Are you scared? >> No. >> You nervous right now? No. >> Do you know your phone number for your mom? >> No. >> These children seemed unaware of the potential risks around them. Meanwhile, their mother was. >> My babies. I want my kids. >> What am I under arrest for? >> For reckless >> and she even treated strangers kindly while her children went without attention. >> I pick up women and children too. I pick up older men. I pick up anybody. Fortunately, the children received timely care and support, not from family, but from concerned members of the community. The older child was responsible for looking after her younger sibling while the mother was not at home. >> I don't even know what happened. >> You're a 7-year-old and your 16-month old baby alone. >> On February 16th, 2024, Palm Beach County deputies received an emergency call about two young children who may have been unsupervised. Officers quickly arrived, verified the situation, took statements from the stepfather, and checked the children's condition. >> I'm just going to swear you in, and then you're going to tell me what happened. Just raise your right hand. Just state your name. >> Emerson. >> All right. You put your hand down. Just tell me what happened. >> So, I arrived home around 7:00. >> Around 10:00. >> Entered the apartment, heard the baby crying, and went into the bedroom, saw the baby was in the crib. My stepson, the seven-year-old, trying to console her. Thought maybe you know, my wife was in the bathroom or something and I got her a bottle and I said, "Where's mom?" And he said, "She left." And I said, "Are you sure?" Like, "She's not taking the trash out." He said, "No, she left." I said, "When?" He said, "I don't know." I looked at my text messages. I mean, I normally would be getting home now. Done early. >> Okay. >> Um, >> everything happened. >> Yeah. Last contact that I had with her was like maybe quarter after 8. She had texted me asking for Thomas's our son's remote for his TV. >> That's your stepson, right? Yeah, I didn't see the text or anything like I run a restaurant. So, >> yeah, you were busy. >> All of a sudden, like getting ready to leave and I responded back. I said, "Hey." >> Okay. So, that was at >> Okay. >> Right before I got in the car to head home. >> Yeah. Like I said, found him. >> How was the seven-year-old? >> So, I contacted his father. >> Okay. >> His father instructed me to bring him to his grandparents who are staying at an Airbnb down the street. >> Where are they staying? >> No. Was Remy crying when she was crying? >> Yeah. >> Was her diaper changed? >> Uh, no. And she was sick also, so she had like >> Okay. Now, this is the other father, correct? >> Yeah. He's a firefighter. >> Can I just click his name to get his phone number? So, why did he not call? >> I told him not to contact her. And so, don't have her your parents contact her. >> So, where is he right now? Where? >> I believe so. >> All right. Just raise your right hand. Is everything you told me the truth? >> Yes. >> Okay, I'm just going to call. >> I mean, at this point, the mental health thing is like the big issue. >> I talked to another deputy or whatever earlier, and they were describing the difference between Margie and Maker, and I I was a mental health professional. I have a certified addiction counselor. >> Do you have her location correctly? >> I do not. >> The sister does. Can I just get her phone number? Not the sister, the your wife. During the response, authorities coordinated to confirm the circumstances, ensure the children's safety, and locate the mother. >> Is this Tom? Okay. You have a son named Thomas also, correct? Who is seven? Okay. Now, I am being told you got a phone call today about him being Okay. Are you at the address in West Palm? >> No, right now. No, I'm at work. >> What happened tonight? >> Yeah. Her husband, he called me. He observed that both children were home alone and they were both awake. >> Okay. Now, have you spoken to your parents who have your child? Now, did they say he had any or distraught or anything of that nature? >> Well, I did. I spoke to him on the phone. >> Okay. >> He was acting his normal self. >> Okay, perfect. I just wanted to touch base with you because obviously she is going to be arrested. >> Obviously, I do have to contact DCF in regards to this. Obviously, they might be reaching out to you, but other than that, that's going to be it for right now. >> Yeah, that's fine. if you have any questions. >> Did you find her? >> For right now, she's at the bar. >> Okay. Yeah. I mean, if she's at the bar, she left the home. So, >> yeah. All right. Have a good night. You're welcome. >> When she was located, the mother appeared stressed, illustrating the challenges parents may encounter in supervising their children. >> Turn around. Walk back. Keep coming. Keep coming. Keep coming. Keep coming. >> What's happening? >> You're okay. Keep coming back towards us. Come over to the right. Courtney, right? >> Yeah. >> What's happening? >> You got anything on you? >> No. >> All right. You're being arrested. >> Why? >> Try. >> What did my husband call? >> I'll explain everything to you. You have anything in your bra? >> I don't think so. >> Who is this guy? Who is the guy that you're with? >> A friend of mine. What's going on? >> Place you in my car and I will speak to you. I know. Take a seat. >> All right, Courtney. I'm going to read you your Miranda. Okay. Do you have a right to remain silent, not answer any questions? Do you understand? You have to say yes or no for my camera. >> Yes. >> Any statement you make must be freely and voluntarily given. Do you understand? >> You got to speak up. >> Yeah. >> If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to the presence and representation of a quarter point lawyer before. Do you understand? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> I don't even know what happened. >> You're 7year-old and your 16-month old baby alone. My husband was home. >> He was not home. >> Okay. Well, I want to myself. >> You're still going to jail. You'll just be alone. Get in a cell. >> That's what you're going to say. I'm going to be alone in a cell. >> Yeah. If you're suicidal, you'll be alone in a cell with no clothes to make sure you don't hurt yourself. >> So, you're rejecting me like mental health care. >> You'll get it at the jail. >> You must not have much patience with mental health, do you? >> What? >> I'ming like mentally like out here. Like I need to be in hospital. Well, well, what? >> You'll get the help at uh jail. >> Well, >> when you get out, hopefully you continue to get help. >> I didn't do anything wrong. I just want to go home, not trying to go to jail, dude. >> How many times have you been arrested? >> Too many times, bro. >> What? >> Some dumb. >> I'm a and I'm struggling. >> You got arrested for drugs? >> Yeah. >> That's not good. You have kids at home? I got arrested on child. Like, I'm not trying to do that. >> What did you get arrested for? >> Child. >> Wow, look at that. You got a round two. >> Notably, the 7-year-old child shared helpful information with officers. A responsible act that reminds us how important it is for adults to make proper child care arrangements before leaving home. >> All right, Thomas. I just want to talk to you. Okay. >> Okay. >> You want to sit? How old are you? >> Seven. >> Ooh, so you're smart. What do you want to be when you get older? Firefighter like daddy. You know you're not in trouble, right? >> Yeah. >> Are you scared? >> No. >> You nervous right now? >> No. >> You're brave for coming to talk to me. You were at mommy's yesterday. >> Yeah. >> You have a little sister. You like having a little sister? >> Kind of. >> Kind of. So, what happened at mommy's? >> She was like going to somewhere. I was by myself. >> Do you know how long you were by herself for? >> 30 minutes or an hour or something. Yeah. >> What did you do when mommy left? Did mommy tell you where she was going? I don't remember. >> That's okay. You don't have to remember. Were you scared when mommy left? No. You were able to take care of yourself? I know you're big. That's it. I'm done. Do you have any questions for me? >> No. >> You're really brave. You're a great big brother. I'll talk to you without her. >> The case concluded with a legal review and evaluation of temporary custody. >> Sorry for making you come out. >> I just have to get on camera, but obviously I know she left, but it just solidifies it even more for the court. >> She was arrested last night. I arrested her at the bar. Most likely what will happen is there's going to be some court some kind of court order prohibiting her from the children. And obviously DCF will talk to you, courts will talk to you, and you guys can catch from there. That's up to you guys. But usually, for the most part, the court automatically puts that in place. >> Well, it's great. She didn't like the same exact thing. >> Yeah. Was it with him? >> He was like technically involved, but he was with me at the time, but it was with his with her other son. >> And he stays with you primarily for the most part. >> Do you have any questions? Do you have my number? I really appreciate you coming out again. Sorry to make you drive all the way out of here. No, >> the mother was later charged with child. Under Florida law, this offense can result in up to 5 years in prison or probation and a fine of up to $5,000. This case is not only a legal matter, but also a reminder of the importance of child safety, emotional support, and family responsibility, especially in situations involving stress or personal challenges. This mother was raising her voice from inside the car. You guys can't arrest me. There's no >> all the way to the stationary. [Music] >> What led her to this situation? Let's find out. On July 23rd, 2024, a mother allowed a person she did not know to ride in her car with her two young children. While her intention was to help someone in need, the situation escalated, requiring police intervention and an investigation. So, I had picked a gentleman down the road up to give him a ride here to Dollar General and he got down and I don't know what this was doing. He was locking the gate and so this guy's yelling, "Help me, whatever, this next." So, I get out the car and I'm like, "Well, what's going on?" And he's me with the pepper spray, mind me. And I don't even know what's going on. Doesn't explain himself or nothing. The guy's yelling for water and stuff like that. Keep coming around getting close to my car, getting close to my kid, trying to take my license plate down. He's spraying his pepper spray. I'm covering my kids. So, all my back is covering pepper spray. That doesn't have sick face. This gentleman sees everything. I sprayed him cuz he got close to me. I felt Yes, I sprayed him. >> Real quick, where's the guy you picked up? >> I don't know. He took off on >> He knows him. He was >> I don't know him. How can you say I know him? >> Calling her by name. Asking her by name. Angela, give me water. >> Angel, sit in the car, please. I'll talk to you in a sec. >> My kid's still burning in his eyes cuz of this gentleman. Because you Why my kid? I do want to press charge. >> And you want an ambulance here? >> Yes, I do to check my son's eyes out and I'm burning all the way down my back. I do want to press charges. >> How old is your kid? >> He's three. >> Three. >> I got a six-month-old in the car. If that window was not closed, it would have got my baby. >> To verify the entire incident, the authorities entered a nearby store to take statements from the employees. >> Okay, I'll I'll talk to you away from her. That way, >> so this guy, he's filling up a shopping cart going throughout the store. I know what exactly what he's going to do. We've seen it before. And sure enough, he comes through here acting like he's going to pay. He comes right right by me here. And I let him go cuz I already had the front gate locked. I had the doors on off and I could just open them manually. I opened the doors for him. He went through, shut the doors in behind him. I locked it, called the sheriff right away. He started beating on my glass, pound the [ __ ] out of my doors, pepper sprayed him, calm them down, get him to stop. He did for about 20 minutes. Then he got crazy again. He was having communication with her 100%. bring me water. And she was getting in my face coming up onto the sidewalk. Asked what's going on. She knows exactly what's going on. I told her, "Do not come near me or I'll mace you." And she didn't. And that was good. But then when I walked around to get her license plate, a picture of it, she started getting in my face and being weird. I said, "Don't get in my face." I started backing off and she sprayed me. I didn't do anything to her. And as soon as she sprayed me, I sprayed her back. >> So you busted this window right here. >> Busted. and he went into the store, went out the back door, ran >> back saw him at the laundry that he is definitely at the laundry by the car wash over here. >> And and I'm not trying to be funny or anything. She's lying to that man. Get out of the car. And I watched her spray >> she said him up down the street for a ride. >> No, she didn't. They can't read. Her name is >> How long ago did they say they saw him down at the car wash? >> She just The lady right there that's getting in the car talking to the officer. They just told me he just pulled up and he said >> 246 384. Can you confirm what he was wearing? >> Black dark blue jeans. He had a icy coat baseball shirt with a number 15 on it. You got the shirt. >> He's got no shirt now. >> He's got a black white. >> He took it off on his back. >> Did he anybody? >> Got tattoos on his face, down his neck, and all across his entire back. >> I got a picture of him if you want to look. >> They also reviewed security camera footage which helped piece together the full sequence of events. >> You'll see him break the window here, too. That's me out front. >> So, he is shirtless. He didn't have a shirt on underneath that. >> He had a shirt on. He was shirtless. That's right. So I I didn't see the black white, but he took the shirt off because he was burning. >> Okay. >> See, here she comes. Gives him the water. >> What did he break it with? >> His foot. >> Oh, he it >> Here he goes. There he is. >> Yeah. Work on it. >> Okay. Uh, do you have an ID on you? >> Yeah. >> There you go. Would you be able to fill out a statement for me? Sure. Be right back. If that's where the pepper spray happened, the only way I think she could have gotten it on her kid is if she touched the >> Got it from her. Yeah, cuz I was directly behind the car >> when I sprayed mine. The mother explained she did not know the individual, but still allowed him near her vehicle. This serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can carry risks, especially when children are involved. >> If that window was not closed, he would have got my baby. >> There's this trail down for >> and I just arrived. You guys >> Yeah, because I had given a gentleman a ride. >> I didn't know. >> Did you know the gentleman? >> No, I didn't know what this gentleman was doing. He comes out, he's yelling, "I had money to pay for my stuff. I had money to pay for my stuff." This guy is locking the door. I'm like, "You come any closer to my car. I'm going to spray you with my pepper spray." >> You said that to him? >> Yes, I warned him once. So, he's coming this way. My son, he has autism. So, he's jumping around. Yeah. Trying to get out of the car seat. So, I'm trying to get to the door and mind me. This guy has his pepper spray out spraying me. And I'm blocking my son and he gets my son in the eye. I had to clean and wash it out. He's getting my license plate down and he's like, "Oh, you know this gentleman?" And I'm like, "I don't even know him." I picked him up down the road and I brought him this way. If I wasn't covering the door and him in the front of the door, you would have sprayed inside the car on my four uncles. >> Can I get your ID and then their names? >> No. Sit down in the car. >> And Angelica, while we're waiting, can I just clarify some things with you? So, from what you told me, you picked up this individual. You don't know who he is. Where would you say down the road? >> You picked him up. >> Did he ask you to come here or did you come here? >> No, I came here. So, you came here. If he goes inside, you're staying in the car with the babies. Yeah. >> You hear something happening to the front of the store? Get out to go check. The manager's yelling at the other individual. Do you pull your mace out at that time or did the other guy? >> No. If you come in closer, spray. I said, "Well, what's going on?" And I'm like, "Well, what's going on?" You know, >> and you were I was right here by the post cuz she was already going to try spraying me. >> What is it that made you pick up this? >> I don't know. Usually I I mean I talk to a lot of people around everywhere. You know, when I stop I just ask if he needed a ride and yeah, can I get a ride? I was like, "Okay, well, I'm going to go down to the dollar store." I said, "I got to get something." >> Did he have anything on him like anything like that? >> Nothing. I believe he's wearing just a white t-shirt and that make any statements to you besides he was just going to get down. >> You know, he just said, "I got to get down and get a few things." He goes, "Let me get down first and then then you can go ahead and go in." He goes, I was like, "Okay, I have my kids in the car." >> So, I was like I was like, "Go ahead and get down first and then I'll get down." Well, he was kind of taking for a while. I sat there and I was like, "This is a while." He was screwed me to the man. So like that's when I got and I'm like well what's going on? I have a water in the car and he's like can you give me a water? I can't breathe. I got the water and I threw the water at him like that. Cuz he was already like >> sorry the child >> the guy >> the guy you picked up. >> Yeah. Like um >> he got sprayed with knees too. Oh yeah. That guy. He's like I'm not letting you go. And I'm like well what's going on? He's like what do you think's going on? I was like I don't know. That's why I'm asked. He's like well he's stealing. I was like I didn't know he was going to come in here and steal. The case highlighted the balance between helping others and ensuring child safety and led to legal procedures being initiated. >> So, I'll be honest right now. I'm not too concerned about that aspect. My partner is investigating that aspect. What you're telling me matches what the witness told me. Why did you let an unknown male into your car when you had a 6-month-old and a three-year-old in your car? >> Yeah. And that's when I pulled this out. >> Yeah. It's a domestic thing I do. >> Don't pull it out cuz I don't want to scare you. >> Oh, yeah. I'm so sorry. No, no, no, no. Is that something you normally do is pick up strangers? >> Um, sometimes, yeah, when I see them or whatever and I see it's a hot day, like I'll pick them up. My dad always tells me not to be doing that, unfortunately, because it could be dangerous. But, you know, I learned the hard way, I guess, cuz look what I just got myself into. And like, >> and that's why I'm asking you is no joke. And then I had my kids with me at that. If I would have known something like that was going to happen, I definitely would not have my kids with me. I teach preschool. I teach kids with that have disabilities and stuff. So, I work with children that have disabilities. My son has a disability. >> It does happen quite often that you pick up strangers just to get them out of the heat. >> That sort of thing. Nothing about him that you saw concerning. You just wanted to help him. >> How often would you say you do that? >> Uh, I mainly only do it for children and females when I see them walking. I would say I do it about six times a week, you know. >> Six times a week. >> Cuz I do work for Lift, too. So, it's like >> in this car? >> No, not in this car. I have another car that I work for. This is a loaner from the dealership. I need to talk to my supervisor for a second. Based on what you're telling me, I am going to go ahead and just detain you for right now. You're not under arrest at this time. I just need to talk to him and possibly call a few detectives and they might want to speak to you. Okay. >> The mother now faces the possibility of being temporarily separated from her children during the investigation. >> Witness says she sprayed the employee first and then he sprayed her. She's saying back. >> Okay. I was going to say she's saying the employee sprayed her first and she went to protect her child and got sprayed. None of what she said makes sense with what the witness said or where she got sprayed. >> They have the footage of that little interaction. So pretty much the manager came over here to get her license plate. She got pissed off. Soon as he got behind the car, she reached out and sprayed nothing. He got sprayed and sprayed her right back and she like kind of ran off to the side. So your name's on Helica, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So you have the right to remain silent or make instinct. You understand your rights as I've explained it to you. Okay. So, quick push >> maybe. >> Okay. Who's in the car with you? >> I don't know. >> You don't know who he is? Because from what we're being told, you would be willing to pick up a complete and total stranger with your kids in the car. >> Yeah. I pick him up all the time. Even like cuz I live right there in the war zone. You know, I live right there in the backside of town. I pick up women and children, too. I pick up older men. I pick up anybody. >> Okay. So, do you understand how that can be a to you and your children? >> Yes. I told I told the officer already that I now I understand like God, you know, and can lead to things that like this. >> You have absolutely no idea who this guy is. No name, no nothing. Okay. Well, you're going to have to sit tight cuz next we're going to be getting a hold of the crimes against children event. >> Please. No. >> Especially until we got to we got to identify who this guy is. So, >> I don't know. Please don't. >> Hang out. Hang out. The situation became more difficult during interactions with law enforcement, likely influenced by stress and anxiety. >> I want my kids. You guys can't arrest me. I'm telling you. There's no child involved. I want my kids. I need to call my parents. You guys are doing this all wrong. You guys are doing this wrong. Oh, my kids. My baby. >> All right, Angelica. We're going to head inside and party now. I know you have a bracelet on your wrist and >> I need my phone to call my parents. What do you want to tell your parents? >> I need them to get my kids. >> So, they're not going to be able to get their kids. >> Yes, they are. >> Why can't they get my kids? >> I need to call them to get my kids. >> I need to call them to get my kids. >> Go ahead and just stand right here. >> I need to call them to get my kids. I need to call them to get my kids. >> You have anything on you that I don't understand? >> No, I don't. I need to call my parents to get my kids. You guys are not putting them in the system. I need to call my dad like right now. >> What's your dad's name? My dad's name is Sam. I need to call him. >> What about your mom saying stay facing that way? >> I'm not I don't want to associate with my mom. >> Suggest your dad. >> I need to talk to my dad now. I need them to go get my kids. Wherever you guys took them. >> Like I said, there's still other detective. >> Well, I need to go pick them up in my car. >> You don't have anything in your >> No, I don't. >> Okay. Go ahead and lean forward. Just the top part. I'm going to shake out your bra. I'm going to take off the bracelet. Do your rings come off? No. I need to call my parents now cuz you guys are going to put it in the system. I need to call my parents. >> I'm going to put a different paragraph post. >> I need to call my parents. I need to call my dad. I need to call them right now. I need to call my parents. I need to call my parents right now. You have my kids. >> Are they the only kids that you have? >> No, I have my other ones. My parents have them. >> They're with your parents? >> Yes. I need to call my parents. >> Go ahead and take a seat. >> No, I need to call my parents. >> I hear that you want to call your parents. I need to call them to get my kids. >> I told you what's happening. >> I need to call them to get my kids. >> I need to call my parents to get my kids. I need my phone. You guys can't talk. You guys have to call my parents to get my kids. I call my call my kids. I need you. Call my bird. Call my [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] >> Hey, Angelica. CFD is here. They want to ask you a few questions. Okay. >> Okay. Go. If you're going to talk to them, I need you to sit on the bench and stay seated. >> Child and family services became involved to assess and evaluate the children's safety and the situation severity. >> Hi. Hi. My name is Kim. This is Dana. We're here because we received a report. So, the allegations that we have are for other neglect, the electric stuff. And then, so that's my report. So, what happened today? >> Yeah, I picked up it on on Hill. I took him to the Dollar General and he went into the Dollar General first and I didn't know that he was really stoked. He comes out of the Dollar General saying, "I paid for all this stuff." Well, he didn't say stuff, but he said, "I paid for all the I had money to pay for all this stuff." So, I got out of the car and I said, "What happened?" And then the altercation was between me and their employee started throwing me with pepper spray and stuff like that. And what was the reason that you picked up on my mouth? >> I mean, I always do it. >> It's hot out there. You do it with your kids. Oh, sometimes not. >> And you're not afraid of your safety or your children's safety? >> Yeah. Now, you know, I realized a lot of the times I only do it for children and kids that are watching. >> I rarely do it for for males that >> Okay. So, how much how many times a week would you say you pick up from women and children? About six times a week. Males, it's rare. >> Okay. here and there when I pick up every but >> you didn't know his name or anything. He didn't provide you with a name, a phone number or anything. >> No, I didn't ask for it. >> What happened? Sorry to interrupt you. >> I just picked him up and I >> and then what else happened? >> He got down first and went in there, stayed in there for 10 minutes. He came out was trying to walk out of a store. the man had locked the date the door and I didn't know what was going on. They were yelling at each other cuz he came around from the other side of the store. So I thought it was so he was he was wearing all black. You couldn't really tell if he was a worker or not. He wasn't even wearing worker clothes or anything. So he comes around and there's an altercation between them and and I get out of the car and I'm like, "Well, what's going on?" You know, he's like, "What do you think's going on?" And I'm like, "I don't know." And he's like, "Well, he's stealing." And I was like, "How was I supposed to know he was stealing?" I didn't know that. What about with the peppers? He got close to my car. I felt my kids are in the car. What was I supposed to do then? I'm never going to go with you guys. Like, I'm a teacher. I teach at school. So, this child is not right. >> You do have two prior cases with us. >> No, I don't. I've never had >> the last report was closed on March 1st of 2023 and it was for an shelter. And then you had >> We were homeless. >> I remember we had another one back in 2019. >> I don't know what that was for. I don't remember that. >> You said you're a teacher. What school? >> I teach at Latine. >> Okay. >> I've been a teacher for over 5 years. Like I have my own house. I have my own place. I have my own car. >> The following procedures were completed shortly after. >> You're going to stand on those yellow boxes, face the desk. I'll do my search. Then they'll do theirs. Okay. Same thing as before. Back of my hand's going to come down in the class. Okay. I put her little paper in one of these pockets. >> Yeah, it's a phone number. This one, so I'm just going to leave it. Same thing. Back of my hand's going to come down. >> I told my a lot of fun. whatever you have on that comes up. >> The mother was charged with child and battery. Under New Mexico law, if convicted, she could face up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000. This case reinforces that kindness must go handinhand with caution as even small decisions can have significant consequences when children's safety is at stake. The boy wandered only a short distance, but it led to a long process of legal and safety considerations for his family. >> You don't want some crazy person be picking you up. Okay. >> He was on the four-wheeler. >> No, he's walking. >> No, he was walking. >> In October 2024, police received a call about a 10-year-old boy who was found walking alone about 1 mile to a local store. Officers quickly arrived to ensure his safety and attempted to contact his mother. >> No. Okay. Are you homeschooled? >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Do you know how to read? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. What grade would you be in? >> Fifth. >> Fifth grade. How old are you? >> 10. >> You're 10? >> No. 11. >> You're 11. Okay. Do you know your mom's name? >> Yeah. >> Do you know a phone number for your mom? >> No. >> No. Where does she work at? >> A gas station. >> Okay. Which one? >> I don't know. It's just a gas station. I don't know the name or anything. >> Okay. Do you care to write your name down for me and your birthday? Hm. >> Not really. >> No. That's perfect. I like your name. This my friend Matthew. Thank you very much. That's an awesome name. You said what's your mom's name? >> Although Georgia has no specific law setting a minimum age for children to go out alone, child welfare guidelines suggest that children aged nine can stay home for short periods. While the mother's decision was not entirely unlawful, it did involve certain safety risks. >> Okay, I call mom. Hello. This is >> Hey, this is Deputy Robertson, Fanny County Sheriff's Office. >> Hey, do you have a son named >> I do. Yes, I do. >> So, we're out with him on Railroad Avenue in Mineral Bluff. >> Mhm. >> I I mean, I'm I'm trying to figure he's walked all the way down here from wherever y'all live. >> Okay. Is there somebody at the house that's with him? >> My dad was with him. I had to leave to go pick up my other son and he was supposed to come with me and I couldn't find him anywhere. I guess he just decided to walk off and go for a walk and so then I had to leave and take my other son to the chiropractor. >> Okay. You didn't. >> So I just left because I didn't know if he was just back out in the woods or where he was. >> Okay. You didn't think to call us? >> Well, no, because I figured he'd come home. He's done or walk back in the woods when he gets mad or frustrated and then he'll come home like an hour later. So he never walked all the way mineral blood though. >> Okay. Yeah, cuz he I mean he's walking down the side of the intersection and >> Well, and to be honest with you, he's very defiant. He won't listen to me. So I kind of figured that one day he might get picked up you guys and maybe he would learn that he just can't do that because I've told him he can't do that before. >> More of our concern is him him getting by a car. >> Yeah, me too. But I don't I mean I don't know what to do with it to be honest with you. I'm within with this kid. We got three other kids that are great and this kid just doesn't listen. works. And honestly, I didn't know I could just call you guys when I was 100% sure if he was missing because I was I thought he was maybe back in the woods cuz we've got 16 acres and he does that a lot. So, I know that he was not on property. >> Okay. Um I mean, yeah, that's kind of important to to let us know if you can't find your child. >> So, even if I'm not sure that he's that he's on the property or if he's not. >> I mean, yeah, if you can't find your child, that's that's kind of important. Uh >> cuz I thought you couldn't file like missing person stuff until much time had passed. Literally been 5 minutes since I had seen it. It's different when it's a child. >> Okay. Well, I just don't know these things. So, but yeah, I'm down in LJ. I'll be back home. >> So, how long to be home till 9:15. >> How long's it been since you seen your son? >> I left the house at actually was late. I left at 12:50 because I had to be down here in LJ at the chiropractor at 1:30 or I'm sorry at 12:30 and he was going to come with me. I brought I brought his computer in the car. He got dressed. Me and my daughter went and got in and I told him I'd be in the car. We waited 5 minutes. He wasn't went back inside to look for him. He wasn't in the house. So I just left. I figured he was back in the something cuz we just had an argument about his school work. Honestly, if you knew him, you would know that this is like this happens all the time. He gets mad and he stomps off in the woods and he comes back like an hour later when he's home down. So, >> I'm going to have to do a report on this. Um, >> that's fine. Go ahead. >> Okay. So, if I can get you Do you have your driver's license on you? >> Uh, yes. >> Officers reassured the child and helped him return home safely. >> All right, my friend. Are you hot or cold? Okay. Have you had anything to eat today? No. When's the last time you ate? Is there anything to eat at your house? >> Yeah. >> Don't tell me grandpa's here. >> Supposed to be. He said he hasn't ate today and can't remember the last time he ate. >> He's off the line. >> Yeah. All right, come on out here. >> You got you a turkey. Is that a turkey? What's this thing? You don't know. You got a bunch of chickens, too, don't you? You got a big old rooster. >> You know what kind of chicken that is? >> No. >> No. Where is grandpa at? Is he here? [Music] >> Big dog. >> Big dog. Good. Yes. I'm glad you got that door shut. I don't >> I don't think so. >> They also spoke with the child's grandfather to explain what had happened. >> Come back out here with us for just a second. >> He's just a big baby. >> Is grandpa Is grandpa laying down? >> I don't know. He lives down there in the basement. >> We're at in the basement. >> And he lives The whole basement is his home. >> Oh, okay. Well, can you uh is there a way we can get somebody? Do you care if we go with you? How's that dog? Can that dog get up here? >> No, I closed the door to the down downstairs. The entrance to the basement down there. >> My grandpa. There's another entrance down there. >> Can that dog get to that entrance? >> No. >> Okay, let's shut that door and go around this way. Come to the door. >> She has an electric >> am I allowed to go inside? >> Let's talk to grandpa really quick and then we'll get you inside. Okay. Hey, that dog can't get over here, can it? >> No. >> Okay, good. >> We went on that side. That dog about attacked us. >> We got your We got your grandson here. He was all the way down there at that store down there in middle block. >> He's right here. >> I don't know. You >> don't know. Where's your mom? >> We called mom. Mom knew he was not at home and went to LJ. >> Wasn't LJ's mom? >> No, your mom is. >> You're home all by yourself? Yeah. >> Why were you in down there? >> I don't know. I went to the wrong place. >> You're trying to go downtown Blue Ridge. You said we're just concerned about you, bud. Okay. >> You're not in any kind of trouble. Okay. >> Any trouble? Like I said, I mentioned it before. We don't want you to be ran over. We don't want some crazy person be picking you up. Okay. >> He was on a four-wheeler. >> No, he's walking. >> No, he's walking. >> Has he uh you carefully walk around upstairs and look around? Is that okay with you? >> No. No. >> Can he take us up there? >> I'm >> Can he take us up there? >> He can. >> I just want to walk around the house. Just look around if that's okay with you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, sir. Nice to meet you, Obby. >> I'm going go look around and make sure you got food and stuff. >> Yeah. Yeah. He said he hasn't ate today. Um, is there do you know if there's eat >> there's not anything for him to eat? >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. All right. I appreciate it. >> You called you? >> Yeah, I called his mom. >> What did she say? She said she knew he was gone, but she had to go to LJ. >> Yeah, she should be in school. >> Yeah, from my understanding, he's homeschooled. >> Yeah. >> Anyways, um we may come back down here if that's okay with you and just we've got to leave him with somebody. >> Later, it was noted that the child was managing some behavioral or mental health challenges, highlighting that caring for a child involves both legal responsibility and emotional guidance. So state of Georgia, you if he was to be hit by a car today, right, >> or something that that falls back on her. She would be charged for that. >> Yeah. Cuz he's a minor, >> right? And she knew he was missing and left him here. And so that's that's what this charge is >> similar to that. She knew he was missing. Didn't report it to us. And he's out on a busy roadway and and cars are are flying past him. >> So he was in the road. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'm down here in Mineral. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I mean, I don't know. We we were that's what we've been discussing today was whether or not to send him out to live with his dad in Montana or not cuz he's just gotten uncontrollable >> and maybe >> besides locking him in his room that'd be about the only way to keep him home. >> Maybe there's some kind of therapy or something like that. >> She spent two grand on therapy and it didn't they he still is religion. The day before yesterday I took him to the river with me. He did everything I asked him to do. Helped me plant plants. I mean he was great and did and we just had the wedding my other daughter's wedding. He acted really nice. He he was really good for the whole wedding. So he'll go through when he wants to do something, he'll do it. But he just thinks that he can he can make the rules. >> Yeah. And just to explain the difference cuz I'll tell you, we are dealing with something similar with another juvenile in the county. The difference is >> now he's a juvenile. >> Well, they're they're both juveniles, but the difference is the parents, they've built a fence around the house to try and keep him contained cuz he he runs away. So they they've built a fence around the house. I don't remember. He's young, too. He's elementary school. They've had to put locks on the inside of their door that he can't reach to keep him because that's their responsibility. >> Okay. So, we wouldn't be in trouble for doing that then. >> No. >> Making him stay home, right? I know that I've raised four girls on my own in this house. Okay. But I never had any of them act like this at all. I mean, he but he also is um sad inside and and that's what we're trying to figure out what is going on. >> I could see that talking to him today. >> Yeah, he's very sad. I mean, >> yeah, he was he was almost in tears when I found him. Said he hadn't ate, couldn't remember the last time he ate. >> No, he won't eat either cuz he eats junk food. He won't eat anything. >> And that's We offered to make him something, get something to eat. And he just And so I just want to explain to you what the what the difference is. So you don't think that we're just if we had been called and said, "Hey, I can't find my son." >> Well, that would have happened when she got back, >> right? But that's that's a long time for a kid to be missing. She was gone for an hour before we knew. >> Even with good intentions, letting a child walk unattended can involve potential risks such as accidents or other safety concerns. >> Okay. So, we're supposed to call even if they're out in the woods playing and we don't know where they're at exactly cuz this happens all the time. They ride motorcycles. There's 16 acres here. I own that cabin over there. There's times, I mean, when you don't know exactly where they're at, but you know they're on the property. That's what it has always been with him. pitch a fit and go out in the woods and sit and cool off and then he'd come back. But for some reason today, yeah, he elected to go. >> Yeah. He said he was trying to find his mom and that she worked at a gas station in Blige alive. >> And then we came around that she was a realtor. I still don't know what she does for work. I'll be honest. She's a realtor. She works out of this office right here. >> Gotcha. Yeah. We I I never really figured out and know >> No, you don't know what's going on. I understand that. All I know is I have a child that's running around and a mom that's telling me I knew he was missing. >> That you knew to what? >> I had I had a child that's running around in traffic and a mom that's telling me she knew he was missing. >> Okay. Right. So from that point I arrest >> because it should have been reported to us. >> Okay. Well, she did report to you when you called her. >> No, that's not how that works. >> That's not how that works. She She didn't. >> Okay. So, we're supposed to always know. Okay. So, yeah. So, we're just, you know, like you said, people got to put a fence up around their their yard to keep their kids in, and if they don't, then it's their fault that the child is is acting like an ass, which is what he's doing. >> Okay. >> You know, I mean, that's crazy. Is she in the car or is she >> No, no, she's already she's already gone. >> Okay. So, she could lose her um way of making a living by being arrested. You do realize that? >> That's not my concern. My concern is the children. >> Yeah, the children are fine. The children also there's a defax referral. So, they'll be coming out as well. Okay, >> that's fine. >> Okay, I think that should be the best interest of everybody is the children. >> A few days later, officers returned for the mother to address her legal responsibilities. [Music] >> Clear 21. >> Your what? >> I got mine. Which door? This one or this one? >> This one? There's somebody sitting right there. Is that her? >> Is that her? >> Yeah, that one's a piece of water, too. >> Hey, Britney. >> Yeah. >> I need you to come out here. >> No, not one second. I need you to come out here. >> Hey, guys. Can I Can I call y'all right back in just a second? I've got somebody at the door here. >> Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Is there somebody else here with the kids beside your grandpa? >> No. Mm- >> Okay. >> Huh? >> What? >> No, there's nobody here but P. >> Okay. Turn around for me. >> Why? >> Cuz you're under arrest. >> For what? >> For the incident we talked about earlier today. >> What am I under arrest for? >> For reckless. >> And how was I recklessly injuring my child? >> We're not talking about it. >> So, we're going to call Molly and tell them they're taking me to jail because you decided to walk down the street. >> Let go of your hands. >> That's not his fault. You're the mother. That's your responsibility. >> I need you to not talk to me, please. >> Give her a call. >> Okay. Last time I checked, it wasn't illegal for a kid to walk to the store. >> It is when they're 10 years old. >> It is? >> Yes. >> Okay. I'd like to see that on the book. >> Well, you'll see it on your warrant. >> At the same time, they arrange temporary care for the child. >> You want to take this watch off or you want to take it with you? >> Well, then I'm calling defects. >> So, Warren, come here. >> 35. Show one female 95. >> Come here. >> You want to call me? >> No, I want you to call Marmy. Come here. Hey. >> Hey, mommy. >> Hey, come here. Let me talk to her. Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Uh, the police are here and they're taking me to jail. So, I need you to come stay with the kids. >> 319. >> No, I'm not kidding. It's ridiculous. >> I'll be there in just 5 minutes. >> Okay. >> Bye. >> All right. Bye. >> They're taking me to jail. >> I love you. >> Love you too, baby. >> You keep coming back. >> I'll be back. All right, cool. >> Do you need to wait for my mom to get here? >> We'll wait. Yeah, cool. >> Okay. Can I tell my other two kids goodbye so they don't freak out? >> Please go get any Vander and tell them to come and tell me goodbye. >> Do you need to take anything with you? >> Do I need anything? >> Wallet or anything? Do you want to take it with you? >> I probably should. It's in the car. >> Which vehicle? This one or this one? >> The black one. >> Is it unlocked? >> Uh, yes. Okay. >> You give me permission to get your wallet out of it? >> No. >> Okay. chickens wearing a jacket. >> Yeah, I know there's Yeah, there's one wearing another >> The mother was charged with recklessment. Under Georgia law, she could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. >> You need to check it for anything? >> I'll have to carry it. Can I get your phone? You got anything else on you? >> No, but you can stick the phone in there. That's fine. >> I don't have any pockets. Okay. Nothing's going to get you in trouble once you cross guard lines. >> I think so. >> I'm just going to lift this up. Make sure there's no weapons or anything like that. >> All right. I don't carry weapons. >> Nothing in your purse, right? >> I don't think so. >> You don't think so? [Music] >> All right. We'll go to this car here. >> Okay. Go passenger side. [Music] Okay. Will you buckle her? All right. So, if you'll slide all the way to the edge of the seat cuz the seat belt is under you. Good. [Music] This case emphasizes that parental responsibility goes beyond following the law. It also includes ensuring a child's safety and supporting healthy development. The experiences of these children remind us that parental decisions, whether influenced by busy schedules, good intentions, or a simple oversight, can have lasting effects across Florida, New Mexico, and Georgia. These stories highlight the importance of guidance, protection, and emotional support for children, as well as the role of laws and community resources in keeping them safe. If you found this content meaningful and insightful, don't forget to like and share to spread awareness and subscribe to stay updated on our next analysis. See you in the next video. [Music]