Within just a few months, America was shaken by two harrowing incidents. A father calmly left his three-year-old daughter in a locked car. >> What do you guys think? >> Hey, I was like, are you okay? And she was saying, no. >> My life. >> And a mother heartlessly, then drowned her child in silence. >> I didn't mean for it to leave a mark. I don't feel safe sometimes being here. >> My mom's not allowed in any way, but she's going to be mad. He was going for >> two seemingly opposite extremes, yet bound by one common thread. A cold, misguided kind of love. >> Under Florida's blazing sun, a father chose to leave his three-year-old daughter locked in an SUV while he went shopping in peace. >> And he seen like a head moving. And initially, I was like, "Oh, it's a dog." He was like, "No, that's a kid." So, I I got out of the car and I peaked my head in there. On May 11th, 2024, a woman panicked after discovering a 3-year-old girl left inside a sealed SUV. Her tiny face was flushed red, soaked in sweat, and her body temperature had reached dangerous levels. Police quickly arrived at the scene. The first thing they saw, a little girl sobbing, crying out over and over, "Papa, >> you okay?" >> We had found her parents yet. They left her in here. The car these two young people I got. >> We're going to find them. when they pull up. >> She's swimming pretty good. >> Okay. >> Hi. >> What's What's Poppy's name? >> Papa. >> Papa. >> Okay. Do you know what he's wearing? Close. What? >> Papa. >> It's okay. What's >> here? Have a sip. Have a sip. It's okay. Just breathe. Just breathe. I'm sorry. Just please blow your nose. >> Do you do you know you know Poppy's name? >> Her cheeks is not as red as they were. >> What's What's daddy's name? >> Where's Poppy's name? No, >> sweetie. >> Come with me. >> Yeah, it's okay. >> It's okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. See puppy went inside there. >> Inside there. Okay. >> Yeah. Oh my god. No. No. It's okay. It's okay. >> So, >> can we can we go sit down? >> No. >> What do you guys What do you guys think you want to do? >> You want to check it out? >> Okay. Come on. [Music] Okay. call in. Okay. >> Are you able to check the cameras and see >> someone doing it? >> Oh, they're doing it already. >> Yeah, she said she was going to call me back. >> I don't want to lie. I don't want to announce it yet. I want to see while they're checking around how long it's going to take to come out. This girl will be gone by now. >> Which apartment for what? 10 minutes. >> Which car was she? >> The red one. >> A witness's account revealed a chilling truth. From hearing a horn, thinking it was a dog to finding a terrified child crying, unable to speak English. While the father had no idea that 15 minutes in a sealed car could be deadly, this act ended up saving the girl from Florida's 125 degrees Fahrenheit heat. >> So, what happened this afternoon? >> So, we pulled into this parking spot and when we pulled in, the car alarm was going off, but then it stopped. Naturally, that made Taj look over and he seen like a head moving. Initially, I was like, "Oh, it's a dog." He was like, "No, that's a kid." So, I I got out of the car and I peaked my head in there, made sure nobody else was in there, and it was a kid. And so he got out and went in to the I don't know the the store like the cart lady. I'm not sure who it was. I stayed with the kid and I was talking to her through the car because I didn't want to just open the car door until there was people around. I was like are you okay? And she was saying no. She was crying and I was like do you want me to open the door? And she said yes. So I called Taj and he was walking out with the girl. And then once Taj and the girl from Sam's Club were here, I opened the door. I picked her up out of the car. She was very flushed. She looked like she'd been there for a whileing her eyes out. She didn't speak English. All she could really say was papa. It was hard to understand or get her, but they then called inside. We're looking for him and I stayed out here with her and gave her my water and helping her just cuz she was standing up. Like her car seats here, but she was standing up. >> So, she wasn't in the car seat. She >> and every door was locked except this one. So, I'm assuming she was trying to open the door to get out and that's why the car alarm was going off when we pulled in. Now, this is all speculation, but that's why it was going off. And so, then I was like, "Are you okay?" And she was like, "No." And we were talking through the car until somebody else was close and then I opened the door. >> Was she crying at that point? Do you remember? Okay. Okay. So, when you open the door, can you tell me again if she's sweating and what she looked like? >> Her hair was like all stuck to her face cuz obviously she was sweating, snot running down her face, bright red. >> And then I picked her up out of the car and then sat down. I gave her my water, but it was very, very, very hot. >> Do you know how Sergeant Macintosh was notified? Someone go run and get him or >> Yeah. Taji tried to go up to his car, but his tints were too dark and he didn't want to be like peeking in a cop car. He went to the cart girl and then she walked out. She was like, "Hey, where are you?" And then he pulled up. Just the fact that um when you said I already had her out of the car. I didn't have her out of the car until Taj and the clerk were here. So I didn't want to just if say for some reason the dad came out and was like why are you at taking my daughter out of my car? I just you know how to understand. >> Until they were here I didn't take her out. >> As police were inspecting the vehicle Raul suddenly rushed over visibly shaken barely able to speak. The language barrier left him muttering only a few words. My baby, my life. As if trying to justify his own negligence. >> I'm hot right now. >> Why did they How did the doors relock? She opened the door. >> Maybe make sure you know other kids are here. I forgot. >> Well, there is some [ __ ] that that was another kid in hand. We didn't look. Oh my god. Get us kind of statement or anything right now or >> Yeah. Those two that went inside. I got their number and they're going to come back out. They wanted to shout. Basically, they said they pulled up in this truck. >> Yeah. >> And the black dude was driving and the white girl was back. >> Yeah. That's >> It's 93 degrees out right I've been out here for about 10 minutes or so, maybe even. >> Yeah. >> And I don't know how many people We're still not here. >> Okay. Yeah. >> I literally been out here about 10 minutes. >> I want to keep his car blocked in so he doesn't go anywhere. >> My baby. >> Hey, hold. Stop. Stop. >> My baby. My baby. >> She's fine. Why'd you leave her in the car? >> Look at me. >> Come here. Why? Why' you leave her in the car? It's funny. Give me that. Black. >> Yeah. 1012, I believe. >> Hey, I'm going to need someone to translate for me in Spanish. >> It's not a request. Do it. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] >> Thank you guys for helping her out. Let me let this lady out. Yeah. >> Is there any way you guys can pull up like 10 ft? Get out. >> Um, we could all just go in for just a second. Sit down. >> I've got your keys. Sit over here. [Applause] He's okay. You okay? You okay? >> My baby my life. I >> I don't speak Spanish, so just >> All right. Just Just stay here. Okay. Stay. [Applause] >> Thanks. >> She was in the car for 31 minutes. >> Any idea? Do they teach you like how fast those cars get hot? I mean, it's like 92 now. I mean, she's in there. >> It's going to be over 100 in there. >> Yeah. If it's 92 out here. >> In light of the current circumstances, he faces the risk of losing custody of the child, thereby compelling the mother to intervene. >> Now, I am a girl. The the Sam's Club the girls okay hot cheeks are really Can she see? Yeah. Yeah. So ask mom if she feels more comfortable if she gets checked out by a doctor. This has been 30 minutes. Okay. [Laughter] Mom got brought by a friend. >> Tell tell mom to put go in the car and get the AC and get her food up. >> Okay. Ladies, >> ladies over here. >> Okay. Go take her in the AC. >> Oh, turns out Raul's excuse was, "I was busy buying a gift for my wife and forgot my child." Too bad the law doesn't have a section for being a loving husband. [Music] gentlemen. Okay. Sam's Club. You know, you know Yeah. Basically, he said that he got here, he got out of the car, he went inside, he did some shopping for, I don't know, he thinks maybe about 15 minutes before he realized, "Oh, damn. I got the girl in the car." He ran back out. He said he came out running out and he saw the ambulance. Does he know where he last saw her? No. No. Raul, 42, was arrested on charges of child and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle. Under Florida law, he faces up to 5 years in prison or 5 years of probation along with a fine of up to $5,000. The combined bail for these charges could range from $5,000 to $7,500. Put something in his head. You want to take the hat? >> Yeah. I don't know. You don't want to get [Music] Okay. Okay. However, given his cooperative attitude and the fact that this appears to be an unintentional human mistake, what do you think would be a fair sentence for this father? Share your thoughts in the comments below. But don't leave just yet. Over 2,000 km away, another child is living in fear because his mother has turned discipline into a daily nightmare. >> Cyrus came up to me, looked me in the eyes, told me that his mother slapped him, and he is not allowed to tell anybody, right? On October 15th, 2024, police and CPS arrived in the town of Shropyl, New York, after receiving a report about a mother suspected of a They knocked on the door of a strangely quiet house. Then the mother appeared unnervingly calm and immediately denied all allegations, even the current protective order against her. >> So, there was a lady with short hair walking down the road that we passed. >> The door is like not shut. She doesn't speak. She doesn't want to do it. >> I did, but I started. >> Hi, buddy. Where's mama? >> Can you go tell the I'm here? >> What is she doing? I >> think she's in the bathroom. >> So, everything is just normal. Got on the boat. That's not what's being a lot of bruising on the side of his head. >> Yes, I did. >> So, but I didn't realize that I hit him like that. >> Cuz I'm like that. And it's pretty though. And that's why we're here. So, we need to come up with a safety plan for him. What do >> you mean? Dad. Dad safety. So, you're okay with him uh going to dad? >> Yeah. What led up to that? >> He just wasn't listening and stuff this morning and I just got frustrated and I didn't because it's pretty severe. This is all swollen. It's bruised. The inside is bruised. A large mark and bruise on the back. >> I didn't mean for it to leave a mark. I really didn't. >> I got frustrated this morning. >> So, listen. I'm only with them because I go with them on visits now. Any of that right now? Okay. >> You want me to get So, we've already done that. So, do you know that you have an active order protection? Do you understand what that means? >> Yeah. I get in trouble. >> Do you have a copy of this? >> My files now. I don't have paperwork that I've had on a long time. >> Okay. But do you remember what it said? >> She justified the violence by just wanted to teach my child. Yes. By leaving bruises and swelling all over the child's body. Listen, even if this has to be addressed, I'm not here to do that now. We're we're here to safety plan him. >> Okay. >> But this >> I know. >> So, you have it. Okay. Now, it basically says any touching or anything. >> I didn't know that's what I didn't know that was what was stated on there. >> Refrain from harassing. >> Like, I didn't mean to leave a mark on him. You know, I was >> Listen, we're not here for that. And if you're saying he can go to dad's, that's what we're here for. >> She's got paperwork to fill out in regards to that. Is there a light that I can turn on? >> Yes. Callie knows where it is. I was upstairs going pee. I didn't even hear you guys knocking. >> Oh, it's all right. >> What are you guys doing? >> He was napping. >> Are you watching a show? Do you have questions about that? >> Like I said, I didn't know that I couldn't spank him or nothing. Like I didn't mean for it to leave a mark on him. I didn't realize that I hit him that hard. >> What this says in the process? >> I didn't know I can't punish my own kids. >> That's not it. Listen, that's what this says. Refrain from assaulting, harassing, etc. The >> But like I said, I didn't know that I would leave a mark on him. the tough part for you and the tough part of how this is worded. Harassment is basically unwanted touching that would leave a mark type thing. But like I said, I am not here to tell you that I'm taking you out of here or anything like that. I go with the case workers on visits to keep them safe. I just wanted you aware of this. That's why we brought a copy. And if you're good with him, she has to have you sign that you're good with him going to dad's tonight. So the verbiage is on there. I want you to read that. Understand that. >> Sustained along with an act of order protection is necessary for the safety of Cyrus for him to be removed from the home. Taylor Freeman placed first phrase. >> Yes. Well, they investigate it. That's all. >> Go ahead. It's >> not saying it's permanent. Not saying nothing like that. It's just while we look into it. You get a copy of that, I believe. Yep. What time does he get off the bus? >> He gets off the bus in 20 minutes. 20 half hour, I'm going to say, cuz it's about 4:00. >> To make this a little smoother, what stuff is he going to want to take to his dad's that maybe we can gather while we're waiting? >> Um, his tablet. >> Okay. >> I don't even know where his tablet is right now. >> Then listen, I'm not here to step in, but if you need help with any of this, tell me and I'll help you with whatever. Maybe a back. Does dad have clothes for him? >> Yeah, I just trying to find his tablet. >> Well, I'll help you look. What? What? Uh, >> it was down here last night. >> Is it right here? >> No, that's a broken tablet. And then this tablet has to stay here. This tablet goes north size tablet. >> Did he bring it to school by chance? >> No, he don't bring it. He knows not to bring it to school. >> Yeah, I was told the same thing when I was little, but I used to put it in my book bags towards the end. Yeah, >> the north size tablet is >> I can't find it. I'm pretty sure dad's got a phone or something from the flight on. It's just he likes his tablet. >> When he gets off, he may even Miss Hyde is going to transport. >> Don't copy that. >> She's going to give him a ride to dad. >> Does he have any school clothes that he normally? >> The mother, Taylor Freeman, began offering all sorts of excuses. Parenting is hard. The neighbors bully her. She doesn't feel safe. Sadly, no situation can justify turning stress into violence. >> How is he going to get transported for school? >> We will figure that out. That's just he loves school, you know. >> And any meds or anything? >> No, no meds. >> Tomorrow morning, Shel is going to bring him to the doctor's appointment. Thank you. >> Little chunky blankets. Anything >> Yeah. Is there anything certain? I thought she was just another you the first time that's happened angry. >> Like I've spanked his butt, but it's like the first time that there's ever like been a mark left. Like I guess I've spanked his butt and stuff, but it's not like I beat him. >> When you do discipline, is it open hand or closed fist? >> It's open hand. It's open hand. I know better not to do closed fist. I usually do corner, but it's just I was in the moment. We were rushing out the door this morning and I was just getting frustrated. >> Not for nothing. You have two other ones you're looking after, too. >> I got three. I got four of them. >> I'm talking about just these two here, you know. So, it's understandable. Frustration's there. I'm not here to tell you that you're not allowed to be frustrated. We just >> our side of it. >> That's why he needs to go see the doctor tomorrow. >> Our side of it, we have to just look into it, make sure he's going to be okay type thing, and then go from there, you know. And if dad's a safe place that can give you some time to focus on the other ones, that works for me, too. Do you and his dad still get along pretty well? >> Dad, now that he's sober and stuff, yes, we get along great. >> Um, are you having any issues with your >> neighbor? All of them are specific. >> C3 and C4. Yes. >> And they come down here. >> Yeah, they I was on my couch last night with Royal 12:00 at night last night. It sound like the police were knocking. It was shaking my stuff on my walls and everything. And I open up the door and nobody's there. Yes, there kids that are doing it. I tell their parents about it. The parents don't do nothing. I tell the landlord doesn't do [ __ ] She's like, "They're getting evicted." But that's, you know, I can't I don't know anything. And it's a process, too. >> Your eviction does take a little while. >> I'm tired of it. I hate going walking outside. My kids can't even go outside and play because I get harassed outside. >> What are they harassing you for? >> I don't know. >> Just everything and anything. >> Yes. I get called fat ass big bag saying I need to go eat some more Twinkies. Their dogs run up to me and they tell their dogs get back here because they're going to catch something from being by me. Like that's not okay. >> Adults or children? >> One adult and all the rest of them were teenagers. >> Was it stem like was there beef before between you guys? >> No, we were we were actually fine at first and I don't know what happened. I really don't. I wish I would know what happened. >> I got you. >> Well, the other side of it is let the landlord do their best. It might take a little while. The other thing too, you have people showing up at your door knocking. As frustrating as it is, you're allowed to call 911. >> I know, but I feel like they're not going to do nothing because because I've had other neighbors say they've called the cops about these teenagers and the cops won't do nothing. >> Well, if you're here alone with your kids, >> I don't feel safe sometimes being here. >> Don't open the door. Call 911. Even if they don't find anybody, have somebody else check it out so you don't You know what I'm saying? I still work for the sheriff's department even though I'm with the case breakers. We are not afraid to come out and check on things. I literally was I literally had 911 typed on my phone last night cuz I was about to call them. >> I'm just like what's the point? I just felt like there was no point of me calling cuz nothing is going to get resolved until they're out of here. >> That documentation though can help your landlord further what they're doing >> cuz I'm getting cameras on Thursday so I have so I can document whatever they're doing until the end of the month when they have to get kicked out of here or whatever. >> The landlord if they have a police call even if there's not a full report done on it they can generate showing that calls have been here. to say, "My kids are genuinely happy. I didn't mean for that to happen." The Cyrus, though, >> no matter what excuses were given, the children still had to be removed from their mother and placed in their father's care. >> Um, are you okay if we do a walk through before we get to We don't want to I'm okay to go. >> You're go ahead. I don't got nothing to hide. >> All he's going to want is his tablet. He's got a book bag with him, stuff like that. >> He's got his book bag. I mean, he might want to take his inside out blanket with him to dad's house, but I know dad's got blankets and stuff, so I I mean, I don't know. He don't take he don't take it to dad's house when he goes to dad's on the weekends. So, the only thing he takes to dad when he goes on the weekends is his tablet cuz dad says he's got everything else. I'm going to probably want to grab some school clothes for >> because I feel like >> school clothes material like >> he will at least be there until probably Monday to let things settle out. But don't worry about transport myself or Shelby or >> Yeah, we're not going to make a big neighbor did say that she'll get Lily on the bus tomorrow message. But she did say hi. >> We just found his voice 2 days ago. >> You can get out this back door, right? >> Yes. I just It's really tightly locked and I like the fact that it's tightly locked because the kids can't get out cuz they did have one of You guys did put one of those on the door and the kids ripped it right off. That one's still on the basement door. >> Not for nothing. The other people knocking on your door. You don't want them trying to get in. >> Exactly. I feel like somebody could easily break in that that door. >> Taylor blamed everyone, including the police. But behind that victim act, all those excuses were just a cover for her own lack of responsibility. >> If somebody's knocking on your door, don't be afraid to call. >> It's 2 3 in the morning, too. I'm like, these 14 and 15 year olds should be in sleep for school, like not knocking at my door. >> Hear me out. First responders do come. Police officers, whether sheriffs, troopers, whatever, they find out stuff's going on, like parents aren't watching them and stuff. They're mandated reporter. They have to call it in. So, that gets looked at as well. And then nothing comes from you. It's literally nothing from you. It's all on the first responders. Instead of you going out there and saying, "Hey, take care of." >> That's another thing. It's like I'm afraid like if I call the cops like, "Oh, that's one more thing they can harass me on." >> Two things you can do when you call 911. You can text 911. Say, "You want to be anonymous, but this is going on." You can text 911. >> House look. >> You can also call say you want to be anonymous. Say your your neighbors have been doing this constantly or it's happened this many times and you're just kind of sick of it. Tell them you want to remain anonymous. They might even call you by phone, but they won't come knock on your door. They might go sit in the parking lot without their lights on and look to see catch the kids when they're doing. I don't know cuz he's each one of the neighbors was outside last night. She was doing some working on her truck or something and she was right next door. So I was like, "Hey so and so, did you see anybody run away from my door?" Literally not even a minute after and somebody knocked and she I didn't see them run anyway. I didn't know it was they then. >> So I feel like she does she's just covering or hiding. >> Well, she probably doesn't want to be involved either cuz she lives close to people too. That's understandable, >> right? That's why I thought too last night I was like, "Oh, doesn't want to get involved." I was just like, you know, so then I was like, "I'm just going to call the cops on it." And then I didn't hear nobody knocked after that. Like I feel like every time I go to lay on my couch, I put my head on this pillow and it's like they know that I'm down here and they come and knock on my door cuz the nights where I sleep upstairs in my room, nothing. >> Got you. Something just hit the door. >> Yeah, there's the lady rattles my door. >> Somebody's knocking. The pressure Taylor faced as a single mother is understandable, but it never justifies violence. Her actions didn't just cause physical harm. They left lasting impacts on the child's development and ability to learn. >> When you are consuming alcohol, how much are you typically drinking? >> I don't know. Like four or five. >> Okay. >> Like they spread out like when I drink them. That's not like one after another. >> Okay. And how often? >> Maybe once or twice a month maybe. >> Okay. >> That's rarely often. an always sober caretaker. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yep. Like this past weekend, I made sure I know when I went drank this past weekend, I had a sober caretaker, which was his aunt. And then the other rest of the kids are with my dad. >> Okay. And then >> we talked about marijuana. >> Yep. That's why I got that. >> Yep. Okay. And not in front of the kids, right? >> He likes me. He doesn't like you. >> And he sees you more often. >> He see me all the time. >> That's why I said and he sees you more often. >> Tell me all about it. When are you going to go to school? >> I want him to go to school. I go potty. >> Yeah, but he's just not the potty trainer. I've tried so many different things like incentives like here here's a piece of candy if we do it. And I just got a new daily planner on the fridge and I wrote Johnny's name on it and wrote and pee, you know, we're going to put a tally every time we do it too, you know, and then we'll do something after like the end of the week. Mom and him will do something. It's like doing arts and crafts or something. It's just like I can't. >> He's four, right? Head Start or any of those that you still have to be 100% potty training. where I called head start. They had to be >> I would call other ones cuz I know that there's some I'm not saying there's opening. >> I know the one here in Phoenix. I did ask them and they said that they would prefer if it was potty trained. >> I mean obviously they prefer but still >> I'm having a hard time being a single parent and trying to do it. I'm not a boy and he just like I can't like show him. He knows how to pee 100%. It's just when it's going poop on the potty he just don't want to do it. I was like you going to go poop on the potty? He's like yeah well why don't we go try? No. Does he have a Is he >> Is he going to have room in his book bag? >> I want to get a proper bag for it. >> Okay. Should you give me fist bump for the weekend then for him? >> It's all right. You don't have to. Will you tell me your name? >> Why are you looking at me like that for? >> You want to switch spots? He likes you better. >> Are you good with everything? You have plenty of food. >> Oh, I got plenty. You seen it all. And I still have like $300, $400 of food stamps to use. And I'm like, I have nowhere to put this. Well, I got enough for the end of the month now. So, at least you're covered. >> Rat and everything. >> Yep. Um, RSP actually just called me a little while ago upstairs with me back and they called me and they said Thursday is fine for me to go there and do the appointment. Said as long as it's before 1. John, you got to put some clothes on so we can go get [ __ ] and Cyrus off the bus. You want to put on your um dinosaur costume real quick? >> You go. I'm just going to I'm not leaving, but I'm going to hang out outside with you. >> You think that's all? Not yet. A chilling truth came from Cyrus's teacher. Mom hits me, but I'm not allowed to tell anyone. Behind those carefully crafted excuses was an entire pattern of forced silence. >> No, right here. I'm in an unmarked now. >> Oh, I know. Cuz I was like looking for the >> because of like my position. I actually am assigned to DSI. So, and because there's an open case. The other thing, too, like I'm going to have you sit in the back. There's no cage or anything in this car, so it works out way better. So, basically, all they have to do is get like your name, date of birth, what he told you, and then it should be quick. There's nothing unfortunately. Um, I don't know if you're aware, but probably going to be making an arrest on this because of the extent of what happened. I'm going to add you into the incident. So, I'll have a bunch of questions. Then, I'll go over to my statement form. You'll tell me what happened, what he told you. So, the other good news that has kind of come down the chain is he doesn't have other than the bruising, he doesn't have like any internal injuries or anything when I first saw him. So, you guys dropped him off when we were there. Did you see me? I was wearing the same coat. I mean, this is what I wear pretty much every day. >> Yeah. >> So, my boss seen you. I didn't. >> Got we were there since that point just so you could be rest assured. He has not been home. >> I usually stand next to him because he's like one of those kids that has to be watched, constantly redirected. So, me and him have kind of bonded. >> Yeah, we don't have to put that in here. >> So, that's why I was with him 90% of the time. Okay. >> Throughout this, but I sat down with Cyrus. >> That won't happen. Um he first thing he said to me was my brother scratched me and then he showed me the scratch but I it was so dark you can't really see it. Then he told me he was going to have to go to the doctor because of that and I said I don't think you're going to have to go to the doctor because you got scratched. Maybe you have a physical. >> Sar said his brother pinched him too. >> After that I kind of like didn't talk about that for a while. Then again he brought up the scratch and he goes see my scratch and he tried to show me. So, I got my flashlight and he pulled away from me and he said, "Who are you sending this?" >> Then what happened after that? >> Um, I got my flashlight and I said, "No, I'm not taking a picture. I just want to see. I can't see. I want to see what you're trying to show me." So, I looked at his face and I seen what he was showing me. And I go, "Dude, that is not a scratch. Your brother did not scratch you. Like the whole side of his face, his neck, his ear, everything." And then I was like, "Mhm." I was going to record it after that point, no matter what he said. >> I saw the mark and I knew that he was not scratched by his brother. So after that, I was just going to wait until all the kids got off the bus to go record it. Kids were getting off the bus and I sat down in the seat and Cyrus got off and stood in the aisle. He looked me dead in the eyes and he looks at me and he goes like this. He goes, "My mom smacked me. I'm not allowed to tell anybody because she's going to be mad." And then after that, I was like, I knew it. Like my intuition. >> So that was when other kids got off the bus. >> They were all standing up to get off the bus. >> When the other kids got up to get off the bus, Cyrus stood up as well. Cyrus came up to me, looked me in the eyes, told me that his mother slapped him and he is not allowed to tell anybody, right? I'm assuming I don't have any documentation of it, so it doesn't necessarily happen in my with my department documenting it, but um when I ran them, there's actually a refrain from order. She can't like be mean and hit the kids and stuff. That's why I'm doing all this because obviously something needs to change and she needs to be held accountable. Is that this or did he say more? >> Didn't say anymore. after I told him and you know the kids to go sit down so I could privately go talk to the bus driver and tell her what he told me. >> So I told him to sit down so I could talk to the bus driver. The bus driver tried to speak with Cyrus after that. He kept holding his body in a way to hide the mark on him to the side of his face and neck appeared as though he had been dragged. >> Yeah. Okay. >> It wasn't scratched. >> That's it. I'm going to print this. >> At this point, the situation became even more alarming. The mother's violence could turn into a distorted model of behavior the child might carry into school. Police and the teacher had no choice but to work together to redirect the child's living environment. >> I don't know. Like from this point forward, he's obviously safe cuz he's not with her. He's safe from her. I don't like ever saying a kid's safe because no matter where they like this world that we're in, no matter where they go, it's tough to make that call, you know? But um I believe he's safer. I don't know the dad. I didn't know him until this day. I'm going to have you sign this on the hood or something. So it's easier for you to write. The other thing, and I'm not speaking bad about them. Yeah, it's warm in there. CPS is just like everything. You hear bad stories about any profession. There's some good and some bad. You know, you don't know until somebody does that job. So just initial there that I can't change this once I leave. Like I can't put words in your mouth. The top is what this is what we talked about. And then down here is just that you're not lying. And I don't think you are, but I have to give everybody that warning type thing. >> Fine. And I got video for >> That's awesome, too. She's already admitted it to me. So, I'm just doing my work around. Yeah. Because we have to have Well, I can't just go there and be like, "Yeah, she said this." I have to have other things that add up to that. >> Someone's going to get seriously hurt. Yeah. >> Cuz honestly, even if you smack them and something happens and you smack them into something and they hit their head and it's like trauma. >> My other thing, like, I don't know. This one is just different for me personally cuz she's already got an open case and then this happens. You know, CPS knew who she was. I didn't. I've never been there. They knew who she was. And you know, she pretends like it's not that big of a deal when it is. >> But even if he didn't get hurt, right, what's that going to that's going to show him that all this is acceptable. Exactly. You know, >> and he's going to do that. And you know what I've noticed? I have to sit him alone on the bus because he hits people. >> Yeah. So, where do you think he sees it? >> Yeah. He was hitting this little girl. He was punching her and I'm like, you cannot touch other people like that. >> It's probably just a norm for him. I'm hoping where he's at now is a better spot, but we don't know. And that's something that could be adjusted to through CPS, not through me. They will adjust that if that's not working out. I also don't know, unfortunately, if he winds up there full-time, he may not be going to the school anymore. Maybe that's what he need. Not the school. Maybe he needs to be placed >> somewhere else. >> Yes, there's going to be two felonies. I mean, it's going to be public knowledge. It'll be in the paper, right? >> I'll look for it. >> So, um, well, just so you know. So, I don't want you to think that we're not like taking care of it on our end. There's going to be two felonies. So, there's a chance that she's actually going to do some jail time. That's where DSS is going to have to step up and uh find placement if she does do jail time. I don't know because I'm not the judge. See you later. >> Thank you. >> And then the Miranda rightites were read. The mother was arrested and taken into custody on charges of assault, contempt of court, and during the welfare of a child. Under New York penal law, she could face up to 6 years in prison with bail set between $5,000 and $10,000 or release under supervision. >> Where's your ride? Did you ride one of them? >> Come up here and face. >> I got to put you in cuffs like I told you. Okay. >> Is that too much or do you want me to put another one? You're okay. You're going to be sitting for a couple minutes is all I have most of the paperwork done. Is that any better? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Okay. >> It's not going to go. >> Yeah. Do you have anything on you that can't go back there? What do you have? my phone and my keys. >> Okay. So, I have to just put them in a bag while you're sitting in here. Where are they? >> In this pocket. I think they're both pockets. >> Okay. Perfect. I'm just going to pull them out. Okay. It's just your phone. >> Okay. Perfect. Nothing else. No other pockets. No front. Okay. We're going to go right in here. I have to read your rights. Okay. And then I'll explain everything. Then we're going to go right down to the judge as promised. Pass that. I can't control. You know, I'm not a judge. So, that's it. I'll have copies of everything for you, too. >> Okay. There's going to be a holding cell down here. If you're going to remain calm, I have no problem putting those in front of you so you're more comfortable. >> I'm going to read you your eyes first. Okay. >> I got to find my foot. Okay. Yeah. Have a seat and I'm going to read these to you and then I'll put those in the front. >> Um, do you want to just put >> Yeah. Thank you. You have the right to remain silent and can exercise that right at any time. Anything you do say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have a right to consult with a lawyer at any time during questioning. If you want a lawyer but cannot afford one, one will be provided to you free of charge. Do you understand? At this point, I can't make the decision for you. Do you want to give a statement on behalf of what happened? I'm I have to offer it to everybody. >> Talk to us. >> I don't know. >> If you want to talk to a lawyer >> before you do that, that's all you say. When you we walk down to court, there's going to be a lawyer there that will be on your behalf. Okay? So, I'm not going to talk to you anymore without a lawyer present and we'll go from there. I'm going to I'll put those on front if you stand up because I don't like the way that they do have to go back behind you when I walk you down the court though. Okay. I'm going to get you copies of your AIS too, which are the accusatory instruments. Okay. If you need anything, cuz I obviously have to do paperwork and typo. If you need anything, gently, gently knock on the door, type in the window. Okay. >> Um I'll try to be as quick as possible. I do want to tell you, so this is where my predicament is tough for me because it's above my head. you have to go to court tonight because of the charges based off do you have the injury charge and that because of the age difference even though it's your kid doesn't look it's an assault is what it's called in New York state so I don't I don't want to tell you it looks terrible or anything that's not for me to judge and then we have the contempt cuz the order was in place and then I have the ewok which is anything that has to do with the kid I have to do that right >> but there's there's three that's all I mean do you have any questions I am going to tell the judge you turned yourself in >> okay >> you know I'm going to I'll speak with your attorney and let them know to tell the judge you did turn yourself in. You've been cooperative with me. I don't if you keep being cooperative, I have no problem telling them that you've been cooperative through all this. Okay. >> No issue not being cooperative at all. >> The only thing from like once you get to court, I can't make the judge like the judge the judge. >> Yeah. He can hold you if you want. That's out of my control. So, that's just one of those things. I'm going to go and start typing away. I'm going to pull you out. Get your fingerprints. Once that comes back, we'll walk you right down the quarter. Okay. Yeah. >> Like I said, if you need something, just knock so lightly. Um I've told people to knock in the past and then they broke stuff. I mean, if you knock on the door, you can knock like you're knocking Yeah. somebody's house door, but don't like smash my window or anything, but that has happened. Okay. >> This story serves as a powerful lesson about how adults express emotions toward their children. Whether it's stress, poverty, or exhaustion, nothing can justify causing to a child physically or emotionally. And these are two heartbreaking snapshots of reality. A father who forgot his child under Florida's burning sun and a mother in New York who used violence as her only language of discipline. Two stories, one message. Children are not possessions. They are lives that must be protected. Any form of or can leave wounds that never heal. If you found this video meaningful, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the channel to help spread awareness through stories that matter. Thank you for watching. See you in the next video. Heat. Heat. N. [Music]