Yes. Oh my god. Stop. Stop. HELLO. >> Not every police call [music] is about chasing someone. Sometimes they rush against the clock to locate a child who is alone in a place that seems familiar and safe. >> Did you go to the hospital when you had it? >> No, I didn't. >> No, you didn't. >> No. >> Is it just you guys that live here? >> Yeah. >> Man, dude. Give me one. Are you kidding me? Today we follow them through moments where even a short delay could make all the difference. Midnight, when the entire neighborhood was asleep, three children were still awake and knocked on a neighbor's door for help. What happens when police are called? Let's find out. >> This is Cleveland Police Dispatcher Catalano. Where do you need the police? >> And I'm calling because I think the lady upstairs is not upstairs. She's got three kids and they're screaming their heads off upstairs. And I think her mother I don't think their mother is home and they're they're babies. They're she got three three little boys upstairs. I think uh one is like two years old and yeah, a small baby. >> So, she's done this somewhere. >> Yeah, she's an unfit mother. >> Like you don't know if she has walked out what time she could have left. >> No, I have no idea. I just woke up with that kid screaming upstairs. I mean, they've been screaming for at least a half an hour screaming. >> Okay, we're going to get that out there to check on them. Yeah, they have to look in the back through the back second door for the upstairs door. >> Okay. Yeah, I'm putting this in the assignment so they're away. >> On May 19th, 2019, Cleveland police received a call from a woman living in the same building. She was concerned that a mother upstairs may have [music] her three young children alone. According to her account, ongoing noises had raised concern, and the family had previously caused some worry among neighbors. I don't hear anything. >> I don't hear anything. >> All right. Did you call? >> Yeah. I'm calling her heads off like she's not home. >> This lady does she's not home. She I don't think she's there. They're screaming her heads off. She's got three kids and sometimes she takes off and leaves them alone. Her baby's pampers. >> There's no As far as you know, there's nobody up there. >> No, I don't think there's nobody up there. >> All right. cuz I know she's got a younger brother because I broke the tickets. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. >> Well, they're screaming their heads all like there's nobody up there now. You can leave three kids like normal screaming screaming out screaming. You know, you figure somebody will be up. I can hear from from the bathroom upstairs. >> All right. Cuz I know I got a little one when she cries. I'll let her sit there for 45 minutes until she >> Yeah, but this is constantly happening. >> This is not normal. Yeah, I don't hear anything. [applause] Check this place. Perfect. When officers approached the apartment's front [music] door, repeated knocks received no response. The silence prompted them to check for another way in through a neighboring unit. >> Sound like a door. >> Cleveland police. Well, she's going to call us in her house and take us to where she hears this. >> Yeah, cuz I don't I don't hear anything. I think now I'm hearing a little bit. >> We're not getting any answer. Can you take us to where you can hear it at? >> I can actually hear him upstairs. That's This is a door. >> Another entrance to up there. >> That's closed. That But you can hear the kids actually from there. >> You said you hear them good from your bathroom. >> Yeah, I can hear them like from here in this room. You hear them like upstairs. >> He doesn't answer the door. Nobody answers the door. I mean, I hope she's not up there up or something. There's no way that's completely sealed. >> We have a boss respond here. We're not getting no answer for that upstairs. And we can hear the children crying about the downstairs unit. >> Yeah. >> Can you hear it? Okay. >> Yeah. Claire's day. Yeah. You can hear So, what does this door go to? >> That door actually goes It's like an entrance for their house, >> but shut because it's a second apartment. >> So, that's sealed. No. >> Hello. Can you hear me? Hello? >> Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Hey, it's the police. Can you hear me? >> The rear door also showed no response. To ensure the children's well-being, officers entered the [music] apartment and found three children alone in conditions that needed attention. >> We're end up kicking in her door. >> Lock back here. >> Yeah, it's locked. Usually, >> she leaves it open. >> I'll get my supervisor here and go from there, but we might end up kicking in that door. What kind of car does she drive? >> Oh, that's her car right there. That's her truck. It's expired plates. She uh she can't drive it. >> Clear police. Come to the door. >> Come to the door. I might be kicking it in. Is she a white, black, Hispanic woman? >> Hispanic. She hardly speaks any English. >> Yeah. I find her kids outside walking through alleys in the morning. Little kids. And there's no other entrance to that apartment besides that door. Who's the man? >> There's no other entrance. Unless I call the landlord. >> Where is the landlord? >> The land Well, he's got to be home. His house. >> Where? Where's that? >> He lives on 88 on the way. >> Can you try to get a hold of him? >> I could try to call and see if he answers, >> please. >> I'll do that. >> It's like they're back there somewhere. >> Yeah. No, they're they're back in there. There's a window over here that looks like it's covered. >> Yeah, I think that one >> they're probably back in there cuz the only one that's covered like that's open from both sides. Little >> boy cry. >> Yeah. Yes, with the callers. We can hear the kids upstairs. No. >> No. Their heads off. >> We'll do it. >> Okay. I was going to wait till you're back here before I start kicking. >> Cleveland police, open the door. I'm kicking it in. >> 31. CLEVELAND POLICE. CLEVELAND POLICE. Cleveland police. Hello. Cleveland police. Is anybody in here? Cleveland police. Hello. >> They out the door latch. >> This goes upstairs, but there's a mattress in the way. >> Hello. Are you okay? Are you okay? 31 radio. Are you okay, bud? >> Are you okay? >> Hey, bud. 31 radio. We had EMS come out here and check on three toddlers. They're all awake and conscious. Um, ages 2 to four, no adults. They were locked in their room with a latch on the outside of the door. Smells terrible in here. >> It's Yeah, it's real bad. >> Guys, do you got clothes? Can you put some clothes on? >> Can you please can you put some clothes on? >> Jesus. >> Just make sure she's not like Yeah. >> Hey guys, can you put some clothes on? >> Uh, contact 696 kids. Get them out here. >> Roger. Unexpectedly, the mother returned quietly. She explained that a relative had been helping look after the children. >> Hey, English. Any English? >> No. No English. Are you Are you guys okay? Huh? Can you talk to me, please? Are you guys okay? >> Where's your mom? Can you put some clothes on? Do you have some clothes to put on? Okay. Can you help your >> Huh? >> Stop. >> What's up? >> Where have you been? Step out here. >> Sorry, bud. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. >> Why is this kid from alone? >> MY SISTER HERE. >> NO. NO SISTER. >> No sister. No. >> You're going to wait out here. Uh-uh. >> I don't know who YOU ARE YET. NO. >> RELAX. RELAX. RELAX. She just popped up on Stop. >> I told you to stop. You weren't worried about your kids when you locked them in the bedroom and you took off, were you? >> Yeah. Do you got ID? >> Am I here? >> Where's your ID? >> No, your sister's not here. No one's here. >> Nobody's here. >> Just the kids. >> Kids. >> Where's your ID? >> Where's [snorts] your ID? >> Where is it? >> Oh my god. >> In your room. Listen, >> you're going to you're going to push my buttons. Relax. You're going to listen to me and I'm going to tell you what's going to happen. Where is your ID? >> Okay. Well, >> they were uh sorry, they were locked in that room. >> What's your name? >> You smell like you've been drinking. You just come from the bar. Where you at, Benny? >> Yeah. >> Are these your kids? >> Yeah. >> Are these your kids? All right. You know what? >> Put your hands behind your back. >> WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. >> PUT YOUR HANDS. YOUR KIDS ARE FINE. >> WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. >> Relax right now. >> Relax. >> Put your hands behind your back. Let me see my kids. >> Your kids are fine. We're taking care of them now. You can't >> do not turn bigger face. Some light. What's up? Sorry. >> Let me see. >> No, you're not going to see them. Your kids are fine. We're taking care of them now. All right. YOU NEED TO RELAX. >> OH MY GOD. NO. PLEASE. >> NO. STOP. >> PLEASE. >> STOP. >> DANIEL. >> Tell him to get dressed. Tell him to put some clothes on. We're out there. Come on. Walk. Look. You walk or I'm going to have to walk you. I'd rather you walk yourself. Come on. >> Oh my god. >> Try to once you get her info, see if there's a family member. >> Try that first night. Okay. >> You got to go outside. Come on outside. >> Walk. All you got to do is listen right now. That's all you got to do. Here. Give me >> Where's your shoes? >> Yeah. >> The mother was charged with child inment. Under Ohio law, she may face a potential sentence ranging from [music] 6 to 18 months in prison. Parents should remember that caring for children is not only a family matter, but also a legal and ethical responsibility. Even brief lapses in supervision can affect a [music] child's sense of safety and development. >> I know I'm not trying to get myself in trouble. I'm just I'm already in trouble. What the was he doing walking down the road? >> The mother, who had just woken up after a long rest, quickly reminded her child not to go outside alone, trying to ensure his safety. On September 17th, 2023, police received a call from a passer by who noticed a young boy sitting alone on the road. The child explained that his mother had been resting for a very long time and hadn't woken up. Concerned for his well-being, the driver contacted police, leading to a situation that highlighted the importance of supervision and the real risks young children can face. >> Good. How are you doing? >> Sorry about here, but I was driving through one of my house and he was sitting in the road almost hit him and then I turned around and I was like, We've had a whole conversation. He said his mommy's in the house. She's not waking up for him. Did you say your mommy's name is Megan? Baby? >> Yeah. >> Megan? >> Yeah, we know who she is. >> What time was it that you first got out with him? >> When I called y'all about 6:20. >> 6:20. Just sitting in the middle of the road. >> Yeah. He's just sitting like right out here and like in the roadway. Who was that man that was out here with you again? You said there was a guy out here with that left. >> Evan. >> Evan. >> Who's Evan? >> Evan as a boy. >> As a boy. Okay. How old is Evan? >> I don't know because I'm four years old. >> You're four years old? >> I said Evan was driving a car. >> Did you get bit up by some ants or you getting bit by mosquitoes? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You got all bit up, aren't you? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Can I see all them bites? >> Yeah. >> Let me see. >> This bite I got all these bites. >> Do you know what was biting you? >> That was mosquitoes. >> Can I see your arm? Can you hold your arm out like this? >> I got all the bites. >> Look at all my front leg. >> Yeah, I see that. You got all sorts of bites. Well, how long's your mommy not been waking up? >> 20 hours. >> 20 hours? That's a long, long time? >> Yeah. >> Is anybody else home? >> No, just my mommy. >> What were you doing outside? >> I was waiting for Evan to come back. >> Oh, okay. Is Evan your mommy's boyfriend? >> Yeah. >> Or is is that your dad? >> Well, no, that's not my dad. My dad beats my mom. >> He does? I'm sorry to hear that. >> Yeah. >> What's your name, buddy? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And what's your last name? >> You know, can you do me a favor? Can I get you out the mosquitoes? Is that okay? You want to come with me? >> Yeah. >> Hey, buddy. Do you mind hanging out in my partner's car for a little bit? Yeah. >> Is that okay? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Are you going to be okay? >> Yeah. >> Just sit here. Okay. We'll be right back. I promise you. >> Well, I'm not going to be okay. >> You're not? >> No. >> Yeah, you will. We got to go wake up mommy. >> Okay. I'll be right back. I promise. >> Okay. >> Police helped the boy do what he had tried many times, but could not wake his mother. >> Hello. >> Sheriff's office. She's down on the ground right here. Sheriff's office. Hello. Can you hear me? What are we doing? What's going on? >> What's going on with you? >> I'm staying my way. >> You've been drinking. >> Where's your son? >> Where? >> Let me tell you where your son is. He went outside and walked down the road and somebody called the police. >> Shut up. >> No, that's why we're here. So, what's going on with you? >> I was sleeping. Evan, >> he's he's safe. >> Evan's not here. Who is Evan? >> Spend the night. >> Can I put some clothes on? >> How much have you had to drink? >> I slept the night before. I didn't drink. Okay. So, you haven't had any alcohol today? >> No. No. I I went to sleep. Can I put my clothes on? >> Not right now. I'm I'm going to have the paramedics come look at you. Do you want to sit down on the couch? >> No. >> Have a seat. >> Please. Please. >> God. Where's Evan? >> Who is Evan? >> Evan's like my best friend. >> How old is Evan? >> 19. >> Was Evan here the other night with you? >> No. Evan was not here last night. Evan was sitting right next to me. >> Okay. >> So, what time did you go to bed? >> 11. >> Do you know what time it is right now? >> No. >> Okay. Do you know what today's date is? I don't want you looking. >> Today's like the 17th. Yeah. >> 16. >> Okay. >> It's only about 6:14. >> It's not 11:00 in the morning. >> It's like 7:30. >> Well, 7 7 p.m. So, you had somebody here named Evan. You were sleeping. >> He's not here. >> No. >> Where does he drive? >> What color is white? >> Where's my son? >> Your son's safe. >> Where is he at? >> He's Where is he at? >> He's with a deputy. Okay. He's >> I don't want him to be with a deputy. Do you want to call? >> Okay. Well, then he shouldn't been walking down the road by himself. >> I need to call Lisa. And this is the one that is got a custody arrangement with him. >> That's fine. I >> I need to do that. >> Let me get some information from you. What is Lisa's last name? Do you have her phone number? >> That's my boyfriend in jail. Do I have her phone number? Yes. Baby, the police are front in front of me right now. They apparently I slept until 7:00 at night and they took and they're they're turning you right now. Baby, they're in front of you right now. >> Ma'am, listen. There's an emergency with your child. We We need to talk to you. >> I'm giving you the number. Lisa's number is I don't know. I went to sleep and Evan left. Evan left and then starts walking down the road by himself. Why? Why? Can I see my kid? Can I Can I go see my child, please? >> Not right now. >> Why? Why can I not see him? >> Cuz we're talking to you. We're trying to >> I want to see my kid. >> Not right now. I'm going to have the paramedics come check you out. We can't You can't go see right now. >> I hope I know. I'm not trying to get myself in trouble. I'm just I'm already in trouble. What the was he doing walking down the road? >> So, is Lisa the one that lives here and you're just staying here? >> No, this is my house. I >> thought you said Lisa wasn't going to let you come over anymore. >> Lisa is the one that takes has been taking care of my kid because I just started a new job and I already got arrested last week. I got you. >> I'm not trying to go back. Once he felt more at ease, the boy began to clearly share his past experiences. >> You're such a big boy. You are a big boy. Good job, buddy. So, he's ate up with mosquitoes. We have any uh the only thing I got from alcohol. It's going to burn and that's about it. What on you, >> budd? Like my kids don't like those either. Does anything else hurt? >> Well, I'm scared of spiders. Well, they they leave us around. My name is >> Mhm. >> Okay. Nothing else is there and you didn't like hit your head or anything? >> Well, I Me and Mommy see a big drawer spider. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. >> You're so brave. >> The last time we was outside because when it was dark, the last time me and Evan and Mommy, something happened really bad. >> Where did Evan go? >> Well, Evan is gone. Evan driving away from us. Why? >> I don't know. Because nobody knows that. >> You have somebody to come take care of you? Yeah. >> Whose house are you normally at besides mommy's? >> I always go to Lisa's houses. >> Lisa's house. Okay. >> I go two houses. Mommy's and Lisa's. >> Okay. >> Well, I don't ever go to Jen's house. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Are you hungry? >> Well, no. I was sleeping. >> You were sleeping and then you woke up. Why'd you go outside? >> Because I was waiting for Kevin. >> Okay. We should have stayed inside with mommy though. >> Yeah. >> Did you go walk down the road looking for Evan or you just stayed right here? >> I just stayed right there. >> You stayed right there. Okay. >> The last time it was dark, we all played and low because no cars was coming and I was acting like a spider. >> Do you know how long ago you had something to eat? >> Yeah. >> Did you have lunch? >> Yeah. >> What did you have to eat? >> My old school was right beginners. >> Okay. What did you have today for lunch? >> Um, in that time I go to new school. >> Do you know what you ate today? What food you had today? >> I know my teacher's name. Oh, I got two teachers. >> The mother eventually woke after a prolonged rest and appeared worried when temporarily separated from her child. She did not fully realize the potential risk of her four-year-old being outside for so long. >> No. >> Please let me see my child. >> Not right now. Stop. You can show your address on have a seat on the sofa, please. >> Sit down. >> No, >> I want the paramedics to come look at you. I want them to come evaluate you. >> See my child, >> please. I want to go see my child. Do what you need to do and let me go see my kids. My partner's out there. You want to check in on him. Okay. He's He's in good hand. >> No, I need Evan to come back here now. and then left and the police are here and said that Kate was walking down the side of the road while I was asleep. >> I can't go anywhere. >> Oh my god. He's in the back of a cop car right now. >> I can't tell him anything. They won't let me talk to him. >> Evan laughed for a second and he walked on the side of the road. >> Yeah, your blood pressure is a little bit a little bit >> Yeah, keeping the fact >> Have you drank any today though? Not today. Not today. Have you taken anything today at all? >> I take my like I'm supposed to >> When did you take your took it at like 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning? >> Oh, this morning. Okay. So, you just fell asleep. >> I'm supposed to take two in the morning and then one in the afternoon. I haven't even taken >> Okay. Are you willing to go to the hospital with us? >> Why? No, my head is here. I'm not waiting until he has picked up Alisa. Lisa is on the way. >> We're going to take you to the hospital. I want to see him and that's fine. But it's either dating you. >> No, because we came. >> Why do I need >> I'm not saying you do. I'm asking you. Would you like to go with us? We came here to check >> because when we found you, you were unconscious and you were out of it. That's why they want to ask you if you want to go to the hospital. Do you want to go? >> We're just trying to see if you need any help. >> I went to where what hospital? Because I went there and my blood pressure was higher than that. Didn't do anything. They just were like, "Oh, you're period recovery. You don't have to come with us. That's fine. I'm asking you if you'd like to go with us because if not, we can leave and they can handle it. We can just what? They take me to jail because I have high blood pressure." >> I haven't said anything about taking you to jail. >> Just there. >> We're just trying to figure out what is happening today. Why we're here. >> I don't either. I I took my medication and I felt Evan was here. Evan left for a second. Look at all the toys. Like, what the My kid I bet you ran through that door. Let me see. Yes. Oh my god. >> Stop. Stop. Do not go out there. >> Look at this. >> I know. I see it. Go back into the living room. >> Why do I have to go back and look? >> Cuz you're not free to go right now. We're detained for an investigation right now for reckless conduct. That's what we're looking at. >> What conduct? >> Reckless conduct. Do you want to go to the hospital with these folks or not? >> We're not going to take you against >> I want to make sure that my kid is picked up before I go. I want to see him and make sure >> that's not going to happen right now. >> Why? >> Because we're here in this investigation. >> Hey, what's your name? >> Oen. See your people. That's not >> They're not adjusting at all to the light. They're They're open. Stuck open. >> Probably. I'm not. You can. I don't do after dinner at order. Whatever you want me to do. >> So, what did you take? Cuz you took something. Stop. You're not going to walk around. Sit down. Sit down on the couch. I don't want you to show me. I want you to tell me >> what else did you take cuz you took something else. And I'm going to take and >> gabapent and um this one. When did you take your GAP? >> Before I went to sleep. >> I was sleep last night when you went to sleep last night. >> You haven't taken it today. >> No. No. >> No. I was sleeping until knock on my door. >> Okay. But we can get out of your hair. I just know if you want to go to the hospital all three of us and then we'll just see them. >> I'll go. >> Well, then let's go. >> Hold on. I need Can I put on the shirt? >> Oh, yeah. >> Can I see my child before I go, please? >> No. >> Why? >> Cuz he's outside with Deputy Richard. >> No. He needs to see my face. He needs to see a familiar face. Peace. >> Lisa's on her way, right? >> No. Oh, please can you see my face? >> Do you want to get a shirt so we can go or not? If you don't want to go, that's fine. Don't go. >> Another person involved in the situation, Evan, was also brought in to clarify the details. >> When I grow up, I will be a police. >> You do? You want to help people? Yeah, >> like we're helping you today. >> Yeah. I'm going to take out >> Well, we try to do our best to help even little ones. Do you know your mommy's address where she lives? >> Yeah, I know where where she lives. >> You know where she lives? Do you know the numbers? Well, yeah. >> What are they? >> I count to 20. One, two, three. >> You're just precious, let me tell you. >> Five, six, seven, eight, 10. >> Do you know Miss Lisa's phone number? >> No. >> Look at this big puppy. >> Oh, that's cute. >> He's cute. I will. >> I love puppies. >> He's probably nicer than he looks. Huh? >> He's so nice. >> Yeah. >> Well, he's not in trouble. >> He was He was He was outside and we're helping him. >> Oh, >> okay. Are you Evan? >> I am. >> I need to get your information real quick. Okay. Little Kenyan here came outside looking for you after you uh >> I knew I locked that open. >> Yeah. >> Evan, I got out the back door. Front door. Evan, I got out the back door. >> I know, but I locked it here. >> Okay. How long were you here today? >> Just been all day. I just left to go pick up his book for school tomorrow. You going to be staying here for the evening or >> probably? Okay. How long has she been sleeping? She had no idea what time it was. >> What time did you get here? >> I've been here since couple days. >> We're outside watch the car. Yeah, I guess that's when she >> I was I was outside watching the car. >> According to reports, the mother had faced challenges in her past and was trying to stabilize her life. Despite reminders about her responsibilities, this situation still unfolded, highlighting the need for constant attention to children's safety. >> Let me find my bag so I can get my medication in my You can follow me. I don't care. >> They'll be able to give me your medicine at the hospital. >> No, they're not going to give me. I'm supposed to do my my dose at 1:00. Can I take >> Where are your shoes on? Let's get your shoes. Either you want to go with them or you don't. >> I'm going, but I want my bag with my medication in the most important thing. Thought >> your son was the most important purse. They're making me go to hospital. I'm making you go. >> I'm going to jail. You're out of jail. Probably >> your vitals are completely stable. >> Then why you're pulling in? Okay. You're pulling in now. Please check on King. Please check on King. They won't even let me check on him. >> 24. That's going to be the other one that was here. >> Please. >> You want to be seen by the hospital? >> I don't want to go to jail going with us. The hospital's not going to go back. >> I got arrested the other day. Okay. And since then, I have a job. I have a brand new company phone. Good job. Right. I'm a convicted felon from like years ago. I have been trying to change my life. I am 3 years clean. I have not done in 3 years though. I was on shooting boat. I don't do that anymore. I may drag a little bit. That's about it. I already got arrested on Tuesday for DUI. I can't have this accident. >> Megan, do you want to go with them or not? >> I do. I want my bag. >> We don't know where your bag is. They're leaving. Are you going with them or not? >> If I can't have my medication, then I won't go. >> No, we're not going to go look through your car. Then you're being placed under arrest. him. I just said I was going to go with you back. You're done. >> GO WITH HIM. >> I said I was going to >> You're not going WITH HIM ANYMORE. YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL. >> WHY? >> Reckless conduct. >> I said I was going to go with them. >> You're high right now. You're not going with them. You're going to jail. >> I'm not high. >> Drop the bait. >> Let me go check on my partner. I'm going to close my door and lock it. The windows open so you can talk to him. Would you mind just hanging out with him for a second? Okay. >> I know for a fact I lock that door. >> Kids are kids are kids. And I mean >> I didn't think he'd be able to reach up there and unlock it. And I know we checked out the front door cuz she doesn't know how to open the front door. He got like a little jiggling, you know. >> Yeah. >> So, I know we got >> Did you Did you try to wake her up or anything? >> Yeah, I told her. I said, "Hey, you know, I'm going to head out for a sec and I'll be right back." >> All right. Well, she's under arrest. So, um I have no idea. I just saw her walk out. Just hang out here with me. >> Evan, >> separate your feet. Separate your feet. >> Where's Evan? He's right there. There's your car. >> Have a seat. >> Come on, dude. >> Sit in the car. >> Let me see my child. >> No, sit in the car. >> Why? Cuz your child's going to come with us to the sheriff's office. Sit down. >> He's not. >> Yes, he is. Sit down. >> No. Lisa is going to pick him up. >> No, she's not. I'm calling defac. They're going to come get >> No, they're not. >> Yes, ma'am. They are. >> Lisa already has an agreement with him. >> Well, then they can take that over. >> But I don't have an agreement with Lisa. >> Both the mother and the boy were taken to the station, but separately. One to clarify responsibilities, the other to ensure the child's protection. >> Is that Lisa? Yeah. >> She needs to come here. She's a guard. >> She She's on the way. >> Hey, Lisa. I'm assuming you're the one of the legal guardians of >> I'm not sure if it's considered guardianship, but yes, Megan did sign a notorized statement saying that I to take care of him and make choices and whatnot for him. >> Perfect. >> You're on your way. >> I am, officer. But I am about to have a nervous breakdown right now. My car died on me. We're on our way, but take the kid to the office. I'm going to call defects. >> Lisa's on her way. >> I don't know where Lisa is. >> She has a signed activated. >> And why is the kid here? >> Visit a mom. Is it like a visit that's >> She has a power attorney to take care of. >> I just talked to her on the phone. >> Yeah, >> allegedly I don't know. I haven't seen any documents. So, >> and I don't feel comfortable who this Lisa lady is. I think DeFax needs to unless she shows up here with some court order signed by a judge. >> Let me see what she has. I'm going to have I'm going to redirect her to the sheriff's office. >> Yes. >> Did you see her take anything? >> No, she has she hasn't had anything. The jury shouldn't have had any. >> Uh she does take medicine that does make her sleepy. >> What kind of medicine is that? It's called >> Does he have a car seat here? >> I got one in my car. >> I would need to grab that. So, can you call Lisa back real quick and I'm g have her meet me up at the sheriff's office. So, >> so what's the charges? >> Uh for her reckless conduct, >> buddy. We're going we're going to take you to the sheriff's office where we're going to meet Miss Lisa. Okay. >> Okay. >> You want a snack when we get to the office? >> Yeah. Yeah. I love snacks. >> You love snacks. Okay. We're going to go for a ride. You ready? >> Yeah. >> High five. All right. You get to ride in the police car. How cool is that? >> Super cool, huh? >> Yeah. >> And when we get to the sheriff's office, I'll turn on my blue lights for you. Would you like to see light? >> Yeah. >> The lights up here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. I promise. >> You see the blue lights? Look. Yeah. >> We're going to take them inside. You can come in with me. >> Okay. Let me grab some pictures. >> Okay. >> I'm glad you see Lisa cuz he's my best friend. >> Lisa's your best friend. Look at all the stuff you get to color. We have to contact Devax and then they can make a decision. Let me see what you got there. >> I didn't touch this thing before. >> Okay. So, they're familiar with you. Yeah. >> Do you have a case worker? >> The case is closed. It was a grant. I never told her things. But this is what Megan was going to go into some sort of clinic >> and so she wanted me to take care of and she did that cuz she's not done it yet. So, he's still with me here a month later. >> This Jennifer Varela Rita Moon. >> Jennifer was his first foster mom years ago. He was in foster care. I mean this is better than nothing but given the circumstances it's not courtapp appointed right so um and defect kind of likes that they may accept that I don't know >> a positive aspect of the story is the boy's bond with his temporary guardian who cared for him with genuine concern and attention >> I've just been in her life I'm in love with him he's like my own grandchild she's just she I want to blame it on somebody else but she met up with somebody had the same issues that she does and it was just >> the explosion all up down here. >> Miss Grant, the social worker that was handling the case because there had been a call earlier. She said we agreed that Megan and I had with Stan, >> but she was with the mom and could visit him and see him whenever she wanted to. Where she was in like she was that day, she was kind of snatching out the car seat. >> Yeah. >> So, she wanted to see him with him. I drove him over here and she was fine. And I left him. >> When you drove over here >> yesterday? more time. Probably about 1:00. >> Yeah, cuz uh by the time we met her last night, she was waiting. >> You're kidding. >> She responded to a call last night. She couldn't get in the house. >> Was outside with her and some. >> Okay. Yeah, that's it then. That's it. Yeah. I didn't want to push it, but we had talked about the kinship thing where I would officially be like foster parent. And I could only agree I could agree or disagree whether she saw him or not. I was kind of hoping that maybe I could kind of coach her into that voluntarily. >> I I think what you probably need to do was go down to the room. >> Oh, wait. Hang on. This is Jen, the other I'm able to take him home with me, but they need reflex um to make a call. I was hoping you could maybe call. He was sitting in the middle of the road. Oh my god. Okay. Yes, please call. She's usually the first call when Dex gets called, they call her. >> We dealt with the last week at least five times. like 4:00. >> She's always in some state of under the influence of something. >> Do whatever I need to do to keep up from my home. He's comfortable there. He's known me over half his life. He and his mom used to come down and spend like Friday nights with us cuz she had a a great job. She ran a dairy department in Loganville Kroger. They would come spend the night. She would get up the next day, go to work. I would keep all day for her. I was just kind of concerned about how late it was cuz he's he's got school tomorrow. >> So, what was your plan today? Because he he you took him over there at 1 yesterday. Have you called and checked on him since? >> Oh, yeah. I mean, his mom and I communicate >> and you didn't recognize that she would slur speech or >> Well, it's usually over text, but I I'll just ask how's and either it's he's fine watching a movie or something like that. >> What was your plan to go back and pick him up? >> The plan had been for him to stay tonight. She was going to take him to school tomorrow. She wasn't answering my texts later in the afternoon. So, I started calling Evan, who is kind of a mutual friend, but more Megan's friend. He said she was napping. He tried to wake her up, and I said, "Well, don't, you know, she's not going to be able to answer my questions anyway." But I knew Evan was there, and Evan's not a drinker. Evan's not a But now I'm kind of wondering if maybe Evan was keeping things from me just because he didn't want Megan to get mad. Told her business. >> He left the house. >> Evan left the house. Yes. >> I hope he's not your friend after this. He text me earlier and I said, "I don't have anything to say to you." And it's sad cuz he's just a kid. He's like maybe 20. >> He's like a monster. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Here. I'll trade you an Oreo for a crayon. >> He doesn't want that. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank y'all. Um, if y'all need me for anything else, let me know. >> Appreciate you. Thank you so much. Thank you for everything. >> You fine, man. You're good. Appreciate it. The mother was charged with reckless conduct and childment. Under Georgia law, she could face up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine. The story serves as an important reminder that parents and guardians must always be mindful of their responsibilities, ensuring children are never left alone, especially when dealing with health issues, stress, or long periods of rest. >> Have you guys been trying to clean up the place a little bit more since you had your baby? >> Yes. >> Is it just you guys that live here? >> Yeah. They said they had cleaned the house, but what officers observed told a different story. On January 11th, 2024, Pasco, New Mexico, police received an anonymous call expressing concern that a woman may have recently given birth and the baby's environment could be unsafe. Officers quickly conducted a welfare check and found a secluded house in the hills in freezing weather below 30° F with conditions that pose potential risks to a newborn. >> Have you had your baby already? >> Yeah. >> How's your baby doing? >> Is he good? Is he here with you now or where's your baby at? >> Can we make sure he's okay? That's just our only concern right now. Okay. You're okay though. You don't need any help. You don't need any services, nothing like that. Okay. >> Yeah. We just got a call saying you might have had a baby and people haven't heard from you in a while, so we're just checking on you. Okay. No, >> he's okay. >> Can you bring your baby out here or can we come in? >> As soon as the child was taken outside, officers noticed the baby appeared unwell and immediately recommended a medical check. Initially, both parents hesitated to seek care. I know it's cold, but can we see him real quick? It's part of our job. Okay. >> Yeah, he's fighting everything with you. >> You guys have food? You guys have running water here? >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I just turn the light on him? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Did you go to the hospital when you had him? >> No, I didn't. >> No, you didn't. >> No. >> All right. So, can we have you go to the hospital just to make sure everything's okay? You want to ride with us? You want us to call you an ambulance to go? >> We can go in ambulance. >> You can go in ambulance. Okay. We're going to call an ambulance. >> Have a friend take me. Huh? >> Can I have a friend take me? >> Yeah, but we just got to make sure you go. Okay. Well, I'll I'll go. >> Okay. So, we just want to make sure everything's okay. Okay. >> Sound good? >> Yeah. >> So, uh can you call a friend to come get you and take you now? >> Yes. >> What was your name, sir? >> Ronald. >> Ronald. >> Okay. What's the number, Ronald? Uh can I ask who called? >> I don't know. It was an anonymous caller. Okay. So, that's why we had to stop. >> Try again. >> Hello. >> Hi, Mom. Hi. >> Uh, we need a ride to the hospital, I guess. >> Okay. Um, you know what? We don't have a car seat. >> Oh, where do we go? >> So, if we call an ambulance, it's no charge to you guys. Okay. >> All right. Well, I guess >> uh I don't know. But >> he doesn't have a car seat either, though. Uh the the the state police came over here. They want us to go to the to the hospital. >> Or what? >> Let me see what >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Okay. >> Let me know what happens. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, give us a second. We're going to go on. Okay. >> All right. >> Huh? just a bit late. >> No, I I get it. I understand. Okay. But just because he wasn't born at the hospital, we need to make sure that he's okay. You know, he's at the you know, he's got proper weight, all proper nutrition, all that stuff. Okay? It's my job. Okay? It's nothing you need to do. With that being said, I will have to go inside and make sure that you guys do have food, running water, and heat. Okay? So, I have to go inside and look at all that stuff. >> So, can we do that? >> Let me talk to my mother. >> So, there's no if ends or buts. Either we go in or you guys are being arrested, okay? >> For um interference with the child and welfare investigation. >> Okay. >> All right. Can you just give me a second? No. Unless you close the door by yourself in there, but I can stand by the door. Okay. I won't go in unless you guys we're going to have the house. Okay. You can have him come to the door. >> They want to come inside the house. >> So, have him come out here so we can explain it to him. Okay. Hey, Ronald. Talk to us real quick. Okay. So, here's the thing, okay? Because we did get a call saying we have to come check on your child. Um, we do have to make sure you have food, running water, and electricity. I mean, or and heat. Okay? I can see the chimney. I just got to make sure you have running water and food. Okay? Can we come and check on that? >> My house is a mess right now, but >> it's fine. That doesn't >> That's what you guys say every time. You know, when something else goes wrong, you know, >> as long as there's no laying around, I mean, you know what I mean? Everyone's everyone's lifestyle is different. Okay. We can work with you. Okay. So, we're going to check out Inside the house, officers observed a cluttered living space with piles of items, unwashed clothes, and damp air. [music] Some items raised additional concerns about safety. >> Can you guys show me the area where you keep um your baby? >> Do you have a place to where he he sleeps? >> On the couch behind >> couch right here. >> Right here. >> And do you guys sleep with him or how do you take care of that? sleep with you water. >> Yeah. >> Hot water. >> Make sure it's hot water. Okay. >> That works for me. Okay. >> So, I have a couple questions. Okay. Have you guys been trying to clean up the place a little more since you had your baby? How long have you guys been working on that? How long have you guys been working on? >> One day. >> Yeah. >> Huh? >> One day. >> Just one day. >> Yeah. >> Sounds good. >> Can I have you guys walk over here for me? Can you guys Have you guys both walk to the door for me real quick? And we'll talk by the door. Okay. So, I'm just going to explain what happened and why we're here right now. Okay. So, we got a call saying that you were pregnant. I don't know who called. Anonymous caller. I have no idea. Okay, guys. They were saying you possibly Oh, you were pregnant. You possibly had your baby here alone without going to the hospital. You don't think that's a crime? Um, I have to build a check. Okay. As far as I'm concerned, it's not a crime. Okay. Uh, you're wanting to get your son checked out at the hospital. You're okay with all that? So, that's why we're, you know, so with that being said, because we have to, you did have a child, we have to check to make sure this child's safe, healthy, you got food, running, all that water. Okay. Um, I can see around the house. Okay. Do you guys need help with that? Do you guys need services? We can get you guys clean. Um, were you using while you were pregnant? >> No. Okay. Sound good. So, that's just what's going on right now. Okay. Sound good? >> Yeah. >> Espa. Okay. When uh how long was she in Esola? She was playing. >> Okay. How old is your baby? >> When did you have him? >> Or p.m. >> So, here's the deal. Okay. I did see a little container on the couch. >> Yours. Okay. So, we'll deal with that here in a little bit. Okay. Right now, we're worried about your son. Okay. We're going to let you go to the hospital with him and all that good stuff. Okay. Because we see it. I mean, we can't let you guys stay here by yourselves, but we're not gonna Nobody's under arrest as of this very moment. Okay. So, we're just going to wait here with you guys so they get here. Okay. >> So, what's going to happen then? >> Huh? >> What's going to happen? >> Um, we'll probably type up the CCPC. You'll go to court for it. I don't exactly know all the details at the time, but something along the line. My main concern is to make sure your son is safe, he's healthy, all that. Okay. >> He is. >> Okay. Do you use Cuz if you guys use, I'd really like to get you guys help. That way we can get you guys clean and then that way you can be with your son, you know, not have to worry about us or CI or anything. Okay. >> So, is anybody going to be arrested? Is anybody going to be arrested? >> Um, as of right now, no. Okay. Cuz like I said, we're worried about your son right now. Okay. Okay. Does this go with you, Ronald? >> Okay. >> Do you guys have everything you need? >> Do you guys have everything you need? >> I'll get my stuff, my diapers. >> Okay. Oh, where your diapers at? >> You guys in this house? >> No. Benz right there too. [crying] [crying] >> How many animals do you guys have? >> Three cats and a dog. >> One dog. >> Is it just the one? >> Have to put the dog outside before [clears throat] we go. >> Okay. >> We'll get that figured out here in a sec. Okay. >> Thanks to timely intervention, the child was taken to Holy Cross Medical Center. There, doctors identified several health concerns that needed attention, including dehydration, low nutrition, and low birth weight. >> Let's keep him warm. Yeah, he looks he has a good color in her. >> Oh, yeah. >> His foot's out. So, try and hurry cuz he's getting cold. It's freezing out here tonight. Is it just you guys that live here? >> Yeah. >> So, what did you say? >> I haven't talked to him yet. So, I was on the phone with the M this whole time. Okay. They those other officers showed up and then So, we're just I haven't had a chance to call >> then. Huh? >> So, what's going on now? >> So, right now, um I want I would like for you to get checked out at the hospital, too. I know you say you're fine, but just just in case. Okay. I don't I wouldn't want >> You guys are more concerned about the baby. I'm fine. >> Yeah. But um and then that way you're not separated from your child on the way over there either. You know what I mean? Um so that's what I would like. [snorts] Um so my concern was the bills. Okay. Um that was my concern. I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. Um but as far as I know, your husband claimed ownership of it. That's why I needed >> You going to be arrested? >> Um so that's what I wanted to talk about. I know you guys just had your baby. Um I wanted to talk to my sergeant about that. Like I said, I haven't got a chance to call him yet, but that's that was my concern. Okay. So that's what we were talking about. I would prefer probably not to, but I mean the sergeant's a sergeant. Okay. You know what I mean? I take orders from a sergeant. Okay. >> This is not even his baby and that. >> It's not It's not his. No. Okay. That was my concern. Okay. Um so just so you're updated. Okay. Would you like to step outside to smoke or would you like to go to the ambulance? Um I would like them just to you know blood pressure all that on you too. Okay. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. >> I know but just the cat >> I think they ran that way towards the back again. If anything is supposed to Yeah, he's okay with my brother. >> While the child's condition required close monitoring, the situation highlighted the importance of prioritizing a newborn's care above all else. >> Are we all right to close the door? I was like, "Right now, hey, what you want to do?" I was like, "Right now, I'm going to say no." >> She's asking if she's good to close the door. >> No. No. >> I was like, "Yeah, >> yeah, just leave it open." >> So, I don't know what it's going to happen with my dog then. >> Your dog? Right now, we're told that he he'll be okay inside for at least a day. Yeah. He's in the bathroom and ready to miss. My daddy doesn't have a phone in that. >> You don't have a phone? >> No. >> So, what are we good to go to the hospital already? Me and the baby there. >> We're just waiting for that clarification, right? >> Yeah. So, right now we're just holding here for right now. >> You're more than welcome to wait inside the um ambulance with your baby. >> Yeah. Well, I wanted to hold the >> Okay. When I figured I'd just come in and sit in the car, close the door, you know. >> Mhm. So, that's cool. That seat straight ahead. Buckle up for us. Patter. >> There we go. Before we get to it, man. Um, I got to advise you of your rights. Okay. So, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and to have the law present while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford it, one, one will be appointed to represent you before questioning if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. You understand your rights? >> Cuz I got here too. >> And you need the restroom. Okay. >> And you need the restroom. >> Well, yeah. >> Okay. >> Might need something to change into or something. I feel like gross. >> Okay. Let me go let them know what's going on and then we'll get this taken care of. Okay. I'll be right back. Just a moment. You come. Okay. So, just watch your step here. Okay. It's a little slippery. >> Okay. So, I'm going to go ahead and turn up the heater for you. >> The mother was charged with child abuse resulting in great bodily firstderee felony and could face up to 18 years in prison under New Mexico law. Meanwhile, the man living with her was charged with possession of a controlled substance. thirdderee felony and could face up to four years and 6 months in prison. Once stabilized, the baby was temporarily placed with CYFD [music] and arranged to be cared for by qualified relatives. This case also underscores gaps in the child monitoring system as previous concerns had been raised but were not addressed in time to prevent potential [music] risk. In life, sometimes moments we think of as small mistakes can become turning points that shape a person's future. >> So, how is that proven? because you have five children in the car and you're >> No, but how is that proven that I'm drunk? >> On July 7th, 2025, police responded to a highway in Crystal Lake, Illinois, following multiple reports about a mother driving in a concerning manner. Upon arrival, they found five children in the car while the woman was uncooperative and hesitant to follow instructions. >> Doesn't work. I'm sorry. >> How you doing tonight? >> I'm not sure why you are pulling me over. >> Well, a couple reasons. There's a couple people called about your driving. Where are you headed to tonight? >> I was just driving around. >> Okay. You're just driving around. Is there a reason your kids aren't in their seat belts in the back? >> Why aren't you buckled up, dude? >> Dude, come on. >> All right. Tell you what, while you're doing that, come on out here and talk to me for a minute. Okay. >> Are you serious? >> Absolutely. >> Can I call my mom? >> No. Not yet. >> Have to be moving around, dude. >> Come on. Come on out here. >> We're going to go right back here. Okay. Right over on the sidewalk, please. I just want to get on track. Would you mind going through some some tests for me today to make sure you're okay? >> Can I take my shoes off? Okay. comfortable. >> That will make me a lot more comfortable. >> Give me one second. I'll be right back with you. Okay. All right. Come on out here. Okay. What? You can leave that open. He can keep an eye on your kids. That's fine. Stand over there. >> Don't start yelling for me, please. >> Okay. Come over here. All right. What I'm going to have you do, you going to stand there. Put your feet together and your arms on your side. You stay in that position until I tell you to do otherwise. Right now, I need to establish fact if you're good to drive. Okay. See where I'm coming from? You got kids in the car? >> Yes, I know. I have kids in the car. I know. I've been yelling at them to sit the >> Why are YOU CRYING? >> BECAUSE I HAVE KIDS in the room. I don't have to do with this right now. Okay. No, you don't. You don't even know. I need to get to my daughter, man. I don't know. >> First, we got to get through these tests so I can make sure you're good to drive. If you're good to drive, I'm going to cut you a ticket and you're going to get out of here. Simple as that. Okay. You good? >> Yes. I have four kids to take care of, dude. >> Okay. Put your feet together. Your arms your side. Can you see the tip of my finger? >> Yes. >> You're going to follow the tip of my finger with your eyes and your eyes only. You're going to keep your head still. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. [snorts] >> Do you want to see it? It hurts. >> You've already showed me, but you want to see it. >> Would you like to see an ambulance for sure? No, I would have gone to the hospital yesterday when it happened. I literally went to work because I have to work for my kids. >> I don't think you've been drinking. I think you got a lot on your plate right now. This is going to confirm that. Are you willing to take this for her? >> I want to go [ __ ] home. Can I leave my car here and walk? Can I call my mother? >> Would you like to do some more tests so I can keep going? >> No. Yeah, go ahead. I'm done with this. I have to pick up my daughter at 7:00. >> The only reason I offer that, why I say that and I offer that now instead of the other two tests, your foot, you're having trouble standing as it is. Okay. The other tests involve you walking and standing on one foot. >> I can do that. I don't know what you're like. My boss was about toing fire me last night. You think I have? >> I care if you can do that. >> I can I care too. I really do care. >> Would you like to do it? >> Yes. >> Put your feet together for me. >> Okay. >> Right there. Stand in that position until I tell you to otherwise. >> Can we agree the sidewalk's pretty flat and level right here? >> It looks like it's going upwards, but yeah. >> Do you think it's flat enough for you to walk nine steps heel to toe and back? >> Sure. >> Okay. The process of assessing her driving was challenging as the mother did not fully comply and seemed to downplay the seriousness of the situation. >> When I tell you to do >> this is ridiculous. >> You're going to take your right foot. >> Yes, I can do it. I'm noting [ __ ] >> Take your left foot, place it in front of your right, just like this. >> You said right foot at first. Now you're saying what left. >> Put your left foot. >> Right. Left. >> Left in front of your right. Okay. Stand in that position until you tell till I tell you otherwise. When I tell you to, you're going to take nine heel to toe steps. They're going to look like this. I'm going to demonstrate. I'm gonna do three. >> Go ahead. >> Hold this. You're gonna count one. >> Are you sure? >> Would you like to? >> Yes. Because I know I can do it. I want to work. I'm not a Come Man, [crying] dude. Give me one minute. Are you kidding me? Pulling me over because I I'm driving crazy. >> All right. So, do me a favor. Right now, you're going to turn around. Okay. Turn around. >> You're going to be placed under arrest for DUI. I've already I've already explained that. Put your arms behind your back. >> Can you please call my mother? >> Sure. Right. Once we get this once we do this. Why are you guys >> Stop pulling away, guys. Stop. >> You're hurting me. >> That's cuz you're not listening. >> Why? >> Why? >> Stop pulling away. >> Can I put my shoes on >> in just a minute? Three kids in the car, too. >> Yeah. No, there's five kids in the car. There's two kids somewhere else. It's funny, you guys, right? >> No, it's not. >> You guys are shaking because this is [ __ ] Can I finish the rest of the test? >> Absolutely not. We're not. >> Can I put my shoes on? >> I'll get them for you in a Dude, I'm on my period. I don't want to go through this. Are youing kidding me? You're hurting my wrist. You don't have to go. >> Okay. Well, you're pulling away. >> No, I'm pulling it against what you're pulling. >> Have a seat for me. >> Are youing kidding me, man? >> No, man. Sit back. Sit back. Push you into the seat. >> Why? You guys could have [ __ ] finished testing me. >> Sit back in the seat or I'm going to push you. >> For what? >> You guys could have No, you could have FINISHED TESTING ME. >> NO, WE'RE past that. >> For why? >> We are past that. Okay, sit back or I'm going to pull you into that seat. Your option. >> Go ahead. Rip my arm off. Go ahead. Go ahead. This ising ridiculous. You're ridiculous. WHAT DID I DO? WHAT DID I DO? WHAT DID I DO? >> I'VE ALREADY ESTABLISHED. >> WHAT DID I DO? >> WHAT did Dudeing breathalyze me first, bro? >> Put your foot in. >> Dude, breathalyze me. >> Put your foot in. >> Breathalyze me. Are you kidding me? >> For what? Breathalyze me. You guys are bogus. You know what? HOW MANY TIMES DID Iinging bring donuts to your guys? >> What you put in, >> MAN? BREATH [screaming] ME, MOTHER. DO IT. DO IT. Hurt me. Hurt me. I BROUGHT YOU GUYS DONUTS SO many times. Break my LEG. IT'S ALREADY BROKEN. >> DO IT. DO IT. I got my Oh, wow. Hit me IN THE FACE. WOW. Do you guys want to keep going? >> Are you adult? Cooperate. >> I wasn't done doing the test. Act like a damn adult. You guys are trying to take me away from my kid. >> You got resistance. >> Oh, really? >> Wow. Wow. You guys are [ __ ] hurting me and now I got resistance. Wa. What did I do? What did I DO? WHAT DID I do? You guys are scaring the What did I do? Dude, can you pleaseing finish testing me? Why are you guys arresting me, dude? WHY? >> NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. You guys were asking me questions and then you guys said no and then I HAD NO OPTION. NO. YOU GUYS said no and I had no option. Are you guys kidding me? Dude, can I bail myself out? Please get my phone or my debit card. Dude, I don't know what the is going on. Nobody breathalyzed me. This is [ __ ] What the [ __ ] Why? Why? [screaming] [screaming] YOU [screaming] call her. Please call her twice, please. HELLO. [screaming] DUDE, CAN you please test me? I don't understand what THE IS GOING ON. >> YOU'RE ARRESTED FOR DUI. YOU can smell the alcohol. Now that you've been sitting back here, I can smell it. >> Are you sure you don't smell mying period, bro? >> So, let me tell you, you're already arrested for DUI. >> Why? >> For why, dude? Can you do the breathalyzer? I don't understand what's going on right now. mying kids, man. Why are you leaving me? Why? Hello. [screaming] >> Are you going to be able to help me write down any of the numbers in my phone or no? >> At the station, the mother became emotional. She spoke about the ongoing pressures and challenges in her life. While she made decisions that put her family at risk, she is also someone carrying unresolved struggles. >> Would you like to put your shoes on? >> No, I don't want to put my shoes on. And I want to clean my fing. I'm going to go ahead and step out for dude. I don't want that opportunity. I want to go home to mying kids, man. >> Am I going to get tested for real? Because I don't know what the I'm getting arrested for. >> Have a step right here on these footprints for me. I'm going to I'm going to lay it out for you. Okay. You're on arrest for DUI. >> And how is that proven? >> I'm not going to go through all that again. DUI, child inment. >> So, how is that proven? Cuz you have five children in the car and you're >> No, but how is that proven that I'm drunk? >> We'll get to that in a minute. >> I need to go to the bathroom. I'm on my period. Whatever, bro. I'm going to be here all night. >> As long as it's cooperative as you are. >> I NEED TO GO TO THE RESTROOM. I'M on my period. >> Let me search you and then you can go. >> You can go ahead and search me. The only thing I have is in my pocket. >> I have stuff in my pockets, keys, and I don't know what else. >> When I take this handcuff off, you're going to place your hand above that line. Does that sound good? >> Yes, please. because they tightened them really tight and it's hurting my eyes. I didn't do anything. I don't know why I'm getting arrested. He didn't finish testing me. He just arrested me cuz I had questions, man. >> I was about to quit my job yesterday cuz it's funny that my job man you guys are the insane. Nobody gives a Nobody gives a [ __ ] Nobody gives a You want my pad too? Good. >> You're going to take off this ponytail. >> THE PONYTAIL. THIS ONE EARRING THAT I can't take off. IF YOU GUYS TAKE IT OFF, THAT'S [ __ ] MAN. I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. I CARE MORE ABOUT MY KIDS THAN MY NEIGHBOR. DUDE, >> YOU WANT to go with me into cell one? All right. >> DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANYTHING ON ME? Like any [ __ ] evidence, any pictures from Lakemore? Anything from this man who the abing out of me >> with Lakemore? Lakemore would have it. >> Do you guys not have it? You guys have my name, right? You guys have my ID. You can't search that up. Like I don't know what the you want for ME AND I DO EVERYTHING IINGING CAN FOR mying kid and you guys somebody drug test me please. Please get there. >> Please, dude. I need to GO TO THE BATHROOM. I'M GOING TO GO [ __ ] INSANE. You guys took ME AWAY FROM MY BABY. LOOK AT THIS SCAR IN MY HEAD. I BASHED MY HEAD INTO THE I WANT MY KIDS. I WANT MY KIDS, BRO. AND I CAN'T HAVE THEM NOW. YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO PUT THAT ALL THE TIME. >> IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LOUD you get. We I know. I know. Why the I have to be like do this [ __ ] WHEN I DO SO MUCH FOR MYING KIDS. I DO SO MUCH FOR MYING KIDS, MAN. I DO EVERYTHING THAT I CAN FOR THIS. >> I do everything. DON'T MISS THIS. >> YEAH, I THERE. I'M NOTING PLAYING. I DO EVERYTHING THAT I CAN FOR THIS. MY LIFE MEANS NOTHING AND I DO EVERYTHING FOR MYING KID. THAT REALLY HURT. YOU'RE really hurting me. I'm not evening moving. I'm just talking to you guys. I DON'T EVEN HAVE friends because that motherucker didn't let me have friends for five, six [ __ ] years. I'm over here working, man. I'll never bringing donuts to the cops again, man. That's stupid. I even brought my kids to take Can I go to the bathroom? I have a counter. I want to go to the bathroom. You guys have been tying me up, me moving. >> 20 minutes. >> 20 minutes. >> Just listen. Don't >> Sure. Tell me. Tell me because I DON'T WANT TO GET IN MORE TROUBLE than I already have. >> Can I talk now? When he said 20 minutes when you wanted to go to the bathroom, we have to wait that long before we can test you. That's the law. In about 10 more minutes, I'm going to read you a really long document that's going to explain the state to administer test. Okay. >> And you have like 2 hours, right, before the alcohol that you drank gets out of your system. >> It depends how much you drank and when you drank and what you drank. >> It's 2 hours because I was breastfeeding and I know that it's 2 hours. >> Okay. Do you have any more questions? >> No. And I don't want toinging sit here and be tied off like aing [ __ ] >> You have to do that after I put you in cell. >> Please. Okay, whatever. >> All right. >> The mother was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, multiple counts of child, improper lane usage, and failing to secure children in safety seats. Under Illinois law, she could face up to 11 years in prison, and a $40,000 fine. This situation highlights an important lesson. In sensitive circumstances involving young children, staying calm, cooperative, and transparent helps resolve matters more quickly and safely while minimizing fear and distress for the children. Meet the next couple where incest and lies don't just exist, they live under the same roof with the children. >> My real mother was doing some nasty stuff to my biological brother. >> On January 26th, 2024, Lake County police received a report about a offender who had not updated his residence address. The location was a house in poor condition for a child, infested with cockroaches, spoiled food, filth, and numerous uncontrolled pets. They immediately rushed to the scene and questioned the two adults living there. >> So, got this case here. I told you because um one year old in the home, father who's in the home, he's been registered um offender. He's not registered to this address. He is registered to a place in Delwood. I have that a copy of that here on my phone. >> Did you guys let our sex offender unit know? I don't know if not brains if they called or not. >> That's norally the first thing we do. >> Okay. >> Husky's out and about right now. >> I know. That's what I was thinking. Having him in route maybe. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. The landlord, he confirmed that the guy he does live here with. >> And he's not his biological dad. >> I think he is the biological father. Yeah. >> You got a name, date of birth for him? >> Yep. My name is Ramon. R A M I N. >> My brain got flustered as soon as you mentioned the sex offender part of it. Can you just rewind? I apologize. So, you guys are here cuz they moved in and he's a sexender. They've been in the home, but in our allegations, it's stating that he, you know, dad is a offender. So, my um brains, they look it up and he is a registered and not registered, >> not here. So, addressing Zelwood and I can provide that to you as well. This is his information here. >> What's the allegations? >> Allegations pretty much statement that the home is horrible for the child. Million cockroaches in the home for the child. >> So, living environment right now. So, nothing to do with him per se or >> Well, it has him on here stating that he went to prison for 13 years. He's a sex offender in the home. >> Just a sex offender, but nothing him with the child right now. >> Not too much. Just the living environment of the child. >> I mean, we might be able to squash two birds in one stone >> with him purpose. >> Nothing. That was pretty much it. >> Um, do we know how long he's been in here? >> The landlord. He's saying that he's been knowing him for years and that's why they got this apartment here because of him. Landlord is very rude. Very disrespectful. >> Probably harboring. >> Yeah. >> Pretty. So, pretty much the allegations are living conditions. >> Yeah. but he's obviously present. So, >> hello. >> Hi. >> So, my landlord that rents the house has informed me that you guys were here. So, I'm trying to find out why you guys are here. >> We'll let you know. Go up there. We're we're talking with them. Yeah. >> For a case. >> No. >> Just so you know, DCF has been here a couple months back and we did have an issue and I can show you on the phone where the person called me. This is not the first time stuff like this has happened, but just to let you know. >> All right. >> So, you told me to call the office. The office basically said to just write up the report as is. He'll go ahead and come out here and start interviewing people. >> Just notate it on our end with the DCF intake >> to verify that yeah, he actually does live here. He's going to have to come out here, interview the family, interview neighbors. >> No, we'll just at that point, we'll just do your own investigation and we'll just dictate it separately. >> At first glance, Ramona seemed cautious as if afraid something would be found. >> Your daughter. All right. Is she here as well? >> Yes, she's here. >> Can you have her stuff out so I can address everything at once? Um, I got to bring the baby up here. >> Okay. >> So, I have a question. >> What's the purpose of bringing four cops in? The last time it was only a DCF. >> I mean, it's up to my discretion. >> Yeah. If I choose to, I can give them a call. >> So, what were you guys doing yesterday when all that chaos happened? Uh, not far from here. >> Working it? >> Yeah. Did you guys find kids? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I got an Amber Alert when I was at work. Looked at the names that were on there. It said Williams and Williams and Williams. I said, "Oh, well, looks like mom might have picked up the kids." In the case of this, I was right. Apparently DCF had put them in foster care. For whatever reason, the mommy decided she wanted to go take them and pick them up. >> When [snorts] the DCF allegations were made, the entire yard echoed with a chorus of excuses. And as always, it could all be summed up in a few words. Everything is fine. >> So, we received some new allegations with regards to the home environment and everything that's going on. And I'll pretty much briefly read what the allegations are stating. Grab in the face, screaming in his face, rolling around. She's smacking him. She's what? You can you repeat that last? >> Grabbing his face and smacking him in his face. The food in the home is m expired because the refrigerator is broken. There are cockroaches. Um the home has a roach infestation. Saying that there are cats in the home, turtles. Saying that the turtle tank was spilled over on the stone. Um saying that you're a sex offender and was accused of touching. You went to jail for 13 years. >> No, I was accused of something else completely different. That is a lie. >> Okay. >> But I know who made these allegations already. I already know who made them. And you'll find out why she's upset with us in a minute to explain it to you. And she had to text messages to prove it. Go ahead. >> Keep the investigators out of the home registered. >> How do I keep investigators out of my house? >> The last investigator come into the home. >> No, she came into the house. She looked around, took pictures and everything. >> Yeah, she did. And the pictures were >> Do you have the lady's number still? Do you have her car? Could you go get it? She'll explain a lot of this madness, too. Also, the pregnant is being kicked out of their studio. See, say that again. pregnant and I'm getting kicked out of the studio here. >> Uh, no. We're finding ourselves a new home cuz I want to get a place where I can be together as a family, a big house. We got a baby and we got another baby coming along. So, yeah, we're in the process of finding another place. But that is complete lie. She's not kicking kicked anywhere. >> So, what about the baby going to the doctor's appointments? Because statement doctor has said that he's down. >> He's been going to the doctor. He hasn't been back to his appointment, but she gave us some pediat. I think he's there now. >> Is he up to date on his vaccinations? >> He's not been vaccinated. We are not getting we choose not to get him vaccinated for religious purposes. >> Who's the pediatrician? >> He is Dr. Muhammad Absul. He's over in Leburg. Very nice man. >> Okay. What's the name of the >> I don't remember the exact one. I have the paperwork for you if you don't. >> So you're saying that these allegations are false. All of them are false. >> Absolutely. Does not cuss out. He does have a word he picked up. We think we hear him say it, but he does not get yelled at. Mr. Words is what she says. She says words and that's it. He doesn't scream at his face and that's a lie. >> The refrigerator now that is partial true. The fridge is partially going out. I don't know what it is. But the freezer side works. The fridge side is kind of working. So I have to go and clean out the coils tonight and see if that's what it is. It's staying a little cool, but it's not staying cold enough. But everything there's my food in my house. I got to clean this. And it's not mold. That's what you're saying. >> No, it's not mold. You can go look for yourself. >> There's no mold yet. >> You can go look tonight if you want to go up there in a minute. >> You don't watch we finish here. What about the roaches? >> There is a small roach problem and I've already talked to Mr. Russ. I'm supposed to get a guy in here to come and spray some stuff. I've been putting out some uh like gel stuff >> and I've been putting out some roach bait, combat bait. So, we're kind of deterring it, but I have to get him to come down here and spray art down here in order to get rid of the problem. It's not a it's not a major problem. You come look for yourself. You might see one or two infestation. That's what you're saying. >> It's not an infestation where it's a major problem. I can get rid of the problem. >> No, you can come look and see where there's no there's no roles. him being a landlord. He hasn't brought anyone to come in monthly to make sure that it has to get that. I got to get that done. >> He's not really a landlord per se. He's help out and have a place to stay until we get us a new place. >> Ramona [snorts] denied all accusations, skillfully turning a troubled past into a rosy dreamlike present. >> So, do you live here? >> I don't live. She lives I live at the nursery I work at here. >> Oh, okay. Do you live here? >> No, I do not live here. I can come here every day, check on her, make sure she's okay, and then back to my place. Are you currently on probation? >> No. No probation. >> No probation. You the 13 years that stating an allegation? >> Yes, I did 13 years and I've been good since. You've >> been good since. >> No probation. What was that for? >> That was for about 13 years ago. I don't know what I was thinking. I was a completely different person back then. Um, but whatever reasons, I took pictures and thought I would sell them online and make money. Found the pictures rather than refute that I had taken them. I confessed to the officer at the time that I did indeed take the pictures and I was arrested at that time. I didn't feel like I should hide anything. So, I was honest and I went to jail. I spent 13 long years there and yeah, that's pretty much it as far as that goes. >> Okay. And got out no issues, no probation or anything. >> No probation. >> Are you registered? >> I am registered. Yes. >> And my uh detective Zakone, who is the one that proceeds over me and watches over me, he is aware that I come over here and visit my wife every day. >> Yes. He's okay as long as I'm staying over there. And it's same thing with goes with anytime I go to a hotel or anytime I want to go somewhere or I want to go visit. He's like as long as you're not spending the night there, it doesn't matter if you're going to spend the night there, we need to know. So you got to come and register that address for temporary. And then that's what I do when I want to go to the hotel. Like for instance, I'm going to go down and register a hotel over here in Mount Dors called the Lakeside in Hotel. I'll be doing that this next Monday most likely. When I do that, I'll have to let them know, hey, I'm going to be at the Lakeside in at this address. And because I know the owner of the place, I can tell them, hey, I need an an actual bedroom in advance. She'll give me that room number and what I'll do is I'll tell them down there at the officer place or the police station I'm getting this particular room at this particular place and I'll be back within that particular night. That's how I do unfortunately. >> Have you been in constant contact with that officer? >> I have his phone number. I have it on my phone whenever he needs me, he gives me a call. If I need something for him if or he's even stated that if I get harassed by somebody for whatever reason, I call him and let him know. I don't bug him. Otherwise, I mean just live my life and checks up on me, you know, make sure I'm there. When it was her turn to speak, mother Jasmine immediately pointed the finger. It was all made up by the biological and foster mothers. >> What do you have to say about the allegations, Jasmine? >> The allegations are not true from what they have said. I know they are very upset because there is a reason why. And >> what's the reason? >> The reason why is because sorry sweating right now. The reason why is because she had my mother was actually my adoptive mother who the allegations from that is not true but she had my adopted mother sat there and went out on a date with her hus went out on a date with her husband and uh my real mother was doing some nasty stuff to my biological brother and they're upset about that because >> can I say something after she's done to show you why this was brought with her. The reason why is because my mother was off my brother. >> Your biological mother? >> Yes. >> How long ago was that? >> It was a couple. >> No, it was a year. Jazz might have been years. >> Couple years back, but it's still not right. My mother was working off my brother. My brother was sitting down watching TV. He was trying to be peaceful, quiet. He was also eating some snacks on the couch or whatever before. Not here, different house. They're upset about that. >> So they're upset with you because of what your biological mom did. >> Yeah. >> And because of what I have said what was true and apparently they're saying it's not true. So that's why they're bringing up all that these allegations. >> All right. So what about you? How do you deal with >> I usually have him uh sometimes like sometimes he'll sit in a seat for a timeout or sometimes he'll go in his crib, but mainly more crib than anything because he gets into trouble by grabbing things that he shouldn't. >> Okay. But it's just a regular baby who usually does that anyway. But yeah, all of that allegations that you all said were not true and what they have said to y'all. >> The deeper the investigation went, the darker the story became. From incest and use to counter accusations as revenge from their own relatives. >> And so you said in regards to follow-ups with the pediatrician, how often are you all going to make sure that he's checked up on because his next appointment? What is his next appointment? Look at your phone. Yeah, we make sure we go. >> And sometimes we only had to go like once or twice to actually go there without an appointment because only once or twice was he sick. And they explained to us cuz we're new parents and we're like like calm down and everything's okay. They said it's normal for baby. As long as it's not this high and this high, you're you're good to go. So, >> okay. >> Um the other called me while I was at work. She's here with Rama, Miss Peters, who's one of the people that made the allegations, along with Sandra, who's the one who >> Rama Peters, >> the adopted [cough] mother. >> Adopted mother. She's the one that adopted Hannah. >> Adopted mother to you? >> No, to my sister and my brother. >> Okay. So, Mr. Peters was standing out here helping Jasmine get some bags out the car. Rama was upstairs or Scott, excuse me. Sandra was upstairs with my said, Jasmine, where is she's like, she's up he's upstairs with Sandra. I said, "You know, I don't want that woman alone with me. Do not leave him alone with me." Apparently, at some point in time, Rama asked her why I said that. And I She told her exactly what Sandra had done in the past and what informed me of >> and I'm assuming that really upset and she's got text messages showing where it did upset them and they were indeed peed off and they had a conversation with us last night. Made a comment on you having fun in the next 24 hours. And I'm like, "Oh, really? So, what are you planning to do the next 24 hours?" and then our to shush her up. So they were obviously trying to plan something then because we made them mad because we don't want Sandra alone with we're not saying that can't see. We just don't want him her alone. >> Still shocking one child is even the result of incest among family members. They thought they were blaming others but instead they exposed a toxic environment that could the children. >> Sandra is your biological mother? >> Yes. >> Okay. Just so you know, and this is something I've been dealing with for years now, was raped by Sandra Yel. It was she was never protected by her own mother. Rama Peters was at the police or was at the um they were staying over at the beach when it happened and she covered it up for the boy for the uh for the the nephew. She basically said, "Oh, they're both autistic kids and they're just, you know, they say things and do things that, you know, they don't really mean." Trying to say that Jasmine didn't really mean what happened with her. And Jasmine at the time said she was scared and you'd have to ask her more about that yourself. But that's what she was telling me. That's why she said, "Yeah, nothing happened to the cop." Her Rayma Peters is the one that protected him. And it's not just unfortunately the nephew, the nephew's father is in the Lake County jail right now. The nephew's father, his name is John Jones. He's in jail foring his daughter. >> Okay. >> I'm not sure what's going to happen with that, but >> the whole family screwed up is my point. In fact, the daughter that probably helped make the >> allegations her sister >> who once so badly >> um this same sister, her father is her grandfather. Her grandfather her mother and gave birth to Tana. To this day, she don't even know that her grandfather is her real father. >> Okay. >> But we found out through other family members that this is what happened. It's been kept from her ever since. The whole family's kind of screwed up and wacky and weird. I would like for whatever reason and the made false allegations and she admitted later on mother on something that had happened. I'm not going to repeat it >> but she admitted yeah that was false but this was not false and I was mad about about this happening to my brother and I've been mad about it ever since. She mad about other things too. Every you can ask my wife. >> The deeper the investigation the more they uncovered about mother Jasmine's condition. >> How long have you and Jasmine been married? >> 2 years because at one point >> didn't really know that necessarily but the point is she knew they were in her >> family she did nothing to protect >> now it's also said that Jasmine is autistic is that true that she has >> she does have a form of autism but not according to the state enough to give her her disability >> his appointment as far I know I'm ask all the things that she would die >> she doesn't take all the medication she wants to she takes a light form of medication that they gave her but she doesn't take the heavy stuff that her mother was drugging her with. >> You're okay. >> That she was at the house with. Yeah. She didn't need all that. Even the doctor, Mr. um Dr. Wallace didn't think she needed that. And I was after you talked to her personally yourself. >> Did you find out when the next appointment is? >> Yes. Um >> on his birthday. >> As the statements grew suspicious, they approached the homeowner. It was there that the veil hiding a series of chilling truths began to lift. >> So, if you want to show us inside the home so I can verify that they're molded and everything. Just so you know, this couch is in the way because we do have we're in the process of getting a new baby gate. So, we have to put kind of barricade it so he can't get by it because I don't want him falling down the stairs. And we also use the couch as a an extra >> everything. Okay. >> Yeah, everything's good. >> I'm the owner. >> So, who do you rent to up here? >> Raone and Jasmine. >> Is it just her staying up there or is he stay does he sleep or spend the night up there? Do you know? >> I know he stays there. I don't know. He has car trouble so it's kind of hard to tell. I don't really keep an eye on him that much, but his car has been broken down, so sometime a lot of times he's here, but there ain't a car here, so it's hard for me to >> You ever seen him leave early in the morning or anything like that or >> No, I guess so. >> Okay, appreciate it. >> We're going to evict them. >> Okay, that's fine. >> They've moved another person in there. It's some sort of a plaguing situation. >> I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about him. Does he sleep in there? >> I don't know. >> Is there a problem with him? I don't know. >> Not that we can disclose, but there's investigation. We told it's a little apartment. Was first just going to be Ramon, then it was Jasmine, then they moved the other girl in without we were gone and they moved in while we were gone on vacation. And now they're having a baby. >> Is she an adult fair girl? >> I think so. She says she's 20 21. I don't know. Okay. >> It's been very weird. I'm trying to not >> You know, Ram Ramon is a nice person, I will say. >> So, let me ask you this question. Okay. >> He moved his wife in. Did you see less of him or the same amount? >> Oh, no. They moved in at the same time >> with the baby. >> With the baby. That was a year ago. They moved in January 1st, 2023. >> You got that note. >> So, he moved in first by himself. >> No, no, no. They moved I talked to him first and then he's like, I have a baby and I'm like, well, you know, okay, we can work something out. >> Okay. >> But we told him, you know, that apartment's little for three people. >> Yeah. The third person's irrelevant to us us for what we're investing. Well, I I baby screams a lot. >> Yeah. Did you call DC? >> I did not. I did have not called [snorts] DC. >> Well, we're Law enforcement's investigating other things. >> Okay. I will just say that that baby screams all the time. Screams more. >> Yelling or >> screaming screaming at the baby. >> Oh. At the baby. >> Screaming at the baby. >> Okay. >> Without a doubt, the police drew their handcuffs. The father with 13 years of prison experience remained calm while the mother gradually lost control. I'm getting arrested. Would you let Jasmine know I'm getting arrested? >> Have Jasmine come out for us so we can let her know. Come on. >> Come out this way. >> They're arresting you. >> Come here. >> Don't worry, sweetheart. >> No, >> Jasmine. >> No, >> ma'am. >> NO. PLEASE. >> COME ON. [screaming] >> CHILL OUT. Come on. >> Babe, >> I need you. >> They're arresting me. >> They're arresting you >> for what? >> DON'T REST. JASMINE, listen to me. Obey them. Don't resist. Jasmine, listen to me. Jasmine, do not. You don't have to put much pressure. >> Why are they going out? >> Sweetheart, you'll find out. Walk over here. You want to take them? >> Chill out. >> Chill out. >> Why arrest me? [crying] >> Jasmine, do you have anyone where the child can go? Anyone who WOULD KEEP HIM? >> [crying] >> 3095 SHOW. ONE MALE, ONE, [crying] >> answer her question. >> Belinda, >> I'm the landlord. >> I have to check your background and everything. >> Okay. >> What's your What's your date? >> 918 social passenger side. She'll go on the Listen to me. Go with them. Okay. >> Go with him. >> It's going to be okay. >> What did I do? >> I don't know. >> But you'll find out. Don't talk to nobody but a lawyer. You understand? >> Yes. >> Only a lawyer. >> I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. >> Don't talk to nobody but a lawyer. That's the way it works. >> Babe, I didn't do anything. >> I know you didn't do anything. >> Go ahead and step closer. All right. Spread your feet apart. >> No one did anything to my No one. We did not neglect. >> Okay, Jasmine, do you have anything in your pockets at all? >> No. >> Nothing. >> Y'all need to stop kicking people. Y'all need to stop kicking people's kids. Babe, I don't want to leave myself. >> I don't do [ __ ] Why are y'all doing this to me? Y'all are hurting me. Y'all can get arrested yourself. Y'all know this, >> ma'am. Do y'all know I am handicapped? Do y'all know y'all arresting a handicapped person? Y'all should not be doing this. I have autism and thanks to y'all. Y'all are making it worse. Thanks to y'all, Y'ALL WANT TO SIT there and arrest people. >> Well, your husband said you're fine and we're not judging jury for your mental capacity. Why is he not in the car? >> Because I'm waiting for the door to shut. >> Door's shut. >> Sir, do you want to take your phone to jail with you? >> No, I don't. >> I want to take mine. >> You want to take yours? >> Yes, please. >> Okay, sir. >> My phone? >> Not at the jail? No. It was just a question. I was just asking to make sure. The black one's yours, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. He wants to leave it here. >> Okay. Do you need your landlord to call anybody? >> Yes. Um, I'm going to call Just tell me I'm going to call the nursery. Can you talk to Jeff? >> Just the nursery and Jeff. Jeff at the nursery. They're going to deal with the vanish and they can deal with the bond issue. >> Jasmine was arrested for thirdderee felony child. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison, 5 years probation, or a fine up to $5,000. In Lake County, bail for this charge usually ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 or is set by a judge if aggravating factors apply. Adult is the first poison a child has to breathe. Reflect on your life. You don't live just for yourself, but for the little eyes that rely on you every day. Breaking news from Florida. A mother caught drunk, leaving five kids alone on the street, almost dropping her newborn right before the police. >> You almost dropped your baby on his head. On April 10th, [music] 2023, Elatchua County police received a report of a woman trespassing in a backyard after illegally parking an SUV. When they arrived, the vehicle was gone. Shortly after, they found an SUV stopped in the road with a mother, Samantha, inside, disoriented and showing signs of influence. Where is it at? Do you know where the P is? Sweetheart, hang on just a minute. OKAY. >> Do you know where the key is? >> No. >> Okay. Can you step out for just a minute? Let me find the key and let me make sure your kids are okay. Do you know where you're at? >> Yes. >> Where are you at? Do you know where you're at? >> Yes. >> Where? On the road. Back home. >> Okay. Where is home? Do you know where home is? Yes. >> Where? Do you know what your address is? Which is what? >> I don't have to answer. >> You don't have to answer. Do you have any ID? Tell me where it is. Don't I don't want you to go in the car for it. >> I don't have to. >> All right. Well, hold tight. Stay right there. >> Yeah. >> Oh, hey. Just Just hold on. Just hold on. You're fine. You're fine. What's your name? What's your name? Are you okay? You said you were going to tell me your name. What's your name? You want to tell me your name? Why not? Is everything okay? You guys okay? Okay. You live with your mom since the car is registered to you and your mom sounds like. Or are you living in the car? Can you answer me? Are you living with your mom? Since the car is registered to you and somebody else or who do you live with? You don't know or you're not going to tell me. Do you live in this town? Do you know where you're at? >> Where's that? Do you know what town you're in? Okay. Is that where you're at right now? >> Where are you at right now? Do you know where you're at right now? I need to know if you have somebody that can help you come figure out what's going on with your kids and with you. Are you having a medical issue right now? >> No. >> Okay. Well, then how come you can't tell me where you're at? Are you embarrassed by what's going on? >> Who said not to answer? I mean, we're just trying to help you and so I I need you to answer cuz I need to figure out what's going on and why you have kids in the car. And is there something medically going on with you? Is there something else? >> I didn't want to drive home. I feel dumb. >> Okay. Well, don't feel dumb. We need to figure out. >> His dad was like, "It's no big deal. Take him home." >> Okay. Not legal. His mom. >> Okay. His dad kind of sucks. Okay. And where's his dad at? Okay. Do you remember wearing games though? >> Yeah. Is he the one that you and where are you trying to take him? Okay. >> But it didn't stop there. Inside the car were cold beers, open cans, and five children, including a six-w week old infant crying heartbreakingly. >> How many kids? >> Two, three. >> I can see if you still There's no container once you open up the other side. >> Huh? >> Can I open the door? >> Yeah. And there's a possible damage to the other house. Apparently, she was doing all kinds of stuff over there. I told them to call in the morning. I was like, "We're going to be predisposed for a little bit." Just so you know, there is open container. One of the beer bottles is empty cuz she opened the side door and I was like, "Let's see." Not knowing where she is. Uh unresponsive, extremely unsteady on her feet. She was walking around crying in that other person's yard trying to open their back door. Kids are everywhere. She's I think she's nursing one of the babies right now. >> There's five. >> She was so unsteady that she nearly dropped this 6 week old baby right in front of the police. >> What are you going to do? >> Can you set the baby down? >> [screaming] >> WHAT are you doing? >> What are you doing? >> Okay, just Okay. Yeah, that's fine. [screaming] >> You can't sit in the car, though. Hop out. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> All right. You need to put him down. You need to put him down. >> Okay. You're going to come over here. >> Right in front of you. Just stand here. Okay. >> You almost dropped your baby on it. >> Yes. I know. >> Yeah. I had to catch it. >> Grab her. >> Um like Yeah. >> I don't think we need to do them. >> Yeah. At this point, just >> I didn't do anything wrong, >> man. pressure the most precious thing ever. >> I'm almost dropped. >> Yes. I'm trying to grab that later. Everyone's yelling. I'm scared. I'm sorry. I didn't do anything wrong. >> [screaming] >> In an effort to prove just how confused and disoriented she was, Samantha earned the spotlight as the main subject of a DUI test. >> My name is Deputy Wel County Sheriff's Office. So, people were worried about you and these deputies found you and they're a little bit worried about you driving. There's some exercises that we can put you through. They're voluntary. They're going to make sure that you're safe to drive. Would you be willing to do that for us? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Just hang out [clears throat] right here. We're going to get a safe space set up with the cars so we can light the road up for you and then we'll get those going. Okay. Stay right here with this. >> Can I move? >> Uh you you don't have you can put your hand right here if you want. It's not hot right there. >> Do you hear all my kids? >> Mhm. >> I do. >> You don't care? >> No, I do care very much. We're just trying to make sure you're okay and then we'll get you out of here. Okay. >> Where are you from? >> Me? >> Yeah. Where are you from? >> Alabama. >> Alabama. >> Where are you? >> Where? Where is that? I don't know. I've never >> I think county. >> What county is it in? >> Really? >> Yeah. Okay. Where do you think you are right now, honey? >> No, but I'm saying are >> No. >> You don't come from here? >> No. >> Oh, >> I'm from Elatro County. Yeah. You don't come from? >> No. >> Born and raised here. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. >> My husband. >> You can come up here with me. >> My husband. >> All right. Come stand right here for me. >> And I would like you to turn and face this way. Face me. And just uh put your toes and your heels together. So your feet are perfectly touching. Toes too. Put your arms down by your side. Just stand just like that in the step he's going to explain some stuff to you. Okay. >> All right, ma'am. I've got a few exercises we're going to run through. Have a little bit of suspicion that you may be intoxicated. >> If you turn it, sorry, we're also training. So, it's okay. >> All right. I want you to follow this with your eyes. Okay. >> Back up just a little bit. Right there. >> Keep your head still. Only follow with your eyes. >> Watch out, hun. >> Careful. Lean back. >> Put your arms back down by the side for me. I'm down by your side, honey. I need you to follow this point. >> All right. My kids are in the car. >> We There's two deputies back there. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Here, I'll show you just really quick. All right. We're going to do this again. I'm going to do a couple more. Okay. Keep watching it. Don't turn your head, but you got to use your eyes to follow it. Okay. >> Keep looking at it. Don't use your head. Look. Look forward. Straight forward. Don't use your head, honey. >> Use your eyes and your eyes only. Keep your hands down by your side. >> Check right there. The last one right here. I can see it coming towards me. >> No. No, you're fine. >> The mother continued the DUI test while trembling and clearly terrified. >> All right, ma'am. The next one is going to be the walk and turn. Okay. What I want you to do is I want you to place your left foot on the watch. I want you to place your left foot on the line. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Can you look at me? >> There's two deputies back there. >> Ma'am, we've got two deputies back there that are taking >> to my stomach. Can you look at them, please? >> I can see them from where I'm standing. And the deputies back here are taking as good a care of them as they can be taken care of. >> Okay. When I tell you to begin >> four, just put your your toes and your heels together like this. >> They are fine. >> I know. >> It's entirely These exercises are voluntary. >> I know. I just I want [clears throat] >> They are fine. >> Keep going back and forth with you. Do you want to do these exercises or No. >> Do you want to do these exercises? >> I do. I just I'm sorry. Okay. >> Okay. >> Come back. Come back over here. I don't want you in the roadway. Put your toes and your heels together. So, yep. And keep your arms down by your side. Stand just like this until I tell you to do anything else. Okay. Just imagine there's a straight line from underneath you going all the way over to my car. Just a straight one straight line. Okay. Place your left foot on that imaginary line. Okay. Line ahead of your left foot. Making sure that your heel of your right foot is touching the toe of your left foot. Keep your arms down by your sides. Go ahead and get into that position. >> It's okay. Do you understand what I told you to do? Can you go ahead and put your left foot out on that imaginary line >> and then put your right foot in front of that one? >> I can't. >> You can't. You don't want to do these? >> No, I do. I can't. >> I'm not. I'm I'm I'm being really kind to you, right? >> Do you want to do them? Yes or no? So, are we going to do them? >> Yes. I'm sorry. I don't >> Put your left foot on the line. >> That's why I keep thinking about them. I'm somehow trying to be difficult. >> I'm not saying you're being difficult. I just you either you either want to do them or you don't want to do them. >> Sorry. I don't mean >> and then put your right foot in front of that one. >> Sorry. Keep your arms down by your sides. Put your right foot in front of your left foot and keep your arms down by your side. Stand just like that. Can you stand like that? >> No. I >> don't start walking until I tell you to. I just want you to get with your right foot in front of your left foot like this. Look at Look at how I'm standing. >> No, I know. I'm I'm messing it up. >> Just stand just like this. >> I can't. >> You can't? >> Yeah. I messed up. Are you do you want to keep trying or do you want to move on? >> I I don't know what that means. Do you want to keep trying this or move on? >> We can move on. >> The test ended and so did the officer's patience. Now it was the mother's turn to face the consequences of her reckless behavior. >> Stand with your feet together and your arms down by your sides. You're going to stand just like that until I tell you to do anything else. I'm going to show you how to do some stuff and then I'll tell you to do it. Okay? So it'll look like this. 1 100 12 1003 and so on until told to stop. Okay. Do you understand? >> Yes, sir. >> Do you understand the instructions? >> Yes, sir. >> You may begin. >> 1,001 1,00200. >> Remember to keep your arms at your sides. Keep going. >> You can't do that one either. >> 1,001 1 2 3 >> Are you going to do the exercise? I'm trying. >> Cuz if you say you can't and then you start again, I just You're confusing me a little bit. Are you going to do it or No, >> I'm trying. >> Well, you said you can't. So, I'm just trying to make sure that you're going to do it. >> I'm trying. >> Okay, come back here really quick. Just come back here really quick. Face the that car the car right here. Look at that green where the sun pass sign is. We're going to do one last one. Close your eyes and tilt your head back. Put your arms out like an air. Count as high as you can until I tell you to stop. Remember what I told you? Put your fist right here. All right. You're under arrest for DUI. Um, come back here to my car. Actually, Jason, just go ahead and pull it up. I just don't want you to walk that far. >> The mother was out of control. The children [music] unattended. Yet, Samantha still chose to challenge the police by refusing to cooperate. >> Have you ever been in trouble before? No. I'm going to read you some stuff as soon as we get you sat down. Okay. >> I'll take care of him. >> We'll get him taken care of. >> Will [clears throat] you? >> Yeah, we will. >> Do you think that we're going to leave them here? >> I mean, >> do you think that we would leave your children in a car on the side of the road? >> I don't know. >> No, we would never do that. Okay. >> Good. I'm not doing this. >> Turn back around. >> Can you turn around right here? >> Hey, do you have any? >> No, I don't. Nothing's going to stick to me cuz you froggy. Nothing like that. He has to call my husband. >> We've been trying. His phone is going straight to voicemail. Do you have another number? >> No, I don't. >> Where's your husband at? Where is he at? >> Do you not know? >> Can I answer or can you That's what we're asking. >> Am I going to get to talk to someone? >> That's what we're trying to sort out now. >> Well, I'm trying to ask if I can talk to someone. >> What do you mean? >> I don't know anyone but y'all. Samantha, I've been very kind to you ever since we met. >> I'm asking, can I talk to someone else? >> Someone who? >> Someone else who though. >> Like, are you asking to talk to your husband? >> My lawyer? Anyone else? >> Before we ask you any questions about why you're being arrested, you'll have a chance. I don't think I have any more questions for you. >> I say we just do the 29 Charlie and call DCF and they can come take the kids. >> Trying to get somebody We're trying to get hold of your husband and your mom. >> I don't have a mom, too. >> Who is Who is the grandmother that the children spend time with? >> My grandma. >> You won't let me answer anyone. >> We're asking you. >> I'm telling you. I don't have anyone but my grandma. >> Okay. Nobody else? >> No. Throughout the entire process, only the police showed concern for the children, while the mother remained shockingly indifferent, focused solely on herself [music] and the risk of losing her driver's license. >> She's starting to realize what's happening and she doesn't want to cooperate with us anymore. We ask her about where her husband is and she says she wants to talk to a lawyer. So, child abuse and there's also pending charges placed in my house. She went I told them I was like hey we are not going to be able to come tonight but I was like >> depending on the the bar which side is she on >> passenger side. Oh watch your step. >> What do you mean help the seat belt on? Drop your hands down. >> I can't >> drop your hands down behind you. >> This hurts. >> You got to get over. >> We're still trying. I'll let you know as soon as >> he has her kids. So >> your kids are in your car. I know. So, like, is he going to get them or no? >> If we can call him, where is he at? We can send someone to knock on his door. So, he lives at the address that's on your license. >> Yeah. What am I being charged with? >> DUI. >> And then >> DUI. >> Can I get like let go tonight or No, >> we'll talk about that here in just a second. >> Got something I need to bring you. Okay. >> Samantha was charged with misdemeanor DUI and five [music] counts of felony child. According to Florida law, she could face a maximum sentence of over 25 years [music] in prison. About a week after her arrest, she posted $25,000 bail to be released. The father, Shawn, gained custody of all four shared children, and Willie later came to pick up his son. Samantha was completely banned by the court from contacting her children. >> Yes, ma'am. >> They're going to probably go to DCF for the night. [clears throat] >> Can you guys think about this? >> No, ma'am. Not at all. I don't want your kids to see anything. You made this decision. I did not tell you to get in that car drop. >> Did y'all actually like prove it? >> We gave you several opportunities to complete the exercises. >> Did you? >> We did. It's It's on camera. >> Block it out. >> No, we don't block it out. >> Yes, ma'am. >> In your opinion, is this sentence enough to deter Samantha? Should she face a harsher punishment, or would just losing her license and paying a fine suffice? Share your thoughts below. Looking back at all the stories today, one thing is clear. Children reflect what adults leave behind. Mistakes may not cause immediate impact, [music] but inattention and lack of guidance can leave lasting impressions. Let these stories serve not just as scenes in a video, but as reminders to ask ourselves, how present and mindful are we for our children? If you believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment, join us. Like, share, and subscribe so you won't miss more real life stories on this topic. See you tomorrow. Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> [music]