with grandma she's going with grandma. >> message this is the first message that I got from her this was after 12 12:41 and because she was already in the unit before me I wasn't I pulled in and I pulled out so I wasn't here so she just left a message that she wanted to leave me I went to the back station. >> So do you usually clean the two units here the one over are these all the same owner or >> I'm not >> like they're all rented for >> See I went to pick up I told her I picked up Jaden early so 1:29 she called me but see >> Yeah yeah >> she called me back >> I understand >> Yeah I understand that there could be like a miscommunication or some sort of >> didn't say anything to me >> Yeah >> say hey >> Yeah that's what I'm asking like did she did you guys even talk earlier when you were at Sandy over there like did she say anything to you? >> She pulled in here before she came back she pulled in here and I was at the door I put my I was dusting off my shoes at the door to put them because I I clean here first >> Yeah yeah >> so I can >> Yeah How old is the baby? >> She's almost two >> Oh okay >> So I normally put my daughter on the couch and my son is six >> Yeah yeah yeah >> They both fell asleep on the couch >> Yeah >> So when I brought them out when when I was about to pull the linen they were both >> sleeping >> Mhm >> So I just looked at them and put them in the car >> Yeah yeah yeah >> Just put them in the vehicle and you know I put on the seat the seat belt because I'm about to pull out >> Yeah I know how it is were you just headed home right now? >> As discussions continued law enforcement began collecting evidence to clarify what had actually taken place. >> She has a video of her leaving the babies in there mom >> The baby with her other brother >> The main ones that we wanted to see is the the main one we wanted to see is the one where she's at Sandy's. >> Okay. >> When the baby was alone with the brother. She did mention she brought the baby in a couple times. >> Yeah, I see her in in this one. >> Okay, let's go over here. >> I haven't even watched them all yet. >> It's kind of hard because of the >> Yeah, and my screen's off. >> Okay. >> All of ours is We all have messed up screens. [laughter] I think she has. >> So, you're trying to find like the one where she's in the car? >> Yeah, is that her getting out of the car? >> Yeah. >> So, when you came in at 11:38, um, where was she at? >> She was upstairs cleaning. >> Cuz it only gets the video of her going outside. Cuz the last video is at 11:12. >> Okay. >> goes outside. >> Mhm. >> There's two videos of that. And then there's you coming inside. So, she was upstairs when you did that? >> She was upstairs whenever I came in, yeah. She was upstairs actually making the bed in the master bedroom. Was there a video of her coming in? >> When you come outside >> Yeah. >> with that cuz the video >> point I was trying to look into the window over here cuz I heard crying. And I was trying to look into the window and I Yeah. >> That's when you heard her crying. >> All right, ma'am. >> Um, do you have some shoes? I wanted to talk to you in the back of the car real quick. You want to Could you just step out? I just don't want to Yeah, you have an 8-year-old in there, right? >> Yeah. >> So, I'm just being considerate that you have an 8-year-old. Do you have any shoes that you can put on? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Do you want to go ahead and put those on? And if you can come back over here with us real quick. You can go right here like in the back of this car. >> So, at the moment we are going to put you under arrest and we'll discuss afterwards. Um >> Why are you arresting me? >> I'll go ahead and just >> A final decision was made and the mother was taken into custody bringing an end to a series of choices that could have been prevented much earlier. >> So, for the moment I do need you to place your hands behind your back. >> No. No, you can't arrest me. Don't arrest me. I don't want to >> Let's not make this harder than it what it should be. So, let's go ahead and put her hands behind her back, okay? >> Why are you arresting me? put your hands >> [laughter] >> Okay, ma'am. Go ahead and >> Why are you arresting me? >> Okay, ma'am. Okay, I need you to put your hands together so I can do this. >> Daisy, why are YOU ARRESTING ME? >> ALL RIGHT, NOW CALM DOWN cuz we want to help you get somebody here to get the kids. >> All right, let me call somebody. >> Turn this way. >> Is it a friend to bring the kids to the unit? Inside the unit? >> I'm going to go ahead and search you real quick, okay? And then I'll go ahead and discuss things with you, okay? >> Yes. >> And this person can get your babies? >> No, let me call. Let me open the phone. Yvonne. Everything is in the car baby now you want it with me. >> All right, ma'am. I'm going to read you your Miranda warning, okay? Do you understand your rights as I explain to you? >> Yes, I need you to know why you're arresting me. >> Having these rights in mind, are you willing to answer my questions now? Are you willing to talk to me? >> I need you to tell me I'm supposed to know why I'm being arrested. >> Okay, so I just need you to give me a yes or no on having these rights in mind, are you willing to answer my questions? Okay, >> Tell me why you're why you're arresting >> So, we got a call here early we got a call here from a complainant saying that there was a child being left in the vehicle for 3 hours on their own. >> I was there 3 hours because I bring them in the unit with me. >> And let me just explain to you. We show up to the call, we make contact with you, you give me your side of the story that you were cleaning this unit. >> Mhm. >> So, from my understanding based on our investigation, we were able to pull up video footage. When you were >> ring light around there. >> Yes, ma'am. When you were in the other unit. So, let me explain to you first what we saw and then we can discuss further. Cuz I want you to understand what's going on on our behalf. So, when we pull video on that unit over there, we get video from that unit, it does show that you left the child in the the your child there, 2-year-old, was in the vehicle without your attention for a period of time, which in the state of Florida you're not supposed to do that. If the child doesn't have food, water, if the child doesn't have certain needs in the vehicle that they can, you know, have access to, then that's like Do you understand? >> But you >> I know you're working. I know you're working, you're trying to do your job, and I know that maybe child care is hard to prove you know, maybe it's not an option for you, but at the end of the day, we were able to see that there was >> So it's a period of time. >> Let me Let me Let me tell you. >> Okay. >> Um >> I've been bringing kids to the unit. There are ring lights all over the camera. There are ways to get around the ring light to bring the kid inside of the unit. >> Okay. So listen, on the ring camera I watched you go in for over an hour and you didn't come back outside. And then um Miss Daisy came in, and when she came in and the baby was outside and you were inside, there was a 30 It was like 30 28 30 minutes. It was around that time you were inside without going outside, okay? And it went off every time you guys come outside from what I could see, okay? And that's that's where we have the issue, cuz anything over a reasonable amount of time and with a 3-year-old, 5 10 minutes, I'd have been cool with that. But this is 20 30 went out. And unfortunately, just the way that the statute reads, that's an unreasonable amount of time for a child that age, okay? I understand it's not hot outside and she may be fine, but at the end of the day, so many things could have happened that the state of Florida's we can't allow that kind of stuff, okay? So what's going to happen from here is you're going to be charged with child neglect. You're going to have to go to the Bay County Jail. If somebody can't come and pick up your kids within a reasonable amount of time >> Did he Did you call >> Yeah, he he said he's He said he's going to come, okay? >> Okay. >> And while we do the paperwork and all that >> in the vehicle. >> You don't want to take your baby to the jail? >> I don't need to take my phone. >> Okay. Cuz when you get out, you're going to need a phone to call somebody to come pick you up. >> I understand what you're saying, but what I'm telling you is that I brought her in where I the ring light is not going to show where I brought her in the unit, and when I'm taking her back out, that's what I've been doing. I've been taking her out, so the ring I covered the ring light and come out. >> You cover the ring light? >> Yes. >> So we don't see that you're bringing the child in or out? >> Yeah, so do you cover >> she she doesn't see >> Uh-huh. >> that I'm bringing the child in and out. >> So, if you if you cover the ring camera >> She came there. >> We'll be able to see that you covered the >> Yeah, you didn't cover the You did not see the the bag. >> The ring camera was not covered at all. That's how we were able to see you coming in and out and the child being in the vehicle for a long period of time. >> I've seen you taking bags out. I've seen you brought the broom and set it in front of the ring camera. I've seen you go up there and in there. I've seen you come back in. >> Ma'am, I I understand I understand you're trying to work. I understand you're trying to make a living and you're trying to work, but a child is a priority. Do you understand? >> Yeah, but you should tell her to show her the show you the proof that the baby was in the car when she pulled in. >> Well, she can't cuz you got 5% tint on the window. >> She tried to take a picture. >> She went to the window to look inside if there was someone in the >> couldn't see if she >> She heard the baby crying. >> if No, if you if you close the door and go right at the window and look, you'll see you'll see you can see in the back. >> sun The sun was out a little bit more at that time. That was around 11:00 when she got >> Yeah, I can't see in the vehicle. So, I'm sure if she >> Ma'am, when I pulled up I couldn't even see in your vehicle. >> No, if you put like what she was doing, if you put your hand on the vehicle, you can see inside the vehicle. >> Yeah, so she heard the baby in the vehicle as well. So, she heard the baby crying. >> Did she Did she record the baby being in the vehicle? >> She took a She did not record, but she went upstairs to try to tell you, "Hey, your baby's outside crying." And you said, "It's fine." >> So, do you guys have issues or anything? >> We have a big issues. >> What's your issue? >> She doesn't want the babies in the unit. And I still bring them in. And that's the issue. And she has to go through a whole lot of paperwork to cancel the contract. So, that's been the issue. >> So, could you have left the baby in the car because of that? >> No, I'm bringing the babies inside. >> Um if you want to, um have a seat while we finish up with the paperwork. After a full evaluation, the child was transferred to a safe environment where proper care and protection could be ensured. >> I saw you had two little bears. >> Yeah, I gave them to them. >> Hi. I'm going to see if I can find pants for your sister, okay? So, as you can see, it escalated to all this. Um >> certainly shouldn't be sitting for a little bit. >> Like cold sick? Loose Oh, yeah, there's some medicine in the fridge for her. >> I just heard her tell her husband. >> She might be warm. >> Ooh, yeah, I know. Let's not cover her up. I think she has a fever. Ma'am, is your daughter sick? Is she running fever or anything lately? >> No, she doesn't have a >> Thank you for >> Okay, cuz she's a little warm. And is she having diarrhea or anything? We had to change her diaper. Okay. Well, we're taking care of her, but she is a little warm, so when dad gets here, I'm going to let him know. Are you dad? Okay. Dad is here. >> Make sure you get >> I'm going to hand her off to you. >> May I get before she does that, may I get your driver's license? I need to take a picture of that because we're handing a child to you. So, I think she might be running a fever. >> Yeah. >> Um she I know she's a little sick. Mom's saying she's not sick, but I heard her tell you over the phone she's sick. >> Yeah. >> I don't know why she doesn't want to tell me she's not sick. Um and there's medicine for her in the fridge. I heard her tell you that. >> She just had a pretty nasty diaper. >> And she's feeling a little warm, and she's had a long day. She's been in the vehicle since the morning, so she might be hungry, too. I'm not sure. It was a video of her working in the unit. An hour has passed, did not come out for the baby, did not take the baby inside. Another 30 minutes passed, baby never was seen. Baby was always in the vehicle. She's a She's a year old. >> She's too little. On top of that, she was going to be sick. >> She started crying her eyes out for about 15 minutes. This young lady tried to go up there and tell her, "Hey, your baby's crying. Go get her." She said, "She's fine." And the video shows her coming to the car, this lady trying to get to the baby. >> So, can I see the video? >> Um at the moment, I it's it's an evidence, so >> Yeah, once you can always subpoena for it and ask for it later. It's evidence right now. >> Yeah. So, I can't just show it to you. Our biggest concern is the baby. Now, if your son was in the >> early put in her car seat, you got she could have climbed out car seat. >> You said the car seat wasn't in the put in properly. >> The car seat wasn't put in properly, but she wasn't buckled in properly, either. >> Only one part of the seat belt was buckled in, and it was loose. So, she could have completely climbed out. >> The car was on, baby alone in the car, some stranger, crazy people are everywhere, saw baby in the car with the car on, free vehicle and a baby, could have driven away with the child, you never see your child again. That was my biggest >> The mother was arrested on serious charges of child neglect and child abuse. In the state of Florida, she could face a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. This is not only a legal consequence, but also a lasting moral weight for a parent whose priorities placed a child at risk. Speak up when you see a child left unattended. Do not let silence become acceptance of neglect. If you agree, consider sharing this message in the comments. How does a child not yet 3 years old face the world when the door is left wide open with no guiding hand to lead the way? >> First, I want to change my diaper, wet. >> On July 1st, 2024, police received an emergency call from a neighborhood in Florida after a passerby spotted a small child walking alone toward a busy roadway. What made the situation especially alarming was how a single moment of inattention could have led to a tragic outcome. >> Hello. >> Yeah, there are two police. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, nobody found you? >> No, I've been waiting 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 know. She clearly didn't >> That's not >> Hello. >> That's not my >> Your car, your I'm thinking. So she's walking towards like the main road there. >> Okay. >> She sat by that yellow car. I mean but I don't know who this is. She likes the car maybe. But nobody has come out and looked for her in the last hour. >> Okay. Well, >> I think she's just wandering. >> 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 knows. I'm going to go see if there's a car seat in that yellow car. >> So you saw her where again? >> Right by that Mustang walking towards the road. >> Right by the Mustang? >> Yeah. I'm just here staying at my brother's condo and I'm like, "Oops, you know." >> Yeah. >> Looks like it could go 50/50 here. >> So was by the Mustang was she in the grass or in the roadway? >> She was sitting Well, she saw me. She was in the road and then when she saw me she ran and sat by the tire. >> She did? >> I kind of went and looked to see where she went cuz I didn't see a parent. >> And you've had her for about an hour now? >> No, I clearly yeah, longer than that. It's It's that. >> Well, what I'm going to do is uh I'm going to try and just make contact to see if we can 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. >> Yeah. >> Um and then I'm going to call DCF real quick, too. So do you got You got a few minutes? I know you've been an hour. I hate to put you out like this, but it's going to help me out. Um if this child has been without care for an hour other than what's been in your care, um that's a problem. So >> Yeah, it clearly is. >> Um yeah, I'm going to get her started on some statements. We're going to take this child into custody and >> Okay. >> hopefully I can identify the parents and go from there. I'll be right back. You guys want to hang out in the shade where it's cool. And I'm going to get on the phone with dispatch right now. Did she give a name at all? >> She said Kaya. >> Kaya? >> Officers followed the situation back to an apartment with the door left wide open. While the child was outside facing potential danger, the mother remained asleep inside. >> How you doing, ma'am? Sorry to bother you. Um Did you lose a child, did you? >> Did I what? >> Lose a Do you have any children? >> She's 35. >> Okay. >> 34. >> Do you have the red car downstairs downstairs? >> Yeah. >> With the car seats in it? >> Yeah, those are for my grandbabies. >> Okay. Do they live here or >> No, they live in Manassas. >> Okay. So no, you're not missing any child children or anything. Okay. I just saw like we we found a child. >> Oh. >> Can't find where she belongs. So I saw the car seat and I thought >> are my granddaughters. They live in Manassas. >> All right, never mind. Thank you. >> Well, good luck. >> Thank you. Okay. You just drink that water. We're going to go for a quick car ride, okay? You good? >> Can you tell her to sit still? >> Sure. Did you put Cannon's little baby in the car? >> What happened? >> We found a kid, a child, walking around. >> Oh, I think you know the young boy the the little boy >> Yeah. >> Isn't he here in the second floor? I saw him. >> Did he live Where does he live? >> Yeah. And I mean he live in that room. >> That one? >> In that apartment. >> That girl? >> The little girl. Yeah, it's boy or girl. You know same cuz she's got a long hair. He got a long hair. It's in the Show me the Show me the like Let me go close that door. Where is >> Oh, there's a door open. >> Yeah, the door open. I saw I saw the come in here. Oh, he threw you here. God, the she, she wasn't here and he was a little girl. >> I'll check on it. >> all the way back there, all the way down. And she saw through the neighbor in the bottom. He said that rule is not the apartment. And that's the apartment there. And that >> When awakened, the mother's first reaction was not panic, but justification, as if responsibility had been set aside. >> Sheriff's office. Ma'am. Are you missing a child? >> He did not run. Where is he? >> He said >> Okay. >> He's been gone a couple hours. >> My son? >> Yeah, a little over an hour. >> He unlocks the door, but he never does it. >> Well, he was found walking by the road on the next park parking lot of a department complex. Somebody found him there, with him for about 25-30 minutes, called us. >> Jesus. >> And now it's been over an hour. Yeah. Are you by yourself here? Are there any other children? >> No. >> Okay. >> It's my only child. Um He, like I said, he knows how to unlock this. >> Yeah. >> But he never does it because why would you walk outside? I'm so I see got through these stairs. >> Well, I'm, you know, I don't want to Like, you know, I don't want to beat you, beat you up too bad, but I'm glad nothing else happened. >> Yeah. No, this I This will drive me crazy. >> Well, while we're talking to you and all that stuff, I mean they have chains that go higher. >> This has one and it, I hate Uh this part. I need to get this door part. >> Well, I'm just saying there's other, you know, so um what's his name? >> Matteo. >> Matteo. Okay. Do you have an ID? >> Mhm. Let me get it. >> What time do you usually wake up? >> Uh if I have work like 7:30 um but he'll wake up like at like 4:00 a.m. sometimes. >> Okay. >> And just come into here and that's what you That's why it's like this. >> I went to the the residence where the white Corolla came back and the lady was like, "Bon here? He lives up here." And when I came up here, the door was open. I go I knocked and knocked myself. She was uh sleeping. in the back >> She been running out? >> No running out. >> His dad is uh he was in a car accident a couple of years ago and a couple of years ago and um yeah, it's me and him and then my mom helps me with him sometimes while I work during the day. >> The child was taken to a safe place and the mother was [music] taken into custody shortly after. What raised further concern was her lack of awareness of how [music] serious the situation had been. >> Here, I'll take your water. Let me see. I'll give it back to you, okay? >> First, I want to change my diaper with my bottle. >> Yep, we're going to we're going to change you in a second, okay? I don't have any diapers yet. We're going to go get you some. You want to hold this water? >> Yes. >> All right. All right. So, we're going 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 didn't do anything. >> That's okay. I It's just as you're getting ready to go back in the back seat of my patrol car, I got to ask. >> I just fell asleep. I just slept. >> Okay. Um again, don't That's on you and you like that. >> No, I don't have anything. >> All right, if they do find it at the jail with their scanners, that's a felony charge. So, that's a felony charge. Okay. >> I don't do anything. >> All right. Um Were you taking any alcohol in the last 24 hours? >> Cuz I don't want you to 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. Any type of one second. All right. You can take a seat back there. I'm going to be frank with you, okay? Um I don't think you have any previous history of this. >> No. I just fell asleep. >> Um like you're going to work with DCF or a parenting plan. State attorney's going to review everything. The judge has to review everything. So, again, you're innocent until proven guilty. Um >> And then if I if it is proven guilty that I fell asleep >> it proven guilty, doesn't mean you're to be denied your child or anything like that. Um >> What about my business? When people look me up, they're going to see I I'm a I'm a child abuser? >> Dude, >> that's how I feed my child. The doors were locked. >> Again, you're you're aware that your child has been opening doors. >> want to [ __ ] talk to you. Just shut the [ __ ] up. >> You live near water hazards. You live on a second story flight hazard. And Palm Harbor or uh Clubhouse Drive is right there. Um And your kid's 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 here's my 4-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 woken up. >> Yeah, if >> And I just I just check on him because I I've known maybe cuz I do this job, but um >> I mean, we're in like a an apartment the size of like most people's room. Like it's like how how much could he really do I thought, you know, without me waking up. >> that nothing happened to your child, okay? >> but yeah. >> do. >> I know. >> Cuz if you tell me that he fell in that water and have you been to drownings and >> His father was in And that could have happened, too. >> So, again, I'm not going through the what ifs. I'm just looking at 8 and 1/2 hours and with the the hazards um you know, I I think you should have been a little bit more diligent there, okay? >> I just I >> You can disagree with me, but >> 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. I can't use my phone before I get in, can I? >> Uh I can't. Yeah, cameras >> The woman was charged with felony child neglect. Under Florida law, she could face a sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison. Fatigue may be a reason, but it can never [music] excuse a lapse in awareness. A young child cannot protect themselves from unexpected dangers, and their only source of safety and support comes from their parents. [music] Behind what was described as a disturbing secret lies a harsh reality of what this infant endured within the walls of their own home. >> Nope. Evidence. >> You're on the right. >> Oh, [ __ ] I'm sorry. >> Did you get my phone number? >> Step over here, please. Stand over there. He's going to be under arrest. >> I'm I'm his attorney. >> That's fine, but don't worry about it. >> Wait. >> Uh I think he's done. He'll be able to talk to >> I got his phone. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You guys want to need his phone or anything? Give me your phone. All right, you're good. Nope, take the phone. Let me tell you he's a doctor, he's an attorney. >> Okay. >> This case is over, wait. >> This case is over, he's still talking to his >> Okay. Okay. Nope, you're under arrest. You're under arrest, man. You got a warrant. >> Yeah. >> All right. Let's go. >> Upon being taken into custody, the man showed little visible reaction and immediately requested to speak with an attorney. >> [music] >> Thanks, officer. >> Thank you. >> I will explain to you, man. Don't worry. We got all the paperwork. Explain everything why you're in custody and everything. All right, just know that you're in you have a warrant right now. We'll give you all the information. All the questions we'll answer them right now. >> Okay. >> Come on, man. >> You got the warrant, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we'll get you to the elevator, probably. I'm going to just look at the warrants, please. >> [music] >> All right. All right, man. >> Good job. >> Thank you very >> I'll do it, thank you. >> All right, man. Make a right. >> Take care. >> You got a tool? >> More? >> More. >> I feel it. >> What's up? >> Oh. Oh, yeah. >> All right, man. We're going to get that chrome Vic right there. Okay. I'm just going to check him real quick. Yep. You got anything on you, man? >> No. >> No? No problem. I can hear you. Smoke weed, so I don't know if you have any more weed on you. >> I don't >> No? Okay. All right, man. Go ahead and just uh spread your feet for me. >> That apparent detachment drew strong concern as his focus seemed directed inward while the child's condition remained the central issue for investigators. >> It was a villa. Put your hands up under the waist. You switch on from You want to search him real quick? >> No. >> You can go ahead and Stay there. I appreciate you. >> Holy [ __ ] >> Yeah. You can get on the side of the car if you Just bear with us for a minute. We're trying to get the AC going. We're going to get another one that's That's going to be a more of a comfortable ride going over there. So, you got to go all the way to the PD now, to Joliet Police Department. >> I had to take my phone, though. He said everything. >> What's your party property, right? >> Yeah. I was going to do it for my brother, though. I ain't know >> What do you want number? You want phone numbers, too? I'm sorry. >> Oh, yeah. That's it, though. You ain't never lying, sir. >> Uh as soon as we get there, you can call just let them know where what's going on. We'll give you more information. I'm sure he has questions, too, so >> I think you got him. >> Yeah. >> Your car can stay here if you set up for it. >> No, I got you, bro. Yeah, I got you. >> Make him have a seat for now. We got to Get your driver, man. >> Yes, sir. >> Go. >> The man was charged with aggravated battery to a small child. [music] In Illinois, this is a serious felony. Bail was denied, and he could face a sentence ranging from 6 to 30 years [music] in prison. What is especially difficult to comprehend is that the victim was only 3 months old, unable to call for help or escape, with only faint cries to signal distress. Accusations went back and forth, but only one party had to face legal responsibility. What was happening in Illinois? >> You just about to smash me with that >> She had a lamp in her hand. Caused me a little bit. >> On August 17th, 2025, police received an emergency call from a child reporting a family conflict between the father and mother. They quickly arrived at the home and approached the father, who initially denied all allegations. >> Have you any questions? >> Oh, is it >> 8240878240 >> Okay, what happened? >> Oh, she's nuts. >> Okay, but >> Today or day >> Yeah, right now. >> Oh, yeah, right now. >> Last night when she put me in the >> Is this last night or today? >> Is this last night? >> You tried to rip this off of >> Look, let me just >> inside right now. >> Okay, last night. >> So, you got to see it right there? Cuz she had a lamp in her hand. >> I see that, yeah. This was last night though. What happened just now though? Okay. I I know what that means, sir. BUT WE'RE HERE BECAUSE SOMEONE CALLED US FOR WHAT happened right now. What's going on? Hello. >> First off, are you okay? >> No, I THINK MY HAND. >> SO CAN YOU START OVER AGAIN? I'M SORRY, WE COULDN'T hear you that well. >> I've been out here all day. >> So you guys didn't get any kind of altercation today? This was just last night? >> Last night. >> Nothing today? Okay. >> She had a lamp in her hand. Calls me a little She ripped the blankets. I was sleeping in their bed. >> Where'd she go? Is there a bathroom in there or where where is that? >> Okay. You were sleeping? >> Yes. >> So why did she wake you up? We don't know? Okay. >> I I said like what what stamina is and like I don't know, her and her sister-in-law is like really out of They're really hard for money. >> Yeah, financial issues? >> I literally sent them a thousand dollars >> Okay. >> last night. That's what erupted today. >> So was she mad that you sent the money or okay to her her sister? >> Yeah, that's why today right now >> Yeah. >> I sent her sister a thousand dollars last night. Her brother-in-law last night. And then all of a sudden this [ __ ] erupts. >> Last night or right now? >> No, today. >> Okay. So I'm going to ask you again then, did anything physical occur today? >> Not today. >> But last night? >> Last night. >> Okay. I want to make sure I understand. So you guys were still arguing today about the money that you sent last night. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Okay. I'm understanding. I'm just making sure. >> He gets mad when you send your brother-in-law a thousand dollars. >> I don't know, sir. >> I know. >> To clarify the situation, police entered the home and gathered information from both the mother and the child. At this point, the statements from both sides began to conflict. >> I want to see if I can talk to her if you want to stay out here with them. I don't know if Corey's inside. Hi, baby. He's saying nothing happened physical today. He's saying that last night. He's also like he's intoxicated right now. >> He's usually intoxicated when we're here. >> So you're saying that the phone got wrapped around your hand? >> It was a phone, whatever. He took his phone, he took my hand, whatever. He took a little twist. >> Okay. Did he get his phone back from you? >> He is telling me that you said nothing happened today. >> So obviously you're telling me that something did, which is fine. He's saying that last night there was a cold moment. Do we know anything about this though? Mom knows that you called and that's okay. You did the right thing. If you're ever scared that mom's getting hurt or anything like that, you always call. But can you tell me what you saw? >> So I was going to I was I went on my scooter. >> Yeah. >> I went and then when I turned back the stove was on. >> The stove is on? >> No, over there. >> The grill? >> Yeah, it's on. >> You were on your scooter outside >> No, no, no, that's fine. It's fine. >> your scooter outside and then what happened? >> I mean dad and then I see dad get home. >> Okay. >> It's okay. >> However, based on the child's testimony and direct observation, police confirmed [music] that physical contact had occurred within the family, leading to the father being detained. >> Hold on, puppy. >> All right. >> Hold on. >> So, you told me that nothing physical happened today, but in fact something physical did happen today. >> Today? >> Yeah, just now. You're So, did you grab her hand at any point when she had your phone? >> I grabbed my phone back. >> Again, did you grab her arm in any way cuz she was holding your phone? >> I grabbed my phone back. >> Okay. Oh, well, she has a swollen hand, that's why I'm asking you this. That's why I'm asking you. >> No. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. >> I know. >> Okay. >> Let's take a picture of her hand. So. >> All right. >> I mean, you don't want to get her name in this report. >> No, no. >> Yeah, and he told me when I first got here that nothing happened today. >> Are you trying to call my wife? >> Kids saw them kind of pushing each other in the garage, and she said yeah, that that's she took his phone. >> When he grabbed her >> Is his arm in >> Her hand's not swollen. >> Brian? >> Brian. >> It happened in the garage? >> I mean, you on the same page? >> Yeah. >> I mean, you never [ __ ] touched her. I'll show you a video but I don't have the actual video. part, but she [ __ ] choked me. >> Okay, Brian, just due to everything today, that you have to come with us. So, let me have you stand up. Have you stand up. >> No. >> All right, put your hands behind your back for me. Yep. >> a piss first? >> Um, no. You can at the police department, though. Okay? At least at this time you're going to be arrested for domestic battery. >> Can I Can I show you the video? >> Hold on. You are You showed me the video from last night, sir. From last night, yes. >> I did not touch her. My son My son broke >> Does he have a mug shot? >> Here to 1101. >> Relax, we're going to >> You have no idea Take my phone. Take my phone. I will show you all these [ __ ] videos. >> When we get you in the back >> You You have no idea what I go through. You have no idea what I go through every day. Every day I go through this every [ __ ] day. >> You have no idea how horrible my life >> You have no idea how horrible my life is. My life is horrible. >> I'm going to pat you down you don't have anything in your pockets, do you? >> Yeah, I got Get me in the [ __ ] car. >> I don't appreciate that. >> I don't give a [ __ ] >> Okay. >> Get me in the [ __ ] car. >> You can wait. >> Quick, quickly. >> No. >> We have to pat you down which is why he asked you that question and you're giving us that response so >> I get it. I get it. I get it. I get it. >> Okay. >> You have no idea how horrible my life is. Ask my [ __ ] daughter. >> Before taking the father to the station, police returned to the home to collect additional information ensuring the safety of everyone involved. >> I got I got him or her. Hi puppies. >> Can you just take the daughter? I'm going to take him into the PD. Can you just get pictures of her hands? >> Um little one? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't know if you heard or not and if >> No, I haven't. I have the kids information, right? I get the paperwork, I'll do all the assessments and what not. >> Thank you. Just pictures. >> Mhm. Um first thing I want to do if it's okay with you is take a picture of your hand real quick. >> Okay. I don't know what I'm doing right now. Let me turn on the kitchen light and stuff. >> Please. Thank you. I'm so embarrassed. I usually really remember printing a whole bunch of them out. I don't know where I put them though. Okay, first thing I got to take is a full body >> Don't get my face. >> I'm going to show them to you. >> Yeah, that's that's >> Sorry. Can I smile or not? It's probably what you're going to say anyway. >> I don't want to but it's not for publication. It's not a factor. >> It's not going to be anyway. >> You have victim you have your own victim's rights and things like >> Keep up both your hands together so we can see that compare them. >> You brought your open carry? >> So this is Illinois Domestic Violence Act. >> I thought it was my name. I was like no, it's misspelled. >> That's just just So it's got information about domestic violence and how to obtain a um of protection if you feel it's necessary. That means you can also put your children as protected parties if you wish, okay? You can put their uh school address, you put a bunch of stuff in there. If the judge grants it, once he's served, he can't have any contact with any of the parties that are protected. You would be one for sure, right? Is there any questions at all? >> No, sir. >> Okay, man. Hope you have a better night, okay? >> Yes, you too. Thank you. That's complicated, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Let me buckle in the second. I'm buckled, you okay? Can I toss it over to the other side? >> Yeah, I'm all set. >> Okay. Swing out your legs. >> Let me show you some videos. I have a hundred [ __ ] videos of her being a [ __ ] psychopath. >> Stand right here. We're going to get the handcuffs off of you. >> Oh my god. >> God damn it. >> You're not going to hit either one of us when we take these off. >> Are you being serious? I own a [ __ ] business. Do you see the [ __ ] shirt on my back? I'm very respected in all this community. >> Well, that doesn't change the fact that I asked you a question. >> I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. >> You're good. >> I need to clarify if I started the complaint or complaint. >> Okay, you just stole my phone. >> Oh, yes. >> Good. >> Yeah, this is like the other day. You stole the phone out of my hand. >> You took my phone out of my hand after I took my keys back. Are you being serious? >> Yep, I am. >> Yeah, and you just called me a little [ __ ] It doesn't matter. >> Because you're a [ __ ] [ __ ] You don't even [ __ ] realize it. I don't record you like a >> I only do this when you steal from me. I literally the only reason I do this stuff >> The father faced charges of domestic violence and child endangerment. Under Illinois law, he could face up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The children, even as witnesses, were cared for, highlighting that seeking help when witnessing conflict is the right and necessary action. Another boy in Illinois called the police on his own mother, who had once promised to protect him for life. But in a moment of anger, love turned into worry and fear. >> She had pulled my hoodie over my head, pulled me down, and started back of the head. So, I swung the try to hit her arm and try to get her off of me. >> On January 5th, 2025, police received an emergency call about a family dispute between the mother and her 16-year-old son. They quickly arrived and recorded conflicting statements from both sides, with the initial cause seemingly stemming from a communication conflict. >> Hold on, man. She's making me seem like I'm in the wrong. Gave her an attitude, she decided multiple times in my face. Not just a slap, but a punch. >> Okay. >> Punched me in my head, so I swung back at her arm to try to get her off of me. I tried telling her nicely to get her off of me. She would not at all. She punched me multiple times. >> let's step back in here so I can figure out what's going on. >> She said she wants to give me up to the state. My brother said he would adopt me if that's good enough. >> Let's figure out what's going on here, okay? >> She threw my granny's ashes outside. >> Okay. Just just walk in. Sheriff's office, hello. Mind if I step in? >> He said to come in my house. >> Okay. Okay, well, he's he's just stand right here for me, okay? >> needs to take him. I'm done. >> All right. >> I'm done. >> Okay. Why don't you just hang tight right here just for so I can talk to her, but I can see you, and then I'll talk to you, okay? All right. >> my lip open. I hope so, did. >> Okay. >> I hit my son tonight. And that's the first time he's been hit by me because I had had it with his disrespect. And now I have had it with his disrespect. This has been going on for months with his mouth and being disrespectful, and screaming and yelling and showing me absolutely no respect. And tonight, it was the final straw. I had finally had it. I slapped him and then I put him Yes, I did. I will not lie. Yes, I did. I put my son today because I had finally had it, and I want him gone from my home. The state can have him. >> Tell me So, backtrack a little bit. There's too much going on here, okay? So, your side of the story, what's going on? >> He was yelling and screaming earlier. I asked him numerous times because he's yelling and screaming at his game. I have asked him numerous times, this is not just today, but today it was numerous times I asked him, stop yelling and screaming. Yelling and screaming gets inside me and it's just like uh uh it really agitates me, it irks me. Please, stop. It's not necessary. Don't need to scream and yell at the game like that. It's not necessary." I mean, cuz he will like literally yell, scream, cuss, vile things coming out of his mouth. I asked him to stop numerous times. He can say no. Then, he sat there and got an attitude about his girlfriend. She has all of his hoodies. I told him, "You need to get your hoodies back. It is not my job to provide clothing for other people." You're constantly giving your clothes to this friend, that friend. Then, you have no clothes and then you're complaining here, "Do you have no clothes?" Because you've given everything to everybody else. So, then he got even more of an attitude about me saying that his girlfriend had his hoodies because she got an attitude with him about him asking for the hoodies. So, then he's like, "I don't care. They She can burn the damn hoodies." And I'm like, "No, that's I've spent the money on that. I'm the one who's providing that. And that's not my job to provide for everyone, huh? You know, I'm letting your friends provide. I'm feeding your friends. You're giving your friends your clothes. This is not my job. You're my responsibility, you're my child. They are not." And his attitude got out of control and lippy and I had enough with his mouth and then And then he decided he was going to square up with me and hit me back. That's when his brother came up. And got Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. And and I'm not denying what I my part. >> It's ridiculous. These two are mother and [ __ ] son and they're constantly [ __ ] arguing, getting their clothes, [ __ ] drugs 24/7. You know what, Mom? I'm going to be real. 90% of the time, you're a little too agitated and you get a little too [ __ ] lippy with him back. The both of y'all are [ __ ] killing each other at the same time. >> I won't deny that it does go back and forth. My name is Jamie. >> Everything was just his mouth. >> Yeah, but that's that's what started it all. It was his mouth. It was his >> The base. >> And the face broke up among us. >> I I came first. He sat there and moved and I was going to go for his shoulder, and yes, I did hit his face. I will not lie. I will not deny that. Yes, I did After that, I am sorry because that was not my intention to hit you But I'm saying and for for that for >> Stay tight right there for me, okay? The son revealed this was not the first time tensions had arisen and expressed a desire to be in a safe environment. >> Can I see your license? >> Can I see your license? >> I don't know. It's not too bad. >> [ __ ] >> Okay. If she wants to give me up to the state >> Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. I'm here. Let's Hey, I don't I don't need another fight going on, okay? I'll talk to you and get your side of the story here in just a second, okay? >> So, it was what she said pretty much. I can confirm what happened >> I tried pushing her off of me and trying to tell her to get off nicely. She had pulled my hoodie over my head, pulled me down, and started back of the head. So, I I tried tried to hit her arm and try to get her off of me. >> After the just arguing because you were not allowed with her >> I didn't even I missed, and then my brother had gotten out here and broke us two up. >> So, whatever he came out >> Yeah, he >> He came out. You guys were mutually >> Yeah. >> He wasn't out when I got >> I did not hit her at all. I only missed her arm because I was trying to get her off of me. I was like this. She had my hoodie fully over my head. I went like this, and it was a short shot. Please do not let her send me to the state. I've already had it >> I'm not worried about that right >> If she wants to get rid of me, please either let my brother adopt me or I go to my >> Your brother, this brother here? >> Either him or my girlfriend's parents. They would Please, she This is not the first time she's put on me. First time she has but not the first time she has put her hands >> So, whenever she hit you, was it like a closed fist? >> It was all closed fist. She did not hit me. I wouldn't have gotten mad if she >> And this is all over your video game. >> Because what she had said, she had said that she was about to go off on Abby. I said, "No, I will take that phone from you. Do not make an argument between me and my girlfriend, please." >> Over this bedroom? >> Yeah, she had stepped up and me, so I said, "Please do not push me." And then she started [ __ ] >> Police continued taking statements from other family members and sought temporary care for the boy. >> Want you to hang out here with hang out with Deputy Messer, okay? >> Okay, whenever you I mean is this like is this you [ __ ] >> I did not hit him in the mouth. I was not I didn't it didn't hit him in the mouth. That was not my intent. I intended to push to push him in the car and it was after he squared up and before then I had pushed him on the couch and he stood up and he and he squared with me and that was when he got was when he put his his stuff like he was going to hit me. Okay, now you're not going to do that Miles. You're not going to be a 16-year-old kid thinking that you are going to put your hands on your mother. Yes, I did. After he sat there and up with me like he was going Right in the Yeah, because he knew when I went and swung at he moved and it hit him in his mouth. >> Who else was here? >> Um I was here sitting here. I haven't moved. Actually, I haven't just got up sitting here. >> So, tell me he's pretty much everything that's been said pretty accurate from what you see. From what he said, tell me you kind of came out >> The both of them were I can tell you when I was >> I was trying to break it up. >> The the fact the fact that >> It was a mutual thing at that point, right? >> He was in the second of the both of them were fighting. I was saying, "Calm down." >> I screamed first. >> came out. I think he came out before >> Actually, I came out before I was coming to get the [ __ ] >> Both of you because both of you are [ __ ] ridiculous. >> So, what I'm gathering is the game is loud. The game is loud. >> He was sitting there every time he lost a Fortnite as loud as you could scream as a human like he didn't care about the neighbors. He would just outburst. So, she was telling him to stop that stop that and then it was just it just kept escalating. And then the whole they kind of calmed down and then they started talking about the the hoodies and it just re-escalated back up. He had said, you know, "Don't text my girlfriend that you're mad or about the hoodies." He said he was going to break her phone and she went up to him and like just said, "You know, you're really going to do that over some girl?" She kind of pushed him, he fell down, he got up, kind of squared, bumped into his mom, and they were like really close, you know, they just started hitting each other. >> I think maybe she lives here and he lives here. >> I don't live here. I'm just over here. Let me talk to him real quick and then just hang tight here, okay? >> to go to my girlfriend's house. >> Well, we're not going to go to there there right now. Can you come back out here, man? >> What? >> Come back out here until we're done. I understand you're trying to sit down, but let us do our job and then we can we'll sit down. >> During the check, police noticed a minor cut on the boy's lip. Although he did not want his mother to face consequences, [music] Illinois law requires police to follow proper procedures when there is evidence of risk to a child. >> All right. So, do you have a coat or something? So, you are under arrest for domestic battery, okay? So, you have a coat or something you want to throw on real quick? >> Yeah, and let me talk to my mom. I have my gym shoes though. >> Yeah, just to warn you >> to jail. I don't want that young man in my home. >> Just to warn you, they're they will make you take those laces out or give you slides there if you just want to wear slides. >> Yeah. >> So, here's here's the deal. Unfortunately, he resides here. As long as brother and him aren't going to have issues, he's going to stay here. The we'll call DCFS and let them know that Well, that's we have to do >> Well, you're getting me arrested, so you you can have your space. >> I've had a shitty year, please. He's not violating rights for me. >> Nothing's going to happen tonight. >> All right, as comfortable there as comfortable as they can get. >> fine. >> Okay, you don't have any other pockets, do you? Are you wearing >> I have my shorts, they're pockets, but there's nothing >> Do you have Do you have a wallet, a phone that you want to bring with you? >> Yes. >> Is this your phone, the purple one? >> What does that new bail thing do? We just go down and pick her up then? >> No, she'll have to see a judge. That's how it really changed in the state of Illinois, you can't go down and bond people out, they have to see a judge first. >> So, it'll be like Monday? >> Probably. Will they come in? >> Yeah, with it being after midnight, she won't see a judge probably tomorrow. Thanks again for you to transport her, but I don't think they'll That's fine. >> It's not your fault. It's his fault. >> Yeah, you just need to do your transporting and I'll do the report tomorrow, honestly. >> Okay. >> Sit on out. We'll be back in we'll talk to you here in just a second. >> Just for uh future reference, if you guys ask if I want to press charges, no, I don't. >> Okay. He can explain that to you here in a minute. >> I'll go unlock and turn my camera on. Can I go to this second car here, okay? >> Okay, I'm trying not to walk in this way because these are slippers. >> Here, let's go. We can just Yeah. >> I can just pull up over here. >> Okay. >> I just want to say thank you. Thank you for not needing to be colder than >> Those are nice. Did you just get them? >> Yeah, I bought them for myself. >> Okay. Never can go wrong with Step on up here. So, Deputy Messer's going to going to transport you, okay? So, like I said, DCFS will be involved. And whenever they call you, I would just talk to them about kind of what's going on. Sounds like you guys have quite the history kind of kind of. Has DCFS been involved? >> No, this is the first time I've gotten the cops involved, actually. >> Okay. You having DCFS involved is not always a bad thing. They can give resources, especially if you're having issues with him, repeated issues. >> He just got off probation. That's uh >> Unfortunately >> Yesterday, as a matter of fact. >> Unfortunately, in the state of Illinois, whenever we have physical signs of a domestic, we have to arrest, okay? That's just kind of the way it is. So, um I'm not saying that there's that's going to be the end result, but that's the way it is today. >> Yeah, I totally understand. >> All right, good luck to you, okay? All right, I appreciate you being cooperative, okay? All right, good luck to you. >> Go straight down that. >> Yeah. >> Straight down that. >> Yep, no problem, man. >> I didn't even think about that. Thank you. >> Yep, no problem, man. 10-4, 519. I'll be 76 to satellite with female 95. >> Police returned to the home to inform relatives about the legal process the mother could face. >> I got a response from Jordan. >> No, you're good, man. Door's open. So, I'll just kind of explain this to you real quick. In Illinois, I know you said you didn't want to press charges on her. In Illinois, it doesn't matter. If there is signs of a domestic, there are, you have the by meaning the swollen lip >> Can I ask a question here real quick? Cuz I just recently had something with my wife and uh we've been separated for a long time. >> Uh-huh. >> And then I met Jamie, right? And so I've been hanging over here. Well, she hit me in my trailer over there. Sheriff's came out. Nobody got arrested. >> I I I don't know. I don't know the facts of that. I can't speak for what happened in that case and I don't I don't know what the deputy's decision was at that point. But given the fact that you have >> in lip, everybody's admitted she threw the first one. >> You know, there's there's difference in in disciplining your kids and getting in a fight with your kid. That's two separate things. Hitting the kid in the mouth is that's >> I don't think she meant to I think she just >> matter if she did or not. She meant to hit him and she's admitted that. >> Yeah. >> It doesn't matter in what way, you know. >> This whole night just kind of went I can't even believe it went that the way it did. It's just rough. >> Everything was calm and chill when I got Everyone was happy-go-lucky and all of a sudden [ __ ] the [ __ ] fan and I was >> kind of what can happen. I know you said you don't want DCFS involved. DCFS is not always Everybody DCFS kind of has a stigma that they're going to take you away. >> I I want to stay with them. They care about us. >> But hear me out. Hear me out. >> the stigma means a bad rap. >> Every Everybody thinks with DCFS that thinks that hey, they're going to go to take you away. That's not it. >> She said they're not that bad. She's dealt with them before. >> Yeah, they're not they're not and honestly they're going to give you resources. They're going to give you resources. >> So they're not going to put me in a foster home so he can get custody? >> Well, he could or they they they may get your mom they may get give your mom resources to be able to help help counsel maybe counseling for you, counseling for your mom. I think both of you can Maybe some counseling together so you guys can understand each other better. >> Both of y'all need some >> counseling. >> This is coming from someone who hey, remember when when I first came back from Chicago? >> Oh, remember how >> quickly I was like kaboom kaboom >> Remember remember all of that power? >> over the >> this little this little >> And then he went to counseling for how many >> Do I still go kaboom? Yeah, I still blow the >> [ __ ] up. >> But not as much and not over this >> this little this [ __ ] things anymore. >> I mean this is all >> The The both of y'all need help. >> And this >> And maybe maybe some >> counseling >> together so you You can help understand If of you can understand anything >> I'm okay I'm okay with anything counseling therapy. I don't care. Don't want to be taken >> I don't I don't think you should probably worry about that. So I'm going to tell DCFS that he's in your custody for right now, okay? Just because I got to How old are you? >> I'm 21. >> 21 I almost forgot how old I was. >> Okay. >> 23. >> So you're old enough. You can take care of him. There's no issues with that, right? Just I got to say hey who he's in custody of. If I don't do that then I have to take you with me and then I have to place him somewhere and I don't want to have to do that. You don't want to do that. I don't want to do that. >> That's all I was worried about. >> So you're in your house. Stay in your house. You don't probably need to go to girlfriend's house tonight. Stay here. Stay here. Calm down. Let emotions calm down. Everybody else go on their own way. Just because she's getting arrested that doesn't mean that that's you know she's going to get charged with it today but that doesn't mean she's going to get convicted of it. It's basically I can't allow you guys to stay here in the same house and then it escalates into something there and that's you know that's kind of what we're What we're doing tonight is for lack of a better term we're putting a band-aid on it. We're getting rid of the problem. We're separating the issue and that doesn't mean that that's the end result. That's just what we got to do tonight, okay? Do we have any questions? >> Um so when will she see a judge tomorrow? >> Probably Monday. Since it's after midnight she probably won't see a judge till Monday. Any questions for me? >> That was it. >> Okay. I'm going to get out of here, okay? >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. You guys take care, okay? >> The mother faced charges of domestic battery. Under Illinois law she could face 1 year in prison or a $2,500 fine. Ultimately love should be expressed with patience and understanding not through conflict or uncontrolled behavior. Cases like this remind us how to act within families so every home can truly be a safe, warm, and welcoming place. Legal consequences can be imposed but they cannot erase the child has endured. Children cannot protect themselves and their safety depends entirely on the adults around them. For that reason it is important not to ignore unusual or concerning signs >> [music] >> as even a small action can help prevent a tragedy. And don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to follow upcoming videos. >> [music] [music]