I snatched her by her hair and just like was >> [music] >> on her like a grown woman. You're sleeping again. That doesn't matter. You just said 9 months old. Behind the intimidation, control, and mental terror [music] lies the silence and fear of children who chose to trust. If she'd walked down here, she would never leave me. Which way did you say she walked? Um I couldn't see because she turned the old the lights off, every single one. Return, is that are you afraid that your mom's going to get in trouble? Today came the timely intervention to rescue them from a reality that no child should ever have to endure. A birthday is supposed [music] to be a celebration, but for this child, it became the reason the police had to show up. And she yanked it really hard. She kept punching her in the face. She She sat there and kicked me in my chest. So, I sat there and I whooped her. She ran around and whooped her behind. On January 30th, 2025, a mother acted aggressively [music] toward a young family member inside their temporary residence in front of other children. The only person who remained level-headed was a close [music] friend who called the police upon realizing that things had gone far beyond discipline. It happened this morning. I feel bad because I should have called last night. But, okay. When I tell you what happened, I froze up. I didn't know I had never seen what I seen before. So, when I tell you I froze for a reason. Like I froze. >> Okay. So, last night, she's only been there a couple days. Uh she asked if she could stay. She had kids. She came in at like 11:00 at night one time. So, I was like, "Yeah, you can stay." You know. >> 23rd. She was supposed to be getting a place. Drive one tomorrow. >> Okay. She has been She drinks all day. And I don't even think she sleeps. But, she drinks all day and all night. Well, last night, I don't know what happened. I do know I told my daughter to just put the laundry from the washer into the dryer. Ran outside to play with the kids and we were sitting on the couch and we heard something in the living room. So, Kena said it's just me outside. So, when Bob came back inside do wall squats and kept, you know, adding things on her hands. Well, about 30 minutes later she finally lets her go cuz she dropped everything and she got aggravated with her. Well, you know, her legs were weak. You could tell cuz they were shaking a little bit and she tried to just lean up on the back of my wall. She's like, "No, go sit on the couch." and like kind of pushing a little bit and I have this table in front of my front door and she hit and knocked everything down. Y'all can imagine cuz her mom had pushed her. Well, she didn't turn around. I didn't hear her mom say anything. Okay. But, I know she said she Okay. So, I do know I did see her black out of her leg. Bam! her so bad she put her hands up her Yeah, her hands up her face and was trying to walk to the couch, but her mom was like shoving her and then shoved her on the couch and she told her to quit touching me, don't touch me, you hit me, blah blah blah. I guess that mom tried to get back in her face and she kicked the chair. That's what the off. She snatched her by her hair and just like was on her like a grown woman, swung her to the ground and was still >> you mean by on her like a grown woman? >> like the fist, like punching her, like >> Okay. everywhere. Face, the whole body. That's why I was stunned. Then she swung her to my floor and was doing the same thing and had kicked her. At that point she was like curled up in a little ball, you know, trying to protect herself and her mom still has her hair. Well, she swung her back up on the couch and started punching her some more. She finally got to go went outside and she literally sat on my couch and said, "I had to realize stop and realize at that cuz I was about to just How did she word it? I was about to uh basically her in the head Mhm. like a curb stomp, I guess. I don't know, but I can't remember her exact words now. Anyways, I couldn't say nothing. I was so like I didn't I really didn't. I like I stoved up because I've never been in a situation like that ever in my entire life. The portrait of this [music] family turned darker as witnesses confirmed that the other children saw all of that chaos. Even more telling, the mother left with another man after the conflict. My kids were around. My daughter is actually here. She's got home from school a minute ago actually cuz she was throwing up. So the all the kids saw like everybody there saw it? Yeah. And I and I told the officer up there my son's name and my daughter's name. I don't know her brother's name because they just called him Junior. Who are the kids over here at the school or that came last night? >> So no, they stayed there they were staying there for a couple of days. >> Okay. Okay. She left last night with some dude. I don't know. I don't Where are the kids at? They're at school right now. I got them up this morning, got them on the bus, sent them to school. So she just like left them there with you? Yeah, she just left. Didn't say nothing. Just left. She has random people men pick her up at all times of the hours. And just leave. I just I don't And I did already call DCF cuz I don't I don't feel like that's a safe thing. I really don't. >> So you already called them and made a report even? Yeah, because that's what the officer said to call the law and DCF. Okay. >> She don't have a The lady the girl don't have nowhere to live. >> And stay. So I guess she's been bouncing from house. So where is she going today? >> I'm not going to lie. I don't know. I've been ignoring her phone calls. I'm not at all like I'm Well, the good thing is that if they did stay over there for a little bit at least it's for the simple fact that the kids have somewhere safe to stay. Well, I understand. >> Cuz I don't have the ability to remove them. >> need that >> I don't know. He They just told me I needed to make a report. Yeah. No. No, no. You're doing You're doing the right thing. I'm going I don't feel comfortable. I feel I just my gut is telling me she >> No, you're good. You're good. I just I was going to say but not picking up the phone or anything like that. I'm saying that like at least if she came back I could interview her that way. Right now I have no idea where she's at now. She's got her number. >> 10-4 case number I'll get off the Okay. What's her phone number? What time do they get out of school? The bus drops them off at my house at like 1:50. Okay. They get out of school What time y'all actually get out of school? Like 1:00. Not 1:00. Cuz I'm trying to act on this a little bit faster since the kids are still safe at the school right now. >> Like 1:15, I guess. Like the kids and stuff and their laptop is at the house. I was told to stay here. You know, y'all can go. Who said >> That Millard dude. He said to just stay here to kind of not cause conflict. Yeah. Is she at the house right now? I don't know. She texted me. Like I said, I've been ignoring her. I haven't tried to like have any contact cuz >> Well, won't you text her and have her meet you at the trailer and the officer could go meet her instead of you. All attention is now focused on the young witness, the person present at the scene. Yeah, I want to go talk to these kids, so uh This is one of them. Well, before they leave school and then they're back in our arms. Basically, she was having her do wall sets for not listening. No, she made me sit on the floor for 20 minutes. Yeah, and kept adding a minute every time she dropped something. But no, this is my daughter McKenna. She and I do the laundry together. Okay. So Tell her. What happened, Arlen? It's okay. She said the boys could go play and then she misunderstood her and then I was doing the laundry and they thought I left with them. So I had to get the clothes out of the dryer to put them in I meant the washer to put them in the dryer. Okay. >> them and she came back she got them. So she had to do wall sets with heavy stuff. Okay. Tell her everything you saw, Kennedy. Yeah, baby. Like I know it's scary cuz your dad yeah, cuz her dad did it to me and stuff. So it's okay. Look, we got to help >> We got to keep them safe, baby. We have We got to do what's going to put them in a better situation. Then she came on her chest and then she got she got really mad then she kept pulling her by her hair cuz she had like a high bun in it. And she yanked it really hard. She kept punching her in her face. She And then she ran outside on the front porch. I was like I brought her a cup of water cuz she asked me to. She was just sitting out there crying and I asked if she was okay and if she needed anything. Okay, so she you saw her just keep getting punched by her mom? Mhm. Okay. I have a picture of her sitting on my couch with like her hoodie over her head like Do you have any >> any surveillance or anything of that in your house? Okay. That's my problem. No, that's not a problem right now cuz I have two witnesses as long as I can use your daughter as one. >> son. And your son Where's your son at? >> He's at school. How old is he? He's nine. In the principal's office? Yeah, he got in trouble. I Yeah, Okay. It's just It's a It's a day today. That's all I'm telling you. All right. Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to get your phone number. I think you probably called it on dispatch anyways, so I might have it. I'm going to get it anyways. I want to get over there to the school like I said cuz Like was she bleeding or anything afterwards? >> I don't know. She ran She might know, but I don't know. She ran outside She ran outside with her hoodie over her head and like her like her hoodie over her face. Like she was burrowed burrowed up scared. She was crying. >> So you didn't see any blood coming from her nose or anywhere else, baby? No. Is she white, black? >> Black. Yeah, but she's like >> Mixed. She's mixed, okay. It's Yeah, it's black mixed. >> Her and her brother. Okay. All right. If you If y'all want to do me a favor, I know you probably got to pick up your boy from school or something soon, too, or have the bus come. Best bet at this point, I don't want you to go back over there that way in case that there is a confrontation. She finds out whatever the freaking case may be. That's my problem like I don't But I will be getting them. >> No, I will >> I just don't feel safe because she's had so many people come to my house, you know what I mean? >> No, no, no, you're good. Um obviously, I just want to make sure that I get I get them to a safe place. Yes. My main concern at this point, I mean >> I don't know their dad's number. >> If someone could get a hold of them kids' father at least >> don't like a lot Well, like and I get that. Like do they share custody or anything? They're still legally married. They're just separated, I guess. Yeah, baby. They both said they're separated, but they're still legally married. There's still certain legalities that I have to follow on that. So, I don't know. >> Okay. Um but he did come over a couple days ago to get a birthday present. Okay. Um let me head over there. Uh how about this? How about I call you after? That way to see where she's at. I also want to get a sworn witness statement from you if you don't mind. If she's able to write, is she allowed to do one? Yes. We might have to help her. I know how to write it, but Mommy has to help her write it. What What grade are you, baby? Third. All right. Well, that's fine, then, Mama. We can We can help her write it out a little bit cuz obviously her statement's a It's the same as yours. It's just different, so it's in her own words, her own thoughts, and I would still like to have that on paper. Um at that point, maybe your son will be home, too, and I can also speak to him if you're okay with that. >> Yes. Um her dad They were outside playing. Okay. He came in on I think when she was on the ground. I'm not 100% sure, but I I know he did see Let me ask you something. How hard was this? Do you think it was to the point where she could have broke a bone? It looked like really She was getting angrier and angrier. But though, does it look like it was hard enough that it could have fractured something? >> yeah. I wouldn't have done that. She like >> Oh, I'm not questioning that. >> doll getting thrown around. If that's that's if that's the Cuz I want to know if I need to contact like EMS or somebody or try to get in touch with the the father somehow and see if I can get some medical attention for her as well. I I feel like she probably does because she was punching her everywhere, too. It wasn't just the face. When you talk to them, they have their dad's number, so you can get the number from them. Okay. All right, y'all. Um I'll be in contact with you here in just a little The confession of the 11-year-old child revealed the source of the tragedy. A small mistake regarding childhood attitude was met with extreme rage from the mother. I know that I already asked you about if you knew what it was about, okay? You want to answer me now? Do you know what it's about? >> No. You don't know what happened last night? >> No. You don't remember? I know that last night And you don't have to be scared. I was going to say we're going to keep you safe like anything. >> we were just like I had an attitude and stuff. Mhm. And I kind of got in trouble cuz I had attitude and I was kind of being rude. Mhm. Well, what happened whenever you were rude? Um I got in trouble and made to do plank. Told you to do planks? >> Yeah. Okay. What else happened, babe? After I did plank she told me to sit down so I could talk to her and stuff. Did you do wall sits? Okay. What happened after you did wall sits? She told me to come and sit and talk to her and tell her why I had an attitude and why did I not do my chores when I was told to and went to my friend's house cuz I thought they told the um since they told the boys they could go I thought they told all of us but they actually told just the boy Mhm. that they could go and play at my friend's and then when I came back she told me to do wall sits and then after I did wall sits I had to talk to her and then she gave me a hug and she told me all you have to do is tell me that you didn't know that um the boys went and I didn't and I got her attitude so And you misunderstood her whenever she said that. Mhm. So what happened whenever you were sitting on the couch? She talked to me. She said She said you need to understand that we were just telling them to go. We told y'all to go fold the clothes, y'all girls, and y'all went and then you went with the boys whenever I just said okay y'all boys can go and play. So they went to play cuz they were done with their chores Mhm. and I thought they said everybody so yeah. Do y'all Y'all don't live there, do you? No. Where do y'all actually live at, baby? So we're just staying with them for a little bit cuz um our house that we're getting, they're still like fixing it up, so. So, you're just Have y'all stayed just strictly at this house with your friends or Okay, or y'all been staying like other places in between, too? Okay. Your dad, do y'all ever go stay like with him? Like what's the circumstance there? Like what's going on? No, we don't stay with our dad because he lives in a halfway house, so we don't really stay there. In the halfway house, there's a lot of like kids there, so. >> Okay. We don't. We like visit. What is Do you know what this halfway house is? What is the halfway house? It's like a house when you get out of prison you go. Okay. Well, you're a smart girl. All right, cuz you were referring to it as a halfway house. I was curious. Okay, well, I'mma be completely blunt with you, all right? The situation that happened on the couch, going back to that. After Did you accident the chest at some point? >> Yeah, because I was mad and then mom told me to stop and go do the planks. So, I went to go do the planks and then after I was done with my 20 minutes, she told me come and sit and talk to me and tell me why you did all that. And I told her and then she was like, "That's all you had to tell me. You didn't have to catch an attitude about it." You know I know more of the circumstances than that cuz there were other people that saw what happened, right? Are you scared you're going to get in trouble? It's because I had an attitude. I never really did that before, so. And I didn't just mean about kicking her in the chest, baby. I mean about how you were punished afterwards for your attitude. Is that Are you afraid that your mom's going to get in trouble? Kind of. Her dependence on her mother made her hesitate. She was afraid that speaking out would get her mother into trouble. So, she wavered. But, the female officer patiently talked with her. Help them? Or do you remember much? >> I was crying after cuz I was like getting in trouble and stuff. I was not talking to her. And how did you get in trouble? Not just the planks, not just the wall sits. It's because like When mom saw me hit her, she didn't know what to do. So, like she grabbed me up and she was like, "You're not going to do that again." And I kind of got whooped. And what does get whooped mean? Like I kind of like she kind of like popped me and stuff, but Did she pop you or did she open-hand beat you? Did she you? She like popped me. When you're saying you got whooped though, what's popped to you? It's like whenever like like you get like this in the mouth. Okay. So, other people wouldn't have witnessed something different. >> anything different? Multiple people that were present. I don't want to scare you. I don't want you to be afraid of getting in trouble, but I have to talk to your mom, too. So, that's why it's just easier. So, tell me what happened. I don't want you to feel like I'm going to go after your mom or anything like that. The truth about the stolen birthday with the severity of the incident to its people. The mother's actions not only violated the law, but also sowed seeds [music] of long-term emotional making everything much more complicated. Hey, it's your birthday. You shouldn't have had to really celebrate it like that last night. Yeah, but I apologized last night because I was kind of in the wrong cuz I started it first. I'm sure you're a parent, too, right? >> Yes. I'm a parent, also, okay? Sometimes the way we discipline is a little different. Always understandable. However, closed fist punching you in the face and in your body and everywhere is not punishment, honey. That's not a form of punishment. I guarantee you he has not done that to his kids, and I can assure you that will never happen to mine. That's not punishment, and you don't have to feel like that or think that way. I know that you're trying to As you should, but I also can't let things like that happen to you. Did it scare you? No, it's just I knew that I was in trouble, so I just walked away and sat down on the porch and just Can I um can I see your arms and your your legs or anything? Those scratches are from our cat. Okay. Let me see your other one, baby. Do you have any marks anywhere else on your like stomach or your ribs or anything? Have you looked today? >> Um yeah, I looked and I don't have any. Okay. You might Yeah, I was going to say you might stand up. Thank you. Just for a second. Can I see Can you just lift your shirt up for me? Do you have any on your back? Can I see your back, baby? Don't worry, it's just me. I'm just going to say I got I got a little girl. Um can I see your legs, too, babe? And you checked everywhere? Mhm. Did your head hurt or anything today? Mhm. Are you in any kind of pain? Mhm. I guess I'm going to have to hear. Okay. And just talk to me. I'll be here in a little bit. Y'all will probably Y'all might have to go grab your stuff cuz obviously I know y'all are releasing soon, but hey, don't stress this kind of thing. We want to keep you safe. That's all I want for you. Do me a favor, too. Just take off your glasses really quick. I'm going to look at your eyes. Daniel. Come here, bud. You want to go sit over there, baby? The testimony of Daniel, Paul's son. Howdy, Daniel. I'm Miss Chapman. Okay? I know I don't know you. It's nice to meet you, though. Do you get nervous around us? A little bit. A little bit, I can tell. We're only I was going to say we're only here just to keep y'all safe and to make sure you're safe and that y'all are always okay, right? >> Mhm. The reason I asked y'all to come up here was cuz I had some questions about like how y'all were living at the house and stuff like that. With y'all's friends? Yeah? Okay. How long have y'all been staying over there? Three or four days. Three or four days? They have a son, too, right? Do you hang out with him? Tristan, yeah. Tristan? I know y'all been staying over there, like you said, for a few days. Last night you went and hung out with some friends, right? Went and played while the girls cleaned, yeah? Yeah. Okay. Did you um see your get into a an argument or anything last night when you came back? No. I mean Okay. When you came back to the house, baby? She was on the couch or like cleaning or doing something. When you say she was like cleaning or doing something, was she sitting on the couch? Um me I can't remember. Me I have like a good memory, but sometimes I just like forget stuff whenever I'm like doing a lot of stuff. I just forget stuff. And what did y'all go play while you were outside? Went to my sister's friend that is seeing, but she was doing her chores, so we went back to their house and just played hide and seek or something. When you went over to your friend's, how long were you over there for? Over at my friend's? Yeah, like maybe give or take like playing hide and seek and stuff. A minute or two. And then when you came back, did you have to do any chores? No, because whenever me and Tristan and the girl his sister and but she's also a Mhm? Um me and Tristan we went to go and do our chores and the girls were done and did their chores, so the girls had to do theirs. Oh, so you had just already finished. They were just behind on theirs, huh? Okay. Okay. And you said that your sister was where when you got back? >> She was like on the couch or cleaning or doing something. Okay. Did she look upset at all? No? Okay. She wasn't crying? Where was your mom at when you got back? Got back from playing? Mhm. Oh yeah, she was like on her phone. So she wasn't talking to your sister whenever you got back? I believe not. You remember what room she was in? Mom, she was in the living room and Tristan was in the living room. And they weren't near each other? Well, they were. was on this side, mom was on this side. They kind of close to each other. At any point did you see them get physical, like hitting each other or anything? Oh, no. No? Not from either one of them? Mhm. Okay, baby. Well, you want to go sit out there? Okay, so initially she had hit her and that's what kind of like flung her onto the couch. I did hear that part. That was the the part that >> No, she did it. I have this table in front of my front door. Okay. >> walk in, it's actually a side table Okay. somebody but I had I I'm bougie so I had to put my coffee cup Okay. So, I have my I have a fan because I put it on there cuz I I'm I like it cold. Okay. Anyways, so like and I have a wax warmer every There's a bunch of stuff up there at the time. I guess when she she went towards the table and every like she knocked the fan and everything down. Oh, I guess she hurt her fell and I don't know I didn't see her. Okay, I didn't see that part but that might have did happen. Okay. Whatever she pushed her, she hit the table. >> And I'm assuming yeah. That's when she hit her. But I mean when I tell you she Yeah. It was loud enough where everybody knows it now. I was just worried about like cuz I don't know how the relationship really is. So so I I felt like they might not have told the truth and they tried to cover it and I I don't I not I'm not comfortable. Put her hands on the child like that. Problem is though if it's if it's happened before you start kind of gaining that mentality that it's okay. I'm sure this ain't the first time. I did find their dad. I just never contacted him. Don't contact him. Okay. I got already information on that. So Shortly after [music] the mother finally appeared and that was also when the legal consequences followed. Okay. Hey Pauline. What Wait, what is Uh-uh. No, no, no. What is going on? Stay in the car for me for just a minute. All right, listen. You're under arrest for child Child Hold on. Let me Can I explain what's going on there first? >> April is a witness >> Can I Hey, can I talk to you really quick? Okay, come over here for me. I'm going to explain it to you cuz I'm going to talk to you and I'm going to get your side of the story. I'm going to do this for my safety there and for yours, No, I don't do drugs or anything like that. Like, you can check me. No, I know. I was just saying like Savannah are currently with Protective Services. I called the school. Yes. April had them there with CPS. They are fine. They are currently with them. You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand each of those rights that I read you? Do you want to talk to me? Yes. Okay, so what happened last night? Last night, it wasn't even last night. It was after they got home from school. So, me and April, I cook, I clean, and all that. We Okay. do that. She's been hanging out with little kids like to birthday. So, she sat there yesterday hanging out with these little girls Addison and all that. She's been acting like very bad and I was like talked to them first. When I sat there and told her get up, come and talk to me. I was like, let me talk to you. They don't like how I discipline my kids. I don't put my hands on No, I did made her do planks. I did. Okay. You know, holding books and then what is it her book bags and stuff like that while she was doing planks. She sat there one against the wall with me again. She When I popped her on her behind, she sat there and kicked me in my chest. So, I sat there and I whooped her turned around and whooped her behind. Okay. When you say whooped her behind, what happened? >> I I can't show you but I turned her around and I was like, don't you ever like I turned her even though she was like fighting to You know how little kids get like So, I'm like, oh hell no. Like you kicked me in my chest so da da da I popped her permissibly and then she was on the floor and I was like, I should not have to do this. Okay. And I was like, you should be glad you're not a girl on the street. I was like, All I'm saying I should not have to repeat myself and I should not have to tell you stop doing it. She's been, you know, acting out. She's not a bad bad. When she kicked me in my chest and she knows I have heart problems. Like I whooped her behind, that's all I did. Her children are not used to it because like seeing that, but her children are used to, you know, their mom calling their dad or whatever, whoever he is to them cuz she has three different guys. But I'm like I'm going to whoop when it's needed. Like I yes, I'll be like, "Oh yeah, you can't be on your laptop, Junior. You can do something about it." They're good kids or they're good kids. Or I'll take something from them. Like their cell phones or whatever. My son text me, I have the text. The dialogue reached [music] a block as the mother still failed to understand where her parenting went wrong. She insisted that the child's behavior was the problem despite the reality [music] that the child had to sit safely outside to escape her mother's indifference. Okay, when you're saying like well then we get it, like we understand we understand we we get the whole corporal punishment thing. We we we understand like giving them a whooping. Sharon, Sharon's mom Shaina Snyder. She knows my situation, okay? I helped this girl out April with clothes. Sharon, I mean Shaina Snyder works for the school board, the county. Officer Smith knows me, but I've never had this against you can talk to and they would tell you I'm not a parent. Why would she do that? Well, that's why I'm asking. Like what do what do you mean by like whooping them? Like do you Like I sat there and whooped her like on her behind. On her on her butt. She wanted you know how they move around. She sat there and she kicked me and I was like, "Nah, nah-uh." And then I called Junior, I was like, "Come here because one apple spoils the bunch." I was like, "You both Now her kids were acting bad, but I didn't intend it to." And I was like, "No, it is. Like you guys can't be doing this because if you're laughing at what he's doing and he's disrespecting his mom." I was like, "You guys don't need to be doing that." I was like, "You So I'm here. Talk to them." I was like, "No, you can go and sit down. Yes, I did. Because the right side, popped her on her ass. She want to go crazy, you know. So my son is like, no mom, no. And he went to the wall to turn on the light. I got to go pee. I was like, no, you're going to get this butt whipping and you're going to go sit down. That's what I did. When you like whip their butts, like did you like open hands? No, it's like this part of my hand. And I was like, pop, pop. Okay. I never use open hands. Like it's this. >> point did you have her do planks? They always done planks. I come from a military. >> you have her do planks yesterday? No, it was What time did you have her do planks? Um, it was daytime. And then what happened after the planks? She sat there and she was like, I can't my legs. My legs are weak. I was like, okay, well then get up. We're done. Even the kids were adding on to it. And April added on to the planks like, pull it in. When did the spanking occur? Before or after the planks? After. All right. What happened after the spanking? She got She got mad at me because I told her, well, if you have homework, you do it at your home. After This is after the planks. And then whenever she did do her homework, and she was like, oh, I did it on the bus. So I checked it and then I was like, okay. Now you said something about having her hold books above her head. What point did that occur yesterday? Where did any books go on her head? She I thought you said earlier you said you had her holding books up above her head. >> Planks, planks. The wall wall sits? Is that what you're talking about? Okay. And her arms. >> Okay. I was going to say, I see you keep saying the squatting. Yeah, planks. The wall sits. Any history of her alcohol use? No. Oh, no. No. It's me. Daniel knew. >> Alcoholic? No. When was the last time you consumed alcohol yesterday? I mean, I did last night. Okay. But she was watching >> Cuz I'm still smelling it now. Yeah, no. Wine. Did you drink a little bit this morning? A little bit today? No. At any point in time did you close fist hit her? No. It was all this part. >> all your just open hand. Did you ever like accidentally like hit her in the face or anything during No, you can look at her and know there's not. >> Okay. It was her behind. Okay. Well, do me a favor. We're going to step back here on the other side, okay? Thank you, sir. All right. Just have a seat for me, okay? But yeah, my you can I need to I called the school. >> Do Do they or anything? Like, do they have See, my mom I'm My talked to my mom today. I called the school today. So, you guys are sitting there and that But my mom wears a HT. Is she able to like take care of them? She's a supervisor. She's She's at work now. Like, I have my god parents and Ms. Chris, but for For you guys, what am I being arrested for? I Assaults. Cuz I have two independent witnesses Who? >> that watched you her in the face multiple times. >> I talked to Here's But here's the thing. I have two people that are not even related to you that have that, okay? And I bet you it's April, which is a lie. Today, you do have Shake the Rattle. Do you But that's that's why I'm asking. Do you want me to call your mom and have her take the kids? Well, what's her phone number? I don't know it by heart, sweetheart. >> Okay. All right. Let me grab your phone number, okay? The mother, Pauline, was arrested on charges of child abuse. Not everyone who stands up to protect a child is their parent. In this case, it was a friend who spoke out, [music] breaking the circle that the girl could not escape on her own. Because what she needed more than anything was a safer living environment, not an education built on fear [music] and manipulation. A six-year-old child and a 10-km journey to escape the irresponsibility of adults. Nobody's here? He's trying to ride all the way up to his grandma's house cuz that's where he wants to be. On September 27, [music] 2021, police were dispatched after a young child was found wandering alone on the street without a guardian. Fortunately, a woman passing by stepped [music] in to help us in time, acting almost as a guardian angel in the little girl's real life, she held and comforted [music] the child until the police arrived. Good morning. Good morning. Deputy Winfield, Flagler County Sheriff's Office. What's going on here? Good morning. Um I always walk my dogs in the morning. >> Okay. And I had a gentleman pull his car and he said, "Ma'am, can you see back there? There's a little young boy walking by himself. He doesn't have cuz I had personally seen him since we were coming this direction. >> Right. And he was in the other direction. >> Right. >> And so he says, "I'm afraid because, you know, he's all by himself." And I said, "And I'm looking at And yes, a little tiny boy, you know. He's all barefooted and uh So I stopped and I asked him, "You know, what are you doing?" He says he's trying to get to his grandmom's house. And so I called you got 911, I should say. Okay. And he says he's he's been left by himself. His mom and dad work. It turns out he says he was by himself. And he's trying to get to grandma's house. Okay. Grandma lives in Daddle Pepper Road and according to the 911 lady, that's in St. Augustine. I see. And he says the ones in his house right now is Zach, his mother's boyfriend, and and the mom. He said he wanted to leave cuz they don't take care of him. And he's left by himself. I see. Do you happen to have your ID on you, ma'am, or driver's license? The 6-year-old [music] boy walking nearly 10 km serves as a heartbreaking testament to his desperation [music] regarding his parents. Notably, covered in dirt and scratches with clothes that failed to keep him warm, it was a failure of guardians who neglected [music] their parental responsibilities. Morning. How are you? Hey, bud. What's going on? He's just trying to get home to Grandma. Yeah. >> Cuz he said he was left by himself. Oh, okay. Were you just walking by or how did you find him? She was notified by another passerby as she was walking her dog. Oh, okay. Thank you, ma'am. What happened to your knees, buddy? I fell off my You fell off >> riding at a park. He seems to have bruising through his leg here. Through his legs. I mean, I scrubbed a little bit to see if he was dirty, you know, from just dirt kind of accumulating, but it's And you found him right here? Uh right here. I was actually over there and I walked back when the gentleman told me, "Ma'am, can you double check on this?" And I cuz I honestly didn't initially see him. Okay. >> came out of Burrows here and made a right. And it I noticed that a car was parked like in front of me, but you know, sometimes people stop to do something. >> Aiden. Aiden? It's kind of chilly out. Can I put some socks on you? Okay, perfect. Here. Right here. >> live with mom and dad? From there, when the gentleman I'm going to my grandma's. I walked from Who do you live with? I walked I was living with my So, this is where this happened. her boyfriend. Oh. Do you know where? Pine Knoll. Uh-huh. It's Pine Knoll. That's all he has? Pine Lakes. Okay. And then his Was it an apartment or was it in a house? apartment An apartment? Okay. Do you remember what it number it says on the door? No. Do you remember what building? That's okay. Do you want to go inside my car where it's warm? All right. The only thing you have is your scooter and your jacket? Yeah. All right, come on. I appreciate it, ma'am. You're welcome. Okay. Let's let's get to my car. Watch the curb. I'm putting him in the car so it's warm. You what? I'm putting him in the car so it's warm. Okay. It's a little chilly out. Right. Do you have a blanket? Um I >> I I put my jacket on him. He was cold. I can just turn up the heat. All right, can I give you a hug? Is that okay? All right. And And the police will take good care of you, okay? So, keep that blue jacket on you and um it'll work out, okay? He says he's hungry. Bye, Aiden. Bye. I'm going to blow you a kiss, okay? We're going to keep this here for now. And then we'll put it in if we go anywhere. I think she's getting him some snacks. Okay. All right, give us just a second. Functional Forces [music] prioritized ensuring the child's mental well-being and finding clues about the address [music] of the parents' apartment. Hey, Aiden. If we drive to the apartment, would you be able to tell which building is yours? Okay. He just might have a scarecrow. Yours has a scarecrow in front? Okay. He says he can point out which building is his once we drive over there. They have contacts on me on phone right now. Do you want some trail mix or Fruit Loops or Cheetos? Fruit Loops. Fruit Loops sound good to me. Can I try one? Excellent. Perfect. I had to taste test it for you. He mentioned that he would be able to point out which building is his um if we drive over there. So, I believe that I'll just do that. Make it simple. Are you cold? Yeah. Is that Deputy Wynn's? Did he give that to you? No. Oh, yeah. It's a girl right there. Oh, perfect. Excellent. I think we'll just attempt contact with um parents first and find out what's going on. I'm about ready to head out whenever he's done eating. Okay. Who else do you live with? My grandma and my grandpa. My grandpa lives really far, but my grandma lives in the same area as me. Oh, okay. That's not too far. Okay. You don't like Cheetos? Mhm. Oh, I paid you for a Cheeto guy. That's why I opened these so I could share them with you, but if you're not a Cheeto person, I guess I'm just going to have to eat them all by myself. Unless Deputy Wynn wants some snacks. All right. Okay, cool. Well, I'm going to go to that 13 vehicle, but if you guys need anything, let me know. >> say what Zach's last name is. He says it's mom's boyfriend. He doesn't know. That's what in the notes it says he doesn't know. Let me let me see. Hey, Aiden. Do you know what mom's boyfriend's name is? Zach. Zach? Do you know what his last name is? Mhm. You know what it starts with? No. No. Okay. Where does your mom work? At the hospital. At the hospital? And you know where Zach works? Is mom home now? Or is she at the hospital? She's at the hospital. He thinks that mom is at work right now. She works at the hospital. Does she work at the hospital here in Palm Coast or the one in St. Augustine? Oh, the one in St. Augustine? She That's where she works? What she do there? She helps people. She helps people? That's awesome. St. Augustine. All right, dude. I got to run to another call, but I wanted to give you some stuff here. I got you a coloring book. All right, I'll talk to you later. You be safe, okay? All right, I'll see you later. Finally, [music] the police identified the apartment, but no one was there. The door was even unlocked, allowing anyone to enter. We'll be attempting contact at building 215. Do you know if this kid lives here by any chance? Um I don't I I think the people who just moved here just moved in not so long ago. Okay. Um I think I've seen him before, though. All right. >> This should be this apartment. Okay. Do you know the neighbor that lives here? I don't. Well, if he left, then the door's got to be unlocked, right? Still unlocked. He just moved in maybe like not even a month ago. Okay. 6 weeks ago. So, it's it's unlocked? It is unlocked, but apparently cuz there's a there's nobody in there right now. There's nobody inside of it? There's nobody inside? Sheriff's office. Sheriff's office. I'm going to let my my girlfriend know just in case if she sees anything anything suspicious. You guys know, okay? >> I appreciate that. I don't see anybody. Nobody's here? Oh, that's crazy. Huh. We've been in this building this whole time. All right. Why don't you go get a shirt a long-sleeved shirt on? Is there a EC for the apartment that we can contact to find out more information on the tenants? And I'm sure I'm sure there is. Um I don't know what any of these names are. This is all like assisted living facilities, and I only know that because I've recently toured them for my father. But it's like Silver Creek and Bayview. It looks like all female stuff in there. Like in the closets and stuff, it looks like women's stuff. So, I don't know if boyfriend was maybe sleeping over or something. But he says that he lives here, but he's only here for the night because he lives with grandma in St. Augustine. Which we're also trying to find. But he just brought this phone out to call his mom, doesn't know how to call his mom, and there's no favorites. This is she called Jeff on Saturday. Jeff is your dad, right? >> Yeah. Where does he live? Deer Run? Yeah. I don't know where that is. Shortly after, the mother appeared. Oh, mom's home. You want to go see him? You want to go see him? All right, come here. Come here. Don't run out. Are you okay if I close this door? >> Yeah. Do you have your key with you? Yeah. Okay, perfect. Oh my god. You went to the airport and left a 6-year-old home alone? Yeah. You didn't think to maybe bring him? I didn't want to wake him up. Did he call you guys like No, he was on Bels Terrace, which is >> 6 miles away. Four lanes of traffic where he could have gotten run over by a vehicle. When did you leave Donald's? Cuz he's 6 years old. >> I know. I mean, it takes some time to get 6 miles away on a on a scooter barefoot. I put socks on him. So, we'll be contacting DCF. Who else resides here, ma'am? Well, my mom helps me with him, so she's in and out. But it's just me and him. Okay. >> lives with his dad, but for the summer. Where does his dad San Augustine. Where's his grandmother? San Augustine. How long is he here for? Till Friday. When did he get here? Last Friday. We do a week on, week off. Between you and dad? Yeah. Okay. And you just got back from the airport. Right. And this is technically child neglect. I know. You left him home for close to 2 hours. I honestly thought he would be okay cuz he's 6. He's 6 years old. Mhm. And what if somebody took him or he got ran over by a vehicle? I know. What if you got home before we even found him and nobody else saw him and then we have a missing child? I know. Do you know how he was reported to us? A driver on Belterra stopped a pedestrian and let her know to check on this child that was in front of Station 23. I know. And barefoot. It was only a puffy jacket on. So, I have the lady who called us, she lent him his her jacket. I have his scooter in the back of my car as well. He was trying to ride all the way up to his grandma's house cuz that's where he wants to be. Hey Aiden. Would you mind going upstairs with Deputy Lane real quick? I have a few questions for you right now. My name is Deputy Wynn, badge number 875. I have questions pertaining to child neglect. These are your rights. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used as evidence against you. With these rights in mind, are you willing to talk to me? Probably not right now. Yes, no? Yes? Okay. What When did you leave for the airport, ma'am? 3:20 a.m.? Yeah. Miranda rights. Who are you taking to the airport? My boyfriend. Okay. Does your boyfriend stay here? He comes and goes. Not with me. Okay. >> a house. Okay. Do you normally leave leave Aiden here alone? >> No, never. In reality, [music] everyone was concerned about the 6-year-old. While the mother did not ask about the child's condition, this indifference [music] led her to face legal consequences. So, here's the thing. While you were gone, Aiden went around the house, saw that there was nobody in the house. He got scared. He wanted to go to grandma's house, which is in St. Augustine. He then took his scooter out and rode his electric scooter for 2 miles in 65, 66° weather. Next to one barefooted next to one of the busiest streets in Palm Coast. And then he was found because he was huddled up with his bike by a pedestrian in front of a fire station. At this time, ma'am, I'm placing you under arrest for child neglect. If you could, please turn around, place your hands behind your back. I'm going to take your I'll just set this back in the apartment somewhere cuz I'm not going to let you The mother was arrested for child neglect. Under Florida law, this offense can be punished by a maximum of 5 years in prison [music] or a fine of up to $5,000. The 6-year-old child had almost drowned within his [music] own family, but that creates no legal immunity for the parents as it only takes a moment of neglect to leave the serious risks to the children's health and safety. When entertainment [music] is prioritized over responsibility, the title of worst parent of the year is almost certainly claimed. It's two kids in the backseat. Apparently, they're in the game room. >> I'm sorry. On January 8th, 2026, a witness noticed young children [music] left alone in a running vehicle too long, putting them in danger. But, the real shock came when officers found the children's parents inside a gaming room. It's two kids in the backseat. Apparently, they're in the game room. Left kids. >> the backseat, who No, there's there's children in there. Okay, then I'll show you exactly who they are. Go to the diesel cycle then and you're about to be I'm in. Okay, thank you. Hello. Hey, can I talk to you guys out here? You got your wallet on you, honey? Yeah. So, my wallet is Okay. You got your wallet on you? Yeah. Can I cash my money out of the machine now? What's that? Can I get my money out of the machine now? Just wait Yeah, just wait a second. >> What happened? What's the matter? What's your first name? The least of our worries. What's your middle initial? And last name? What's your date of birth? Hold on, brother. What's your ID number out of Illinois? Why are you about to cry? Because his babies are in the car. Yeah. You what? You need to get your wallet. >> [clears throat] >> No. That's not the point. >> No. How old are these kids? How much? They're sleeping, okay? >> [snorts] >> That doesn't matter. You You just said 9 months old. Leave me alone. two 9-month-old kids alone like that is a high-risk situation >> [music] >> as unexpected incidents could occur. This is a serious issue both in terms of legal standing and basic caregiving responsibility. Is there just one in there? They're twins. They're twins. They're twins. And you're going to leave 9-month-old in the car. >> We're going to be in there for about 25-30 minutes again. Okay. Not even that. But you got to have I just want to tell you guys the same thing. You can look at the red light and the red light and the red light. How do you know if they're choking out there? You don't know? I'm there. This is This is totally irresponsible. >> That's true. We We usually go back out there every couple minutes. We had like I had like $2 up there. That's it. It was about three. How about one of you sits out there with kids if you're going to come in here and gamble? Yes, ma'am. You're absolutely right. That's what we usually do. This is totally irresponsible and in my opinion very Very stupid. I'm Very It won't happen again, man. It's y'all are Very 30. I have a warrant by the name of the first. You can We can We can figure out You can see my name up there. Well, I know that well. They have They have We don't need any or my little our children. Did you get the arrest warrant? I don't think What's your name again? Scribner Shawn. She got the warrant. That one. What's his The parents expressed remorse [music] for their actions, especially the mother, who was clearly shocked and stunned as the officer began gathering information about their young child. We have We're back from Virginia and we're staying in Fairfield and she found out I managed to come here. I managed I managed to come here in the morning. Try to find a place here in America. So, you guys are from like you used to live in Fairfield? Yeah. So, where are you staying at now? Just right across the street here over at the Super All right. Let's go out here and check on these kids. I do apologize. We got China. I think so. I know Mhm. >> Marion 30, I have two by name and date of birth. It's going to be juvenile. Come out. See the kiddos. Hop on in. [ __ ] gear. When's the last time they've been fed and stuff and changed and whatnot? They just ate. We just ate some. When's just ate? When's Maybe 30 minutes ago. Okay. Get your baba. Where's your baba? Get your baba. Are you guys living out of your car? No, we just No, we got a room. You just got Okay. We just want to take the But you're staying at the Super 8. Okay. I see a bottle laying there. Yeah, that was That was from my room. Okay. All right. Well, I know. If I was y'all, I would cut the gaming out tonight. Which Can't tell you what to do, but I'm telling you right now if we come back out here and those kids are still out there and they're not under parental, you know, supervision. They're 9 months old, guys. Use your heads. Okay? >> You're right. I we apologize to you. You're not relevant at all. I thank you guys for giving us a second to explain ourselves. You're absolutely right. It isn't It isn't a common thing we normally do like where you're sitting. Usually she'll stay out here or vice versa. Like I said, they had been We'd been in the room for quite a bit today. When we got in the car, they fell asleep. They both went in for a minute. It was It was poor decision on part. >> Like this is Here's the thing. You're staying at the Super 8. If one of y'all wants to come over here and gamble, then come over here and gamble, but kids should not be strapped down in car seats for however long you guys are planning on being here to you know, to be doing this. This is is irresponsible. Sure. And it's not good parenting. All right? So, let's use use our heads a little bit here. >> Let's call it a day. >> Yeah. All right. It's the day to wrap it up. Take her home. Get back. Get them out. All right. Both parents were cited and charged with child endangerment. This incident highlights the risks of gambling [music] as a dangerous form of addiction. Whether for a short or long period, children remain those who cannot [music] protect themselves. Hopefully, incidents like this will not be repeated. See how a mother's lie [music] pushed her 7-year-old child into unpredictable consequences. She said it wouldn't be long and then she um after like 5 to 10 minutes, she she just haven't came back. On October 29th So, what? So, we've got a little girl inside. And um her mom was here earlier. She looks just like her mom, which is like immediately when she came in. She came in after we closed. She walked up to the door and she was immediately welcome cuz you're like, why is there a little kid here? Cuz I I actually got out of my seat and I was like, who the [ __ ] brought their kid to a bar this late? And I realized she's just missing. She just doesn't know where her mom is. And that's her problem. We've got a little girl inside. Her name Her mom's name is Victoria. Um I've tried calling her mom several times. I've actually tried asking her last names and going on Facebook and finding maybe trying to find mutual friends. I've tried everything, guys. What's the How'd you get the phone number? >> She's actually a regular here. She actually used to work here a long time ago. The girl Um but that's that's that's it. I mean, I I have I have tried everything. You guys >> her? I don't. Um You don't have her last name? No. Okay. The I I probably the little girl does. I I I think I I had the the dad's last name. I have a a a solid phone number, so I didn't >> My friends, they're key rows. Chris. How are you doing? I'm like a little pumpkin. Um Yeah? Okay. Where'd you walk from? Um I walked from my car with my mom. All right. There's only you guys. We're out. All right. It's okay. You can tell us where you came from, okay? Do you want to sit in that comfy booth with them? Do you want to sit >> Yeah. Sit with us? It's okay. We need to find out what her last name is. Thank you. Thank you. Did it melt away? It melted? You let it You let it just melt all the way? Oh, my god. Seriously? This is Rachel. Awesome. Hi. Hello. Here's your apple juice. All right. You can talk to me if you don't want to talk to them, okay? And I We've got your apple juice and your french fries right there, okay? I don't see you. last name. All right. What's your mom's name? Her name is Veronica Roxanne Bell. Veronica, what was the last name? Oh, yeah. Right. Roxanne Bell? Okay. Her name is Veronica and her last name is Bell. You're awesome at this. Where's your mommy at? You can sit next to me if you need to, okay? You don't know? You said you walked from your car. >> Yeah, because um she I fell asleep >> [music] >> during it and then she had a bad dream. I wish I didn't cuz we um got there and like cats and then I My mom said it wouldn't be long and then she after like 5 to 10 minutes she she just haven't came back. Okay. Where do you live at? >> Um I live Is your car around here somewhere? Um yeah, it's over there. I can show you it. >> Yeah, let's do that. Easy way to solve this, run the tag on the car, get mom's name, get mom's address, emergency contact number. Yes, sir. I will walk with you if that's okay. Can I walk with her? Yeah, of course. You're doing super. Yeah, you're doing so The police decided to track down the mother, Veronica Bell, through the vehicle's identity and address, while continuing to keep the child safe. Does your mom usually leave you in the car by yourself? No. No. I don't leave you barely. Is this your momma's car right here? But this one right here? Yeah. This silver one right here, okay? Yeah. It's okay. I'm with you, okay? You just hold I'm going to be right with you, okay? You just hold my hand. I'm going to come with you. I'm never going to leave you, okay? I think that's my birthday money. That's your seat? Yeah. Okay, you sit right here with me and my little bag. I'm not going to leave you at all, okay? I promise you. You tell them anything that you feel like you need to tell them. Car key on the Okay. And they found Sky Diver Lane. Phone? >> Sky Diver Lane? >> Phone? You got her the phone in there? Oh, yeah. She left her phone in her bag? Can you turn that light on over there? Yeah. What is that? Yeah, those are the keys. The keys? Okay. Do you want to give it to this nice I think I got the key right here in the windshield. You told me you were still worried, yeah? Let me see. So Alaska Central on teletype for contact. Anything, right? Dear, what was the address You can hold my hand if you want to. >> maybe be in any of these buildings. She walked off to one, but I can't see where because she turned the lights off. Okay. Has this ever happened before? Um no, she never leaves the car without me. No, okay. She said it was something really important, and she said it would be a real quick, but it hasn't because it was like 5 to 10 minutes. Which way did you say she walked? >> Um I couldn't see because she turned the lights off, every single one. Okay. >> Okay. But you don't remember which way she walked when she left the car? No. Okay. So do you remember why you came on over here? Um Like with your mom, do you remember? No, but it wasn't long before I found Sky Dive to Land and I heard people talking, so I can >> What's your mom's name? Bell. Veronica Bell. Veronica Roxanne Bell. Roxanne Bell. Do you remember why your mom um came over here? No. No? For real? Um there were people around, but I thought it was a spark. I thought it was just a car, but now I can see that's a campfire. So the campfire was there when you first got here? Yeah. Okay. >> was only a little bit of it. >> I got you. Were you able to see the people around the campfire? No. No? Okay. >> was blocking it. Bus was blocking it? If she'd walk down here, she would never leave me because she's never done anything like this before, but Okay. But that's blocked off, so she can't go that way. >> Yeah. I thought that would have been him. So how long ago did this happen? 5 to 10 minutes and then I found Sky Dive to Land. I heard people talking, I followed it and I went inside. Okay. You came to hang out with us, right? Because the car was off, like completely off. Okay. I got a description of what she was last seen wearing. Yeah, what is it? Long sleeve white shirt, spandex Um black spandex shorts. I'm going to tell you a green purse. I got you. Um yeah, cuz there was I was over there. I was I was going through camera footage on the guy's phone, but it didn't have like a clothing description. I just had kind of a description of her. Yeah, I just [snorts] got that from her now. >> Okay. Yeah, no worries. Um we will uh Sarge is bringing his car over here, so we can try to do some uh research on the the computer and everything. Try to see what we can come up with. You have all of her information and everything. All right. Stick here with them. Yeah. Um I will uh At an age when she should have been sheltered and protected, [music] she was forced to show a maturity that shouldered the burdens of an adult, something that leaves anyone [music] in deep reflection. Hey dear, the house on Lemon, do you live there with anybody else? Does anybody live with you guys? >> I live with my dad, who is a father figure because my dad passed away and I live with my mom. So, what's your dad What's your father figure's name? Um Do you know his number? Violet, do you remember? It starts with but I can't remember the last. Okay. You are awesome Listen to this. >> You're doing a great job. Do you remember where you were at when you guys stayed with him? I can't remember which street, but I know that it was somewhere like where the roads got a little wider and then if you turn there's like this little dirt road and >> Mhm. he has like this big old fence and it's like over to here to then there and >> Uh-huh. it like blocks right there and then um he has his house and it says on the front door it says Natasha, do you remember anything else that was maybe a little weird recently? No, not really. No? Except for this bag. My mom I think my mom My mom I think I watched this. So, she walked this way. I could say she walked this way just a little and then she turned around and turned the lights off and she walked somewhere. >> Does your mom get tired a lot, Violet? Um Does she get sleepy a lot? Sometimes. Yeah? She gets like really sleepy in the morning and then so she says me for me to get up and she says and then she says and then I had to get up for to get ready for school. Uh-huh. So, when you're home on the weekends and stuff, does she get really tired during the day, too? Um yeah, she gets tired during the day. And when your mom likes to likes to take naps and stuff, does she usually go into her room for it or? She goes in her room or she goes on the couch. >> She goes on the couch? Yeah. Okay. Does your mom take any medicine before she goes to sleep? >> No. No? Okay. Hey Violet, we got in contact with he's on his way up here, okay? Okay. >> So, he's going to come and hang out with us while we try to find where your mom is. >> Okay. He's coming to get the toy. Yeah, he's coming to Okay. Look at me. It's very serious, okay? Where did your mom go? Where's the last place you seen her go? And who was she talking to? She was playing with the toy and she fell asleep. Were you sleeping? Yeah, I was. Okay, I was sleeping. Okay. Yeah, so she I guess Veronica Did she go out and turn off the the lights? She told us earlier that she saw her walk that way. We've already been down that way, knocked on about every door we could think of in town. Um Nope. Yeah. You know Do you know her mom at all? I I don't. No, just cuz she's a regular here. >> honest with you, I work at St Elmo's Tavern and I was in the bar and I don't know her mom at all and heard the situation and And did you Do you know what her mom looks like? I don't. She just came to kind of According to a lot of other patrons, she's a regular. And then they mentioned she was here. I don't recognize her appearance, to be honest. Wait, should I be able to see that coming? I want to send that to him and see what she looks like. Yeah. I don't know if you guys heard or whatever, but I I you know, there was I don't know when I whenever the police called that I at my house, okay? Back >> uh Lemon Street? Uh no, that's her place. >> Okay. Yeah, she she's got a problem, man. Mhm. Okay, I revived her. She was in there. No, I gave her 300 compressions. I come out of the shower, you know what I mean? She she was fine, you know, with What does she use? Well, she takes prescriptions, Suboxone. That's prescription. But when I found her on the floor, she injected [ __ ] fat you know, uh when fentanyl, whatever, you know what I mean? Okay. How long has she had this prescription? I don't I don't I don't I don't do that, you know, she >> No, no, no, no, not >> She has a I knew she had a history of it when I met her and she told me she was clean. And then you know, and then a couple months into it, you know, three, four months in and us seeing each other, you know, she was acting weird. I'm like, "What's going on?" you know. I checked her purse and she had prescription of Valium, her hers. And it was filled like 6 days from the time, you know, the end of It was Martin Luther King Day, so I know what it was. Okay, of this year? Yeah, the last Martin, you know, January, whenever it was. This is almost a year coming up. And I said, "What the [ __ ] is going going on with you?" you know, and I never, you know, I never searched this [ __ ] or whatever happened. Guys, what's up? They saw her at the bar around midnight or so. Um they saw her leave and walk towards her car and that's the last they saw her. So did you look in her right now? I mean, can I look for her or or I mean, so >> this place needs to be lit up, man. If she's driving around here, she won't need her phone, she won't need her keys. Right, and that's what we're trying to figure out. So I'm making a phone call. >> she wants to do. You know, I don't know if she's somewhere because she self-inflicted it >> know if there's if somebody's got her. >> Right. So I need to make a phone call. I'm calling our investigators, okay? We're going to see what we can do, okay? We're all here. We've all I'm telling you, we've walked this whole property. We've walked We've walked over there. We walked the trailer park. We walked everywhere. So just And we're going to start broadening our I want to check this out. I was calling her, you know, cuz she said she was paying her bill. When was this? Tonight, earlier, from the restaurant. What What I don't know the time frame or whatever. While she was here or do you not know? >> No, I wasn't with her. I was home. She said she was half time paying her bill Yeah. and coming. And then and as time went on, I started calling her, calling her. And for a while it was going it was ringing, ringing, ringing. And then after some time after it just went dead. Now, you know what I mean? Yeah. And obviously her her phone's off or whatever. I mean, I guess I I don't know. The little girl, you know, she she wouldn't have powered her phone off. She's always got her phone on. I mean, if you could look at her text messages or or whatever have you. I don't I don't know, but that would be which one I >> phone cuz it's locked. Her daughter knows it. Yeah, we need to search for it. Got to get her on the legalities, unfortunately. Well, this is her well, this is I know. I mean, I'm freaking out dude cuz I, you know, I love the girl and I and I'm the one I I saved her life once and I barely did that. Yeah, 300 chest compressions with 911 on the phone. So just just just ease your worries about tonight, sir. Cuz I know I know it's a lot and I know it's a [ __ ] lot right now. I know it's why aren't we searching for her right now? Why aren't we out and about? I just want to be be level with you, okay? So, the reason why is because there's a lot going on, a lot at stake. Could be a car, could not be. We're not sure on that. So, because of that, we have to make sure that we're with her, that she's safe over here. And what Sergeant Salmon is doing is doing right now is he's putting her in with the the missing. He's talking to investigators right now because they're going to be able to be accessing cameras um and a lot of other surveillance that's going to help kind of narrow down exactly the time frames of what's been going on. So, like I I I ended up learning tonight, um there's a big event with the skydiving this weekend. Number one skydiving destination in the world, apparently. I don't know man. I get but listen I just can't stand here and talk. I just can't stand here and talk. I know it doesn't Take the little girl and go home, okay? I got health problems, you know what I mean? I got heart problems and I'm tripping out right now, man. You guys woke me up, you know, her dad's dead, you know, this just happened a month before I met her, her mother. Right. You know, I've been the girl little girl's got nobody left. I know. You know, I brought I brought her mom back to life. I mean, cuz I I just I've been through it with her. So, I understand just sitting here is not ideal, but here's here's the problem we run into again with the legality wise. >> But why did you guys call me, man? Because A, you have a connection with Veronica. B, you have a connection with Violet. If any if there's anywhere else that she could have gone to or anybody else that would be able to help find her, you're the person that would be the best contact for that. >> she has a pending DCF case right now. >> I I hear you. But >> that? I mean, she's being monitored because of drugs. Right. So, they mainly right now, your biggest role is to make sure she stay remains okay. Because this is going to be a very traumatizing thing cuz obviously she doesn't really understand what's going on. So, right now because you explained explained to us you are her dad, her father figure. So, she was able to give us your information that helped us contact you. So, you're going to be that kind of rock for her while we finish up >> Okay. what we needed to do. So, I'm going to take I'm either going to shut my truck off and get my flashlight out and look, okay? This is This I'm just telling her I got to get her and go home, man. Right. I got a mom I got a sick mom that I left that got dementia. Okay. You know what I mean? So, when our sergeant comes back, I'll let him know what you just told me and then that way we can try to see if we can get you out of here quicker. What do you mean? I'm I'm just letting you I'm I'm not staying. I'm not asking you. I'm taking her and I'm leaving. >> Okay. Here Here's the problem with that because I understand that her her father is At this point legally you have no legal custody. You're not going to Violet, so so I guess y'all y'all got this then. So, we would like for you to stay here just at least for a few more minutes just in case if we cuz I mean, you're a rock for Violet. Okay. Okay. Violet, do you do you want to So, that's not an option. Okay. >> Right now, she needs to stay here. Did you hear me about my mother? Did you hear me? Okay. Okay. Listen. Um I'll come back and get you. You have my You We need to stay with guys. They're not letting me go with me. There's something you need you know, you answer truthfully. Mom's not in trouble, okay? I'll be back here as quick as when they called me, I came up here. But I just can't sit here not do anything and leave my you know, leave Granny at home unattended, okay? I'm caught between you know, there's a a of people here. There's nobody home with her. If something happens and I'm up here, it's going to be double bad, okay? Did you say Oh, that's the reality. He's trying to talk to her again. I'm trying to help you out, bro. Look, we can't give you the kids. If you don't want to be here, don't be. But Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to stay with you, okay? What's she saying? He's really adamant. That arena guy knows something. Yeah, I mean, the that's that's the thing. >> didn't know anything, he's bullshitting. Because the manager also told me that uh the last person he saw her with. >> too? She even said he was talking She said that she's talking to mom. Mhm. Talking with a man. Mhm. Which is the arena guy. He is the last person he was with. She said that I was She was talking with a man. Hey Violet, I just want to make sure I heard you correctly before, okay? I remember you were talking about No, but you were talking about when you last saw your mom. Did you say that you saw her with a guy or anybody else around? No? Was there somebody else around at that point? No? That morning, AROUND 10:00 A.M. [music] ON FEBRUARY 12TH, 2024, police were I was on my way home from work yesterday and I was at You were on your way from work, you said? Okay. Did you see what happened or You don't live around here? No, I live in the Bay Area. I live in Do you have somewhere that you can go? I live with That's why everybody else is here. You're okay? I'm okay. It looks fine. It looks Yeah, I was just trying to calm Who are you on the phone with? I'm with her best friend. Okay. How about we give you and him the phone real quick? >> At least one of the same phone number. At least it's the same phone I live with. Okay. Can he come here and pick you up? Yeah, let's hand him the phone real quick. We'll call you back. And then you got the kids out? You got the kids out, were they buckled in? Uh One of them was buckled Well, they actually they weren't They weren't buckled in? Okay. No, one of them was. The mother My kids. I just want my kids to be okay. Okay, so we've sent your mom and your brother on the way. They're here now. Okay. Okay, I didn't know that. Did you know that? I know that. Okay, so that's good. Okay, do you know where they are? Please don't get Don't take my kids to the hospital. She was going to fall off the the back part I think right I was just taking them out of Okay. It's my first time in it. Briefly. You want to get your You got it? I know. She did it. No, I'm still there. Here you go, I'll get it. I can get it. You came out of your friend's house and what This is my first time. It's so dark. I literally I don't I didn't see nothing. It's so dark right now. I didn't see nothing. I swear. Okay, and where where's your friend live? She She lives right there. She lives right there. >> In the 57 um 90 um So, you just drove straight across? Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah, and I was I'm sorry, he's tall. I'm so sorry. I didn't I This is my first time. It's okay. I don't know them. >> [crying] >> So, you're hanging out at his house tonight? >> Yeah, I was hanging Yeah. Okay. Were the kids buckled in? Yeah. Yeah? Yeah. How fast do you think you were going? Oh, no not not that fast. He just stopped right there. I don't know. He was just stopped cuz it's so dark. Okay. And I'm not around here. I live in the Bay again. I don't know I don't know anything about here. I was just visiting a friend and she can she can really just come here and she can talk to you. There's nothing wrong with visiting friends. We're just making sure you're It's just the first time. I'm so sorry. I don't I don't know where I'm from here. Okay. I don't know where I'm going. I don't know. I'm just so scared. I don't You know, I went through a lot and I don't want none of you all like I just We're going to make sure everybody's okay. That's I know. I know. I know. I know. I'm just scared. Like right now I have nobody. Okay. So But you have mom coming, right? Yeah, I mean Yeah. Okay. I'm just so sorry. >> [laughter] >> What happened right now? I don't know. >> here cuz you crashed. That's all. I don't know. Because you don't want to scare them, okay? I don't know. I just don't know. Are you the registered owner of the car? Yes. Okay. Yes, it's just it was really dark. I'm not even joking. I'm not I mean The only reason they're flight right now is cuz we have our lights here. That's all. I know. I know. I could use some help. I have no idea. Do you know what kind of car she drives? Do you know what kind of car she drives? Um she a red Toyota. I think that's her. That's the same now. So, that's Z. You just have them stand back. Do you guys have the car seats in the car, too? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, they they they they need it. No, they need it. She tried to stop cuz every time girls I think she was trying to get a turn. Um it just it wasn't really a good light. Oh. And then I'm not familiar with these roads. I live in the >> have your headlights on? If you want me to be honest, you want to turn it on. If you want to turn it on, it's not that good. >> They're not very good, but you had them on. Yeah, I did have them on. Yeah. I didn't say you had a problem. Your mom has the kids. Everything's okay. She's right there. She's right there. She's texting me, but I don't know what >> Okay, we'll talk to her. She says she says she says she says she says she says I just had a [ __ ] accident. Okay. I don't care about What the [ __ ] do you care about? Stop. Stop. GET THE [ __ ] OUT OF THE PIZZA. GET THE [ __ ] OUT OF ME MY PIZZA. STOP. GET THE [ __ ] OUT OF ME. DIABLO, CABRON. GET THE [ __ ] OUT. QUE TE JODA. QUE TE JODA. You better go. Just For what? >> know why? It's better for me to be in jail. It's better for me to be in jail. Why? It's [ __ ] cuz it's [ __ ] better. Because it's better. Because it's gay. Gay. Hey, can we get them Gay. Gay. No. Wait, ma'am. Ma'am. Don't Don't you [ __ ] talk to me like that. STOP. THIS IS WHY. THIS IS WHY. HEY. This is why. That's why you're swinging your arms. This is why, bro. This is why. >> [laughter] >> This is why, bro. This is my first [ __ ] mistake. Yeah. Hold on. Hold on. Ma'am. Ma'am, can I can I see your driver's for a second? >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Can you Can you just I just have somebody talking on my phone. If you want >> concerned about that. Well, it is for me cuz I have a PT and I do That's my mother right there. >> Okay, that's that's fine. >> That's where I have to go with everything. I just don't know how to end it up right here. Cuz I was supposed to get a I don't know if you can look at my side. Okay. I just don't know how I ended up being here. Cuz if you could see, I made this turn and it just you can see the tires right there cuz I can see them. I don't know where to just I'm not from here. I'm in the P section. I was just getting out of the 57 cents in all and that's my friend's house and she was in the phone right now. And I don't know how I did I've been here. Okay. >> And that's all that's all I that's all I know. Who else who else was who else was in the car with you? My kids. Your kids? Okay. Two kids? Yeah. Okay. Where were they sitting in the back seat? They were in the car seat. So two kids in the back of the car seats and then you were driving. >> They were strapped on and I was strapped on. Yeah, everything. Yeah, they were Okay. Yeah, they were strapped on. So they were sitting in the back seat, you were sitting in the driver seat, you were driving and all of a sudden this happened. >> Yeah, and then some girls just came at me cuz I couldn't even open my door. You could see I couldn't open my door so some some girls helped me out and that's how I could get out. That's the only thing that I I I was going to ask. I got you. I got you. Okay. So let me ask you this. Why why why do you think that I would be beginning a criminal investigation right now? I don't know. I don't know. I'm not I work from here. Like I'm not even I'm sorry to you. I'm from the P section and that's it. Like I go to my work and I go back and she works with me and I don't know explain to you. This is my [ __ ] first time getting to this situation. All right. So how much how much have you had to drink tonight? It's just it's just a little bit. A little bit? Yeah, just with her. Okay. How much how much is a little bit? I have no idea. Like it was just like >> Cuz a little bit for you and a little bit for me is going to be different, you know what I mean? I know that. So if you want to test it. Well, I I'm just I'm trying to I'm trying to just ascertain exactly what happened, okay? So, I I have to ask questions to understand. Okay, so you were at your friend's house. Okay. 57 Central. 57 Central, I remember, okay. Did you have a little bit to drink at your friend's house? >> I did, just a little bit. But the thing is that when I went to stop, I couldn't see that right. And then there was another car. And those cars weren't the one that [ __ ] The field sobriety test was established as [music] the ultimate yardstick for this mother's responsibility. Did you drink beer or liquor? Or wine? No, it was just wine. Wine? Okay. >> Yeah, red wine. Red wine. How many glasses? Oh, so we ate Okay, so we drink two and we ate um and then fried cheese. It's a Puerto Rican thing. >> Mhm. And I cooked for them for him and her husband and took one more glass and another beer. One more glass? >> Yeah, after eating. Okay, so you had you had what? How many glasses do you think? >> Three glasses, okay. For me. Okay, do you do you I mean, do you drink often? Is it rare, every now and again, socially? Not really. It's um mainly when I live by spine and I'm I'm a lone friend. Like right now I'm alone. I know they took the kids, but like as supportive, I don't have nobody. So, that's why it's I I called the father of my kids cuz even though they took the kids, I don't trust them. I like I need my father of my kids going the kids. And how do you you guys let him let them take the kids? But Well, we we we It's just me and like and the father of my kids. You know what I mean? I got it. Are you supposed to wear glasses or contacts? I wear glasses. You're supposed to wear glasses? Okay. Is that is that >> lost them. I lost them at the beach. I don't know where they are. >> Okay. Is that is that all the time that you're supposed to wear them or only when you're driving, only at night? When are you like when are you supposed to wear them? All the time. Okay. Do you take any kind of prescription medication? I know you said I know you said that you you have anxiety. Are you diagnosed with anxiety? Do you take some >> Excuse me, I have the person with anxiety. >> What what do you take for that? >> Zoloft. Zoloft? How often? I'm just going to check your eyes, okay? Okay. Do you see this green light here? >> Yes. Go ahead and use your pointer finger and point to it. Okay. Go ahead and put your hand down. Of course, the mother failed the [music] field sobriety tests and the case shifted to legal proceedings. What I want you to do I'm going to have you follow the tip of the pen, okay? So, the green light I want you to follow it with your eyes and your eyes only, okay? So, eyes and your eyes only. Don't move your head, okay? So, we're we're going to do a couple more exercises here, okay? So, the next one we're going to do is called the walk and turn exercise, okay? I'm going to explain it to you. I'm going to give you a demonstration and I'm going to have you perform the exercise, okay? So, we're going to walk over here, okay? Just come over this way. All right. Do you see this big white line right here? >> Yes. Okay. So, my partner has the the the road blocked off here, okay? So, we're going to use this line, okay? Come on. Yes. Give me that. >> Okay, just so you're out of the road. Okay. So, listen, here here's the deal, okay? So, right now, I do believe that your normal faculties are impaired beyond your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, okay? Okay, what what I what I need you to do, I need you to turn around, I need you to put your hands behind your back, okay? So, you're under arrest for driving under the influence, okay? Please call my best friend. I was just trying to cook my food. Oh my god, no. Oh my like this feels so wrong. This feels so wrong. Oh my god. All right, I'm going to Oh my god, this feels wrong. This feels wrong. >> [screaming] [crying] >> Oh my god, that's why. This is my first I I'm so nervous that I have MY TEETH CHATTERING. HEY, LISTEN. YOU'RE GOING TO WORK YOURSELF UP, OKAY? OKAY, swing swing your feet in I I how how do you want me to let you see your kids right now? How does that make any sense? We have to think realistically, okay? When we get down there, you will be able to make a phone call eventually, okay? But, you have to go through the process. So, with you With you with you with you acting like this, it's going to make everything go a lot longer, okay? Give me one second. The mother appeared to believe that her personal beliefs could help her cope with the consequences of risky choices involving her child. Mother Mary, Jesus, please help me God. Mother Mary, Jesus, please help save me God. Mother Mary, Jesus, please help me God. Mother Mary, Jesus, please help save me God. Mother Mary, Jesus, please help me. On July 29th, 2023, during a traffic patrol, police noticed a vehicle with a child seated in the front without a safety seat, while the windshield was partially blocked by belongings. Officers quickly stopped the car and clarified the situation with the mother. The presence of the child made the situation more urgent and required careful handling. No! No! What are you doing? WHAT ARE YOU WHAT ARE YOU DOING? BACK HERE. Back here. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? BACK HERE. BACK HERE. BACK HERE. Back here. Back here. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Oh, no. What are you doing? Handcuffs. What are you doing? I didn't do anything. Please. Watch your wrist. Please, what are you doing? Please, you can't do this. God, help me. God. What are you doing? Please, don't do this. This way. I don't know what you're doing. You promised me. You promised me you wouldn't misuse him. I'm not misusing, ma'am. Okay. I can't get it. Can I talk to a lawyer or somebody, please? That's it. For God's sakes. It takes So, there's a process. Okay. You cannot take him from me right now. >> Right this second. You're going to go with him? No. Is there Is Don't. Listen to He doesn't He has no right to ride in the car with me. You can't separate a a child from his mother. That's illegal. Please. Listen to me. Please, don't do this. Please. Ask Ask anybody here that's dealt with me for a while. I don't argue and I don't scream on the side of the road. I'm not screaming on the >> If you want to have a quick conversation, the problem solves I will have that conversation. I will I will have whatever I will have whatever conversation you need. >> Okay. Okay. Do you have another family member? His father, your parent, anything that he could go with him that is willing to come over here or we can find a way >> probably call somebody. Okay. You know who that person is because there is no problem. This is This happened. Okay. What What do you need me to do? What's going on? >> those hands. Watch those hands. You need to watch those hands. I will call either his aunt, probably. Are they local? Yes. Okay. Where at? Uh Ormond. Ormond. So, okay. So, they're pretty close. Is the phone that you have on your person or is it in here somewhere? >> Um I I would have to find it because see, everything kind of fell when I came to the ground like that. All right. Well, Can you please let me find it? We'll We'll get it for you and then we will let you make that phone call because again, we're here cuz we want him taken care of. We're not going to let >> Okay, but you understand to me that taking a child away from his mother is illegal. Huh? I 100% >> Can you please just Can you tell me what this process is so that I understand? >> to jail. You should be able to bond out if you need to or if you have somebody that can bond you out. And how long does that take? That part is up to the jail and how busy they are. And in some cases, you may have to wait till first appearance. Can I just look at him in the eyes, please? Can you see me? I'm not sure what's going on, but everything's going to be okay, all right? Are you okay to go with with Aunt Lacey for a little bit? And then Mama's going to be back here soon. Are you okay? Can you Can you be okay for me? Do you promise? The situation became more stressful as the mother realized that her actions could result [music] in temporary separation from her child. What am I supposed to do? Do you have any formula or anything on you? >> pumped or anything. He's never been away from me. All right. But let's get your >> In what way? In what way? Can you just be a human being right now, please? >> I am definitely being a human being right now. Okay. >> Where is your phone? I have no idea. It was in the >> her phone number memorized? >> No, I do not. Can you just un-handcuff me to get the phone, please? Do you have the address of where these people stay so we can send somebody there to ask them? We're not going to un-cuff you, but I would like you to tell me specifically where >> until somebody comes. You cannot separate us until he I know that he's safe in somebody else's hand, right? Please. Can you do Can you promise me that? >> I'll promise you we're going to get to the bottom of this. Right now, you're going to go into a car, and then I'm going to get your phone and bring it to you. >> Please don't do that. You cannot I cannot leave you alone with my child. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I NEED TO BE WITH HIM. HE'S THE ONE WITH WHAT IS HE DOING WITH MY SON? What is he doing with my son? Ma'am, we're going to get your phone, and you're going to call your >> Why can't I just stay there next to my son to comfort him? Why not? Because that's not how it works. >> Tell me how it works. Tell me how it works, please. >> All right. We're going to put you in the car, and we're going to let you calm down, and then we're going to explain it to you, okay? Stop trying to walk away. I'm not trying I'm just trying to get to my son. Do you have children? Yes, I do. We do. And they would not be in a vehicle that looks like that. Do you have anything on you that will poke me, prick me, stick me, cut me? Do you have any drugs anything illegal? No. >> If we find it here, if you find it in the jail, it's more of a charge. You have absolutely nothing on you. Absolutely not. I'm going to touch it And look like this. What are you going to do? Making sure you have nothing on you. This to the jail is a felony like my partner just said. No weapons, okay? No. No drugs. I have a little sundress on. I mean, please. That's what I'm doing. Are you taking my money? No, your money's going to go there. Is Sammy are you okay? Can you please Can you please tell me what's going on? I'm going to go check on Sammy, okay? Can you please make sure nobody's touching him? I need to put this diaper on him. Relax. We're going to get him a He's naked with a with a police officer that I don't know. It's fine. He's a parent, too, okay? You got an envelope in here? A lot of people Everyone is a parent. Everyone just put that in your car. The money can go with him. Can you please just let me see him? You can keep me handcuffed. I just want to see that he's okay until somebody Wait, we'll bring him to you. He's coming to me? We will bring him so you can see him. All right, have a seat. Back first, watch your head. Okay. Watch your head. There you go. All the way in. Can you uncuff me? No. This is very uncomfortable. I know. It's not supposed to be comfortable, all right? All right, give us a minute. You want to hold me a light? Yeah. While officers reassured the child and arranged for a responsible caregiver, the mother became emotional, crying and expressing distress. Please help me. Please help Sammy. Please help me. Please help Sammy. Please, sir. Please, sir. Please, sir, talk to me. Please, sir, can you talk to me? Can you talk to me, please? Can you just talk to me? I'm I'm feeling very, very sad right now. Just give us a second, okay? Okay, where's my son? You said you'd bring him over. He's in the truck right now. Just give us 1 second. We're trying to What are you doing to him? Why are you keeping me from being able to see what's happening? Just let me explain. What is your phone number? Because we're trying to find your 386 Give me 1 second. We're trying to find your phone. Okay, please. Please, can someone come back soon? I'm I really need somebody here with me. Okay. All right, phone number 1-800- car. Yeah. Where's that at, bud? All right, so let's put him in my car. This diaper looks familiar. I'll grab him and put the diaper on. If you don't mind that, I'm going to try to Let me just wash your hands. Take my vest off real quick. He's really All right, we had to find your phone. It took a second. >> Where is he? Can't you say you bring him over? >> You have to give me a second cuz we have to call your aunt. >> I just want I just want to see him that he's okay. Why are you keeping me from seeing him? >> keeping you from him. What's the number of your aunt? Can you just let me do it, please? >> How do I get to it? Okay. There's two people that I could call, so please >> Whichever one you trust the most and whoever's closest. You said someone's in Ormond? Someone's in Ormond, but will I be able to stay in the vicinity until they come? >> I don't know. It depends on how long they're going to take. You're calling them, but am I Do I get to talk to them? >> Yeah, what's their name? Chrissy. I don't know if she's going to answer the phone or not. If not, I will call someone else, okay? Okay, can I call a different number? They're not touching him, right? No, ma'am. Okay. You promise me? You're on the phone. Is he crying? No. He's just looking at me. Who is this? A family member. Where do they live? Ormond. Okay. She's calling someone else, though. Are you going to bring him over so I can just see him? >> How was the person you called answer? Please leave your message for Should I try again? Yep. If not, can it be a friend or does it have to be >> the same number? Whoever you trust. >> I know that's not the same number. Can you look up Chrissy B, please? Just >> Where does she live? Um in Palm Coast. Okay. Please, Chrissy, pick up the phone. Should I try her again? Okay. Okay, call this T-T-Y cuz that's her close friend and he would know that address. Will you just tell me what he's doing and what's going on with him? And he's happy he's okay? Did somebody put a diaper on him? But I didn't want somebody to touch this. Call them. What's that? Everything's on camera and I can watch it? I don't either. That's why I just This whole thing is just a little extreme to me. I mean, even if you thought there was too much stuff in my car, it doesn't really warrant taking me to jail and taking my son away from me and charging him for the rest of his life. So, I don't What's that? Sorry, do you have anybody else? I called a third time. I don't know who else to call. I don't Do you know where the where the aunt lives, in Ormond? No. You don't know where your your sister lives? Is it your sister or the >> sister, no. I He's never met her. Christie he's met and loves her, and that's why I would like But you don't remember where Christie lives? I I know how to get there. I just don't know what her address is. Otherwise, you could take him to my neighbor's house. I mean, if you really have to. >> Listen, it's up to you. Hey, she's saying a neighbor. I don't have their phone number, but if no if you can't find anybody Which neighbors? The ones next to me? The ones with the two dogs, right next to me? Oh, yeah, the one that is a pet They're definitely not staying with them. But, I have another neighbor on the other side. What's that? No, on the other side of the two lots. Yeah, Maureen and Mike. Yeah. You talked to them, too? I would prefer somebody that he knows in a different way, but if that's the last resort Despite the mother's distress, officers remain professional and compassionate, avoiding force and seeking a safe, practical solution, placing the child with a trusted relative temporarily. Hey, we got Christie on the phone. >> Got her on the phone? Yeah, she's on the phone. Christie? Yes. I'm so sorry to wake you up. This is Lydia. Um, I um am in a very strange situation, and they're taking my child from me, and they said I had to put him somewhere until I get out of jail. So, can you please take him for the night? What's going on, Lydia? What's her name, Christie? Christie. Hey, Christie, this is Deputy Zelek with the Sheriff's Office. Okay. So, Lydia's being taken being arrested, um and she said that she wants her child to go with you, if that's possible. Okay, where are you? We can bring We can bring the child to you, if that's easier. Um, what is your address? Okay, we just need someone to take custody of the child while Lydia's in jail. And we should Are you going to give me any information? I don't have anything to care for a baby. I don't have I don't have any baby things. Yeah, anything to take care of the child in in in the car? Like a bag, like a diaper bag or something? Give me one second. Yeah, we have a diaper bag that we can give her for the baby. I have a few diapers in the car, not a bigger bag. Okay, I've got I I have stuff. I don't have the right size, but if you have some diapers here, Lydia, you can have to tell me a little bit about about him, what's going on, allergy. I know he's nursing, so >> I know he's he's nursing, so I don't really know what to do about that. Please just feed him very healthy food, organic if possible. I'll pay you back. They said I I could be out >> Why is Ty calling me right now? Um because I couldn't get a hold of you and I called him to ask your address cuz they said that they could maybe see if they could go in person. Probably going straight to the house. So I think it's easier if we just go to your house. We should be there in a few minutes, like 10 15 minutes. Okay, so he hasn't been here since but he's not familiar with my home or anything. So does he do understand that this is a bizarre situation? I know We can answer all the questions you have for us when we >> I don't have a lot of options right now and I understand that, Lydia, and I'm I'm here to help. Thank you. you both this. Are you okay if I tell her any details about what happened? I don't I'm I'm respecting your privacy. No, she's my friend. >> with me telling her. When I get there, I can have this whole conversation. >> Okay, but Christine, will you take him right into your arms as soon as he gets there? Yes. >> Please, you promise me. I'm very nervous about him getting traumatized. I understand. I understand, but I I don't want him to be Is he sleeping now or what's what's he doing now? Is he sleeping? Yeah, he's he's he's relaxing. Yeah. He's not sleeping. No. So, we're going to come to you cuz it's easier. I mean, he's he's not crying right now, so it's it's easier to just ride straight to the house. He might once you start driving in the car without me, though. No. Just I'll be out very soon. He said I can just post bond bail, so it shouldn't be more than till the morning. I just He drinks apple juice. He loves apple juice. That's his favorite drink. He likes almond milk. Other than that, he just give him food. Christie, I'm so sorry. Okay. I know you will. That's why I asked you. Thank you so much. Okay. I'm going to hang up, okay? All right. Bye-bye. We're We'll be there in like 15 minutes, okay? Okay. Can you call me and leave me a message just letting me know that he's safe with you, please? I'm trying. Thank you. The case will be reported to the child protection agency to ensure the child's rights and safety are maintained. Do you think the CCF is probably going to have to go to her house? I'm going to call them. Or one I'll probably get Rexford to do it so he can speak freely. And then needs to be an immediate Yeah. They're going to take the kid. Because they probably will. It's just a friend. She She She admitted that. That is cuz originally we were talking about an aunt. Yeah. Well, she said they're my friend. I trust you with them. Okay. So, they can make an immediate response. He's still not going to tell us any information about I know his birthday Okay. Um and name if that's what it is. He seemed to respond to it when she called. Yeah. He's done it with me. She said that it's her last name. I want to get him out of here. This situation needs to be resolved. I also don't want to have DCF mad that we turned him over to some stranger. Upon learning the next steps, the mother gradually calmed down. Officers continued to provide reassurance to maintain control of the situation. Can you just let me say bye-bye or something to him? I mean He's already in the car. Ma'am, listen to me. The quicker I get you to the jail, the quicker you're out. I think it would just go Can you put the sirens on and just go fast? >> [laughter] >> I know that he's going to start crying as soon as someone else tries to drive away, okay? The quicker I get you to the jail, literally my report is typed out. Once I send that report and sign it, you can post bond or get out and get to your kid. Wait, he's Why is my Where's the Where is he? He's in my corporal's car and we're taking him to He's in the police car? Yes, but he's secure. Everything is locked in. There's cameras all around him. No one's going to hurt your child. We're bringing him right to Christie's house. >> Can you go go fast, please? I'm sorry? Can you just go fast, please? I I can't go too fast because the officer I get her or you get her. But I'll I'll get you as quickly as I can. Can I just ask you why it's necessary to to separate us just for a few hours? Like So, if you're going if you're getting arrested, you can't bring the child to Why not? Because you're going to jail. But he can't just come in my arms? >> No, that's not how it works. I get I understand what you're saying because this is your child. Yeah. You can't do that. You're going to jail and you want him to see the jail or see you in handcuffs. I'm in handcuffs the whole time in jail? Not the whole time, but like when you get moved from one area to the next, you see other people that are in for crimes worse or less. But you really want your kid to see all that? No. So, it's better that he's with Christie. Christie? That he's with Christie. I understand he's been locked in there a while, but Yeah. it's better that he's in a secure home. I understand that. I just wish that I could have gone with him to drop him off cuz that would have been a lot nicer for him. I have cameras on, but I can't drive you from one area to the next if I'm if I'm arresting you. And you couldn't have called a female officer to come? Even if it's a female officer, we can't jump around. But you couldn't have driven me with him to the jail and had Christie meet us there? It's easier if we just bring him to the No, I'm just saying, could you have done that? Well, can we do that, please? We're already going to Christie's house. My corporal literally just left to go to Christie's house. But I also am just concerned for my son and how he handles this process. Yeah. Yeah. You all have what? Then I can't believe you would do this. Yeah. I mean, just we have a very close bond and I've never been apart from him. He's never been apart from me. You don't you wouldn't worry about your kid getting charged as He doesn't I just don't know anything about all this stuff, so They put me in a jumpsuit? Why? Holy moly. What does that mean? What am I being arrested for? Yeah, you know, I understand. I'm just This is all very I don't know anything about these systems. It's very freaky to me. Okay, and then how do I get to >> Christie's house? >> more about the jail. They they have cab companies and all that. You can call them. That's why I gave you your phone. You can call Christie when you get out and she can pick you up. If not, then you can get a ride. >> not like being woken up in the middle of the night. She's probably going to be kind of annoyed about this. But I don't really care cuz I care about my son. I mean, I care, but but I can be out tonight probably most likely. I I don't see that being an issue, but again, I don't I don't 100% know. Let's go Let's go fast fast fast. Sorry. >> [laughter] >> Take a breath. Oh, and if you're worried about your child with the breastfeeding >> Yeah. since he's with Christie Yeah. My daughter takes a formula that's like >> I don't want him having formula. Okay, thanks. It's an option. It's the closest thing to breast milk without it being actually No, I don't want him having a formula. So organic I Yeah, I heard you say organic. >> Yeah, we only eat organic, but I didn't want to impose on her either cuz she doesn't have a lot of money. >> so he has some type of like nourishment >> personal. Yeah, cuz he's like 50/50 food and breast milk. Got you. How old is he? One year old? One. The mother faced charges of resisting an officer without and child without great bodily under Florida law. She could face up to six years in prison and a $6,000 fine. The focus of the law here is not [music] so It serves to prevent unintended consequences and ensure children's safety. It's hard to believe that sometimes strangers act better than relatives. We understand that the child is living in a real-life nightmare. Those who bear the title of parents are the very ones placing their children at risk. Do they deserve a second chance? [music] Hopefully, what you've just watched serves as a clear reminder for every adult to understand their responsibility when becoming a parent. If you found this content worth reflecting on, please [music] follow the channel for more stories. See you in the next video. >> [music] [music] >> Oh.