No, no, no. >> He was freezing. His clothes are soaking wet. We brought him in here. >> Why? Please don't. Please go. >> Child abandonment. >> Abandonment. >> He started doing stuff. Mhm. >> When a child is left to suffer in silence and the adults around them lose control. It's no longer just a private family matter. >> His his uh they took his temperature was 96 something. temperature dropped 2° and going to sleep. Waking up. >> These are the moments where protection doesn't come from parents but from the law >> laying right here. I looked around didn't see any. >> He was walking around barefoot and it's 9° outside. We didn't know. >> Oh my god. He got out. a freezing street, a missing child, and a question no parent ever wants to answer. How did this happen? On January 21st, 2024 in Ohio, officers responded to a call involving a young child in a dangerous situation. A 3-year-old boy was found barefoot and soaked, standing near a busy roadway in freezing temperatures and with no adults in sight. >> Yeah. older. He's like four. >> Yeah, exactly. That's what I got in his hands and so they can they're here literally. >> Well, here. >> You want to take him on up to the truck? >> Hey. Hey, Bill. We're just going to bring him up to the office. We'll just bring him up here. >> We're on our way back from breakfast. Kids wandering around a little. >> Right place at the right time. And it is 12° outside. >> Wandering around the street, soaking wet, shivering, his hands. Yeah. I don't I don't even know. We think his name's Keith. I don't I don't know. >> You want this? >> Thanks. You got one? >> Who's the guy in the hoodie? He's with you guys. >> He's the guy in this car. I don't need to wait on you guys to get here. So >> Oh my goodness. As officers arrived, they placed the child in a patrol vehicle to warm him up in 12° F - 11° C temperatures. They then spoke with the good Samaritan to gather initial details. >> Camera lights are set. >> How's it going? >> It's going just freaking cool. >> Just happened to be up in front of these guys when they found him. >> Actually, I found them. >> Do you have an ID on you, my man? >> Absolutely. He was playing right here. I looked around. Didn't see any adults. Oh no. >> Well, thank you for doing the right thing. I'm stopping. >> Most people just keep driving. It's crazy. >> So, unfortunately, I almost had to cut off someone cuz she just went straight through. >> What's a good phone number for you? >> 23 to attach. >> Wow. Miserable things. Supposed to be nice out today. 30°. >> There's an open door over there. >> You can get warm, my man. I've got your number if I have to call for any anything further. And sounds like we're going to go with him to CH. So, >> I'll run this car and see if we can find something. >> Sure. >> So, I can just go home. >> Yep. Thank you, sir. >> Hey, man. Thanks for stopping. >> Be safe. >> All right. Take care. >> Thanks, guys. 23 break for seven. >> Inside the vehicle, officers tried to communicate with the child, but he struggled to explain where he lived. With limited information, they began canvasing the area, relying on small clues to locate his family. >> How old are you? >> Oh, little buddy. What's happening? Hey, Keith. How old are you? You don't know? >> Can you show me on your fingers how how many years old you are? >> That's terrible, >> man. >> What the hell? >> Cold. >> 23. Can you buy that silver car, too? >> Yeah. >> Hey, Keith, is that your silver car out there? >> That silver car out there. Is that your silver car? >> No. Down there. A gray car down. The gray car. >> Yeah. >> Which one? >> You're clear. >> The one right out here. >> Yeah. >> We'll take him up there, guys. >> There's no cars out here. I think he's talking about that one. Just That's where I ran. >> Caleb's right there. Last four >> 25p attempt to locate a Caleb King Adam Lincoln Edward boy Adam Moore. After canvasing the area, officers were able to contact the child's grandmother, who confirmed the boy had just moved into a new apartment with his mother the night before. >> Hang on. I got to put >> You're okay. >> You don't have to come out. Is Tavia here? No, she's they moved out. >> Where's she supposed to be? >> Uh, well, she just moved out last night. We are at the Gosh, I don't even know the address. Do you want to step in? Um, it's the apartment building right next to the historical society. >> Okay. Do you know which one of those two? >> No, don't go out there. >> All right. Yeah. Is everything okay? >> We just found Keith walking around downtown Wilmington by the baby. >> That's my Yeah, that's my grandbaby. >> He's at CM right now. He's okay. But he was walking around barefoot and it's 9° outside. We didn't know. >> Oh my god, he got out. >> Somebody found him in walking downtown. You're welcome to meet him at CH cuz he doesn't have anybody there right now. >> He's with officers, but he I mean he's okay. He's cold as hell. And we was just trying to figure out what's going on >> because they literally like last night was their first night. >> Do they drive the the gray Honda Accord? >> Yeah. Yeah. And last night was their first night in this new apartment. They're not even there. They haven't even finished moving stuff. >> You head to CH. I'll head back and try to find these guys. >> Oh, yeah. >> Unless you want to. >> Yeah. >> I'm going to try to call her. Um but yeah, let me >> Well, if you call her and get a hold of her, have her come to CH with you. Yeah. Okay. >> I got to get you all cleaned up. Okay. >> You got to pee. >> Yes. >> Well, let's go to the bathroom then. Okay. >> I know how that thing works >> here. Stand my feet. >> See how old he is? >> Your feet on my feet. Oh, there. No, four or five. >> Standing right there, >> I would assume. >> Not real sure. >> Here you go. >> But walking around. >> What was he wearing? >> Sweatpants and a sweatshirt. And he had socks. >> Crocs on. He had his Crocs in his hand. And he was just walking down Lok Street. >> What's it? >> He's soaking. >> Where was he at? Where was he at on Lope Street? >> Right by >> Yep. Paper's right there. >> So take back with him. So he's got somebody >> I'm normal. Yeah. Mom's outside. She's actually on the phone at the station cuz when I came in he wasn't here and I was like call down there and ask him if he's in a second if you want to just walk with somebody. >> The mother eventually arrived on scene, but as officers spoke with her, her demeanor quickly raised red flags about the child's safety. You need to sit down for a second. You don't have to record this thing. Don't have any issues. All right. Okay. I'm going to read your rights just per brand. Okay. You're not under arrest, but I'm going to ask you questions. Okay. All right. You got the right to remain silent. Anything you say can't be held against you in the court of law. You got the right to an attorney. Can't afford an attorney. Won't be appointed to you. Free of charge. Okay. You got the right to exercise these rights obviously at our time or any time. understanding that. >> So the reason I'm randomizing you only three years old. He's outside. How can you have any idea how long he was outside? >> No, we all went to bed and we made sure the doors were locked and shut, but he knows how to unlock doors. >> Okay. What time did I go to bed? >> We went to bed at around 1:00. He was already asleep by like 11:12. You all like to sit down by one hand. >> So you're sure the doors were locked? Yes. >> Is it a be able to hear? >> You mean the second it shuts it locks? >> Yeah. The second you shut it, you'll hear it click and lock. >> Okay. And it's pretty loud. >> When I got there this morning, the door was kind of open. Was it Is that how it was or you already opened it? >> I just it before we left. >> So you before I got there? >> Yeah. I Well, I got the call from her mom. We jumped up and we saw the door was right >> and I was scrambling already trying to find my >> The door was partially open when it >> How long have you guys been in? Did you move in there last night? >> Yep. That was our first night in the apartment. >> What time? What time did you actually get into the apartment? >> Uh, just a couple days ago. >> Well, I mean like last night. Your first night in it was last night. >> Yeah, we spent the past >> dark out. You guys put your stuff down and crashed. Went to bed. Well, you went to sleep a little later, but got him to bed. >> Yeah, we've been working on trying to move all our stuff in there. >> Okay. And he's a t tech tactician with the doorork knobs. He is he always >> Yep. These we had to put a type of child lock on our doors. We go on our own. Okay. >> Where did you live before you moved into this apartment? >> It was clear this wasn't the first time. There was already a history of the child being able to open doors and leave the home. No parent wants to put their child in danger, but failing to take simple preventive steps like securing a door can turn a known risk into a dangerous situation. Um, so, so you were aware that you needed some sort of extra security on your doors as far as locks because he could get in and out. That's why you put them in in the other house. >> Yeah, but I've gone way up before them. So, >> okay. Had he ever kids are magicians, right? They're escape artists. Has he ever tried to do this before over at your mom's? >> No. Only like if he was but being played time out, he'd throw a fit and run out the door. But he was in any type of trouble. He was already asleep. >> Okay. Did you So you over at your mom's house, you did have some extra locks installed. >> Just on our bedroom door. >> The bedroom door. What kind of locks were they? >> Just the ones that go a knob there where they can't grab the knob, turn it. It just kept turning. We had >> So it wasn't a lock. It was a It was more of the the um the security door knob covers. >> Yeah. >> Okay. But I mean, obviously, you do understand that it's it's your duty as a parent to provide care for your children, right? And to make sure that they're not put in a place where they could cause to themselves. I mean, the law requires you to do that. >> Yeah, I know. >> All right. Just making sure. Um I mean, we're going to go back, just let you know what we're going to do. We're going to go back and get the video from next door at the historical society and over at the church just to kind of see how long he was outside. Um, his clothes were soaking wet, right? He was >> he was freezing. >> He was freezing. His clothes were soaking wet. We brought him in here. They changed his clothes out. His his uh they took his temperature was 96 point something. So, his temperature had dropped 2°. His internal body temperature dropped 2°. Um, he's back there talking and watching TV and stuff now, but he is freezing outside. So, um, thankfully somebody somebody driving past saw him. >> Yeah. >> So, somebody >> stopped. Nobody else was. Luckily, somebody stopped. >> Somebody stopped when they saw a little 3-year-old out on the sidewalk in the street, >> a parking spot. >> So, you know, not only was the outside cold outside road, like the second or third busiest road we have in town. So, the way this is going to be handled, obviously, child protective services has to be contacted. It's mandatory. they're contacted. Um, we're also going to contact our municipal prosecutor to see if the prosecutor thinks that any criminal charges need to be filed. Maybe it's maybe it's something where he's he's not familiar with the house yet or not, but you guys had been living with your mom. Um, kind of a pseudo safety plan. Can he stay with your mom until children services gets a hold of you Monday, tomorrow, can go to your mom and spend the night with your mom so this doesn't happen again? >> We'll just go back there. >> That sounds like a plan. that I I would just request that he be like with your mom and your mom be helping and watching him because that's what children services would do anyways. They would put what's together what's called a safety plan where he would be with be with a family member. It sounds like your mom. You guys are pretty close until they can continue to get in on the investigation. Okay. Is that is that okay with you? >> I I don't know. I don't know how any of this. >> Okay. Well, so we're going to do come in here and be with your son. >> The immediate danger had passed, but the responsibility hadn't. That's when officers shifted their focus to what matters under the law. Duty of care and foreseeable risk. I don't know if you've ever spoken before. >> Nope. >> But um >> so I just want to make sure I got a understanding of the big picture of this. So they had been living with you until last night. Last night was her first night moving in over there. >> As I explained to her, we know that kids can be escape artists and things like that. >> But it's still her responsibility to make sure that her three-year-old son is inside a warm house and not out in the street. Like he was on Locust Street. A car stopped. >> Oh my god. Like in the road? >> Yes. >> On Locust Street. >> Car stopped. He was soaking wet. >> We're not sure how long he had been out there, >> right? um carrying he he had her cross in his hand carrying her shoes. >> I asked him where he was going. He said he was going to the gray car to go bye-bye. >> Yeah, that's what he that's what he tells us to. >> Yeah. >> Um obviously it's it's her duty as a parent. Mom says it's her duty as a parent to care for him to provide um shelter for him to make sure that he he isn't where he just was. >> Yeah. So, I know I mean I I'm not trying to be rude against her daughter or anything, but all of our conversations with her is like she's showed no panic in any of this, and it's just kind of concerning. >> He does have behavioral issues. >> Um, and he was recently I'm I think she's still waiting on the call from the referral for the behavioral specialist. Okay. >> Um, but he literally just had a doctor's appointment last week because of his behavioral issues. Well, she's got um she had behavioral issues as a child, too. >> Okay. >> So, this is nothing that I have never dealt with before. >> Okay. So, >> not new. >> I mean, again, the thing that gets me the most is she knows there's a history of it and she didn't do anything to prevent any of it last night. I mean, it could have even been putting a chair in front of the door, putting it slightly, >> the credit for the fact that it has not happened in a very long time. Okay. >> It's probably been 8 n months since he's tried to run off out the door. you know, you cooperate with CPS and uh >> you cooperate with them and they can help you out. All right. >> The other thing is >> I am going to I'm going to issue a charge of child endangering and you're going to have to show up to court. I'm not incarcerating you. >> Okay? Understand that you are going to get charged. Um, it's a first-degree misdemeanor. >> And I'm just going to let you know that I will we will let the prosecutor know that um that we will suggest parenting classes and things like that for you and that we would not be opposed to charges being um amended, reduced or or whatever should you complete all of these sort of things that are required of you by the court. I can't promise these things are going to happen, but what I'll say is the police department will not be opposed to these things. Um it it's just it was too dangerous of a situation for him to be out on Locust Street in the road when it's 8° outside soaking wet. Um you know there's there's a history I know he's only three so it's not a super long history but you know there's knowledge that he has tried to escape before and that you've had to put precautions on your doors in the past so he doesn't leave. So we know there have been issues. I know it's one night, but this is just this is an example to show you that one time, one night can change your life forever. And I'm very thankful that whoever saw him out on the road stopped and called us to help him. And they weren't stopping to call us to say they just struck a child. The mother was charged with child endangerment under Ohio Revised Code section 2,919.22, 22, a firstdegree misdemeanor carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A child doesn't understand risk. They trust the safety adults create around them. And moments like this remind us that responsibility isn't just about being present. It's about making sure a child is never left to face danger alone. One missing moment of supervision and a hotel hallway becomes the place where a child's safety quietly falls apart. Your daughter's in PCFS. >> No. No. >> Well, you abandoned your daughter. >> I didn't. I was in the car asleep. I was in THE CAR. I ASLEEP. I DIDN'T ABANDON HER. My daughter is my life. >> On April 19th, 2024 in Skoi, Illinois, officers responded to a call at a Holiday Inn after a toddler was found wandering alone in a hotel hallway, completely unsupervised. What begins as a routine welfare check quickly escalates into a serious criminal investigation as officers begin asking questions. >> Hey, can I show you a picture? >> I wanted to show you a picture. >> What? >> You mind stepping out? >> Do you know this kid? >> Yeah. >> Who is she? >> My daughter. >> Okay. Where is she right now? >> She was in the room. I just went to the store to back. >> You went to the store? What time did you go to the store? >> I just came back. Oh. >> What time do you think that was that you left? >> An hour. >> An hour ago. Here. Why don't we step over here? Well, because we've been here since 10:45 and you were last night. Yeah. >> No, I was in my What? >> No, you weren't. The staff checked the room. Um, we got key log. >> I was I was sleeping in my car. I ain't going to lie. I was at I went to McDonald's to have something to eat. I went to sleep in my car. >> You went to sleep in your car since what time? >> I don't know. >> You just said you just left. >> I did just leave back now. I came from right here. I went to McDonald's. I went to sleep in my car. I came back right here. I went back to sleep. I got hot. I ain't going to lie. As officers move forward with the arrest, her responses shift. Denial, then emotional breakdown. She insists she never abandoned her child, but her own statements and the timeline say otherwise. And by then, it's no longer about what she claims. Her child is already in DCFS custody. Because in Illinois, the system doesn't wait. It acts on the risk the child was left to face. Hold on. Let me lock them. >> Is there anything in the car that you need? >> Yeah, I need my phone. >> Okay. You giving me permission to go in there and get your stuff? >> Huh? >> You giving me permission? >> Permission to go in the car and get whatever you need. What's going on, man? What happened? >> Oh my god. I don't know what going on. I'm about to let you >> need an ambulance. >> You need an ambulance. >> She gave me a permission, right? YEAH. >> OKAY. Don't Don't >> I know. I'm trying to wait. What's going on? Am I going to be able to get out post? >> We're going to find out when we get back to the station. I'll I'll I'll explain everything to you when we get back. >> I'm confused. >> I'm confused. >> I'll tell you. What's your name, man? >> Alexandra, why you Okay. >> What am I on? You have the right name. Can you please give me Can you please give me something to drink? Can you please give me something to drink before I FALL OUT? CAN YOU GET MY PURSE CAR? PLEASE GET THAT PEPS. PLEASE. I need something to drink before I got bad anxiety. I JUST NEED SOMETHING TO CALM down cuz my knees give me please. It's brand new. >> That's fine. Just give me something to drink. Please. >> Please give me something to drink. >> I'm trying to control. I know how to control. That's how I control. >> Just >> Come on. Come on. >> Hold on. Hold If you can't afford an attorney, one can be provided to you before questioning at no cost. >> Okay. >> You want me some more? Go home and give me some more, please. I'll get some more, please. Please give me a lot. >> I can't breathe. >> You want an ambulance or no? >> Can I call my brother, please? >> We can make phone calls at the station yet. >> What am I going to jail for? Where's my daughter? >> Your daughter's in TCFS? >> No. >> No. >> Well, you abandoned your daughter. >> I didn't. I was in the car asleep. I was in THE CAR ASLEEP. I DIDN'T ABANDON HER. MY daughter is my life. real borrowed a bag so she can put her stuff in my corner. >> Where is that? >> You took her TO THE DCFS FIELD. >> WHERE IS THAT? >> I believe in deer. >> WHERE IS THAT? >> WE'LL LET YOU. WE'LL give you all the information. >> Please. Please. I need to call my brother. I need to call somebody. It's my car. Okay. >> Please. >> WHAT HAPPENED? TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED. NO, I need to know who my daughter is. I need to know if she okay, but I will do it. >> I went to sleep. >> Quick picture make sure I have nothing on you. Okay. >> Is she okay? >> It's a It's a half. >> Where is that? >> Sorry. I didn't go. >> She's fine. Okay. No. Where is she at? >> The secret agent. Could they have an experience? >> I went to sleep in my car cuz I was smoking. >> WHAT THE Put your shoes back in. I put the shoes back in. >> Yeah. I'm trying to put them on for me. Please. We can fix that after when we get to the station. Okay. Oh, can you stop please? That hurt in my arm. Too tight. >> I am big. Like for real. >> Okay. Do you do it like this? >> Yes. >> During transport, she admits she chose to leave the room to smoke a controlled substance and fell asleep. A decision she acknowledges was a lapse in judgment. Um, the other officer will give you more information than I can give you. Hold on. Give me a second. >> Transporting one female adult from Holiday in to SPD starting 62644.2. >> Yeah, she's okay. >> What happened? I already know what happened. >> Ma'am, I just started my shift. So, all I know is that I'm transporting you to the station. >> The station right here? >> Yeah, it's right here. Yeah. Right across the street. >> Please not. Where is my daughter? >> She's at She's in Deerfield from what? From what? >> How far is that from here? >> Um like 15 minutes, I want to say. >> Is she okay? >> She's okay. She's okay. The the officer you were talking to is our sergeant. He And he's the one that told you that she's in Deerfield. She's okay. So, I take his word. >> I was I went to sleep. I was smoking my car. >> Okay. I don't I don't know. He was just sleeping my car like a dumb ass. I should have went back in my room. That's what I did. I should have even smoke. >> Watch your step coming up. What I have to do to get my daughter back. >> They can explain everything. Yeah. >> Can you lift it? >> Please. I wasn't sleeping. >> Can you push your foot in >> here? I can help you. The bench is right over here. Just watch the step right here. Walk in through the doors. And the bench is to the right. >> Just have a seat right there. At the station, she is processed and searched while insisting she would never abandon her child despite earlier admissions that told a different story. I want to make sure my daughter is all right. >> She's okay. She's okay, right? Uh officer, >> she all right. >> She's okay. It's all off me getting going to the store and sitting and getting I was all off and GOING TO SLEEP. WAKING UP. >> Stand up for me. You're going to walk up to this wall. >> What am I arrested for? >> Uh I'll explain everything. >> Please. I don't know what's going on. I >> It's child abandonment. >> T abandon me. She's going to let her let her search you. >> I'm going to search you. I'm going to I'm going to take these off, but just give me these. Okay. Separate your feet for me. >> Okay. Put this hand on the wall for me. >> Girls are like pee. I was just >> I woke up. I had to pee. Went to the gas station. >> What's your first name? >> Alexandria Washington. >> Washington. Okay. Let her search you. We're going to go in that room and we'll talk. Okay. Please, please, >> please. I don't be going to SLEEP IN THE CAR. >> Do you have a shirt underneath this hoodie? >> Yes, I do. >> You do? >> I do have a shirt under. >> I do IT ON MY HEART. I DON'T understand like she always with me all going to sleep. I went to sleep and I just woke up. I got an alarm on my phone. >> I got my alarm on my phone to wake me up every day at 7:00. That's you. And that's what just woke me up and I just started like damn how you going to sleep you dumb ass and I'll be home. >> Just I'll explain everything. >> I know. I just got to do it. I got to do it. That was so impressive. I need to pee on myself, bro. >> Separate pizza more for me. >> Can you please help me with my shoes? >> Yeah, in a minute. Give me a minute. >> I never had nothing like it ever before. >> Any other jewelry other than this ring that you have? >> I don't I don't right in my face. That's it. And my earrings. That's it. We never have nothing else. >> I'm sorry. I feel like I'm sorry. >> Can I have the ring? I'm going to put it with the rest of >> Can you take off your uh your earrings? As she continues crying, she minimizes her actions, blaming it on just falling asleep. But for a child, the difference between seconds and hours without supervision can mean the difference between safety. >> My daughter, okay, >> it's okay. >> Please, SHE GOT TO UNDERSTAND. I KNOW. >> I KNOW. I KNOW. HOW DO I GET MY DAUGHTER? Like ECFs is not nothing TO PLAY WITH. I WENT ALL BECAUSE I WENT TO SLEEP in a car. >> Take them off. Because I went to sleep in the car. >> Can you take off that sock for me? Please call my brother. GET MY BROTHER. GET MY DAUGHTER. >> I I have to call this. >> Please. >> First, I'm going to need to talk to you in there because I need her in I got none of I don't have your info. I don't have YOUR DAUGHTER'S INFO. >> EXACTLY. I NEED THAT CUZ I WENT TO SLEEP AND ALL THIS BECAUSE I WENT TO SLEEP. >> SO, >> all this because I went to sleep. >> I'm going to let you make as many phone calls as you need, but first I need to get the information from you over here. CAN I CAN MY DAUGHTER CAN MY BROTHER GET MY DAUGHTER? >> I HAVE no >> Please. Oh, you keep your socks. You took your eyelash. >> Yes, it was coming up. PLEASE. I NEED MY DO YOU GOT MY KEYS TO MY CAR? >> YEAH. >> My brother go get the keys to my car. DON'T GET MY DAUGHTER. >> HE HAS TO HE has to contact you. >> Can you contact them? Please, please. She don't belong in there. I do no band in my daughter if you ask anybody. He always with me. I just can't smoke in that room. And I pulled OFF SO THEY COULDN'T WATCH ME SMOKE AND I WAS SMOKING. I went the sleep chair black and went to sleep and drew Osco parking LOT. YOU KNOW WHERE YOU OSCAR AT? >> This is where I went. I went there to give me some pool and I smoke and I sat there and went to SLEEP AND MY ALARM ONLY JUST WOKE ME UP IS MY ALARM. I GOT ALARM FOR 7:00 a.m. every day and just made me wake up and I woke up. I had to pee so bad. That's why it took me a COUPLE MORE MINUTES BECAUSE I HAD TO FIND SOMEWHERE FOR ME to pee. I had to pee so bad. If you still need to use the bathroom, put your socks back on and then you go in the bathroom. I would never abandon my daughter. That's all. I'll be going to sleep in the car. You know Jordan don't close until 12 a.m. You can look at your school cameras. I've been sitting in jewel. >> You can put them up. Yes. >> Do you do you need to use bathroom? >> I DO, BUT NO, I DON'T EVEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON with my >> We'll get to that then. We'll get to that. >> We're going to go this way. >> In the end, she is charged with child abandonment and endangerment. Under Illinois law, this offense can be charged as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. Moments like this often come from pressure, stress, or poor judgment. But in situations involving children, even a brief lapse can carry serious consequences. Because safety is not something that can be postponed. Where's your child at? >> My kids are inside. >> Who's been watching them? >> There is a 14-year-old, a 13year-old. >> Okay. >> Okay. Hey, is um >> can you just can you just make sure rescue is coming? >> Hi. >> Hello. >> What's going on? >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Coming tonight. >> You okay? >> You don't seem okay. >> Well, I'm in my driveway. >> Right. You're in your driveway. You got some vomit around you and you're passed out behind the wheel. What starts as a quiet neighborhood concern can quickly escalate into something far more serious. In Palm Coast, Florida, deputies responded to a welfare check after neighbors reported unusual activity at a nearby home. What they found on arrival immediately raised red flags. A mother unconscious in her car and three children left unattended inside the home. >> You don't seem okay. >> Well, I'm in my driveway. >> Right. All right, you're in your driveway. You got some vomit around you and you're passed out behind the wheel. >> When officers arrived, they found the mother, Chelsea Wright, unconscious inside her vehicle. As deputies tried to wake her, it became clear this wasn't just someone asleep. Her speech was slurred and her movements unsteady. >> Do you live here? >> Of course I live here. I own I own this house. >> Do you know where you are? What house is it? >> This is This is my house. >> What's the number? 57. >> Okay. Here. Come out here. >> What's in your hoodie pocket there, >> ma'am? >> What's in your hoodie pocket here? >> Without pulling it out. >> Huh? >> Can I grab it? Do you have any needles or anything? >> No. Who called the police? Let me know. >> Well, somebody was concerned. I mean, you're unconscious in your car. That's kind of concerning. >> We have been meditating. So, if I can talk to you >> here, step back. Back up. >> Are you okay? >> I'm fine. What do you use? >> I'm waking up. >> What products do you use? >> I don't use any I'm waking up. >> Are you a diabetic? >> Actually, I'm not sure exactly what's going on because I can Can I show you? Can I show you? >> Show me what? I don't You don't need to do that. You can show the medics. Empty out the rest of this stuff on your pocket and put it on here. >> Empty out your pocket. >> I am >> and put it there. >> Sir, I am. >> I'm not doing anything wrong. >> I know. We just got to make sure you're okay. >> Take out your cigarette pack, please. How's it going, guys? >> How's it going? Great. Yourself? >> Good. She was slump. She had some looked like there's some vomit around the car. Okay. >> Um, she's definitely still out of it. Uh, probably >> could be alcohol related. >> Okay. >> Um, she's still trying to get her bearings. She knows where she is. It's her home. >> This is her home. >> Yes. >> Um, behind the driver's wheel. >> She's behind the driver's wheel. The car wasn't running or anything. >> What's going on? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? They said they found you slumped over in your car. I was tired. I was up all night delivering papers and, >> you know, doing what I was used to. Just tired. >> You got some vomiting on around your mouth. >> You don't want to go down to the hospital? >> No, I'm fine. >> Okay. Where's your kid at? >> Oh, walking. >> Where's your child at? >> My kids are inside. >> Who's been watching them? >> Their sisters have been watching. >> So, is there an adult inside? There is a 14year-old and a 13year-old. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I'm trying to knock on the door. No one's answering >> because y'all the cops. >> Can I Can I walk with you? >> Finish up with the guys. They just want to finish up whatever they got to do with you. I'll be with you in a second. >> Yeah, >> I understand. But he's >> Where's the keys for the house? >> You need anything? >> No, we're okay. Thank you. >> I'll come back and get something changed. >> All right. Thank you. The mother insisted she lived at the home and had simply fallen asleep. But deputies were about to uncover something more concerning. Inside, they found a toddler hiding behind a chair in a vulnerable condition with a dangerous object nearby. The home itself was in disarray with broken glass, open doors, and multiple safety concerns throughout. You're slumped over the wheel. You have three kids in the house. The toddler's in a back bedroom by himself crying. And you're out here passed out. >> He's in a bad budget. >> He was Is this appropriate behavior for a mother? >> Absolutely not. And this has never happened. I even would, sir. >> Okay. So, the people who have told us that this is a reoccurring thing, they're they're lying to us. >> No, I don't know who is telling you that. >> I'm not sure. But we're going to we're going to figure this out. >> Yeah, of course. Of course, because I am a good mother. >> Just give us one sec. Did you use any drugs last night? >> No, I haven't. I am. >> Cuz you are not acting normal right now. Okay. And I can explain it to you. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> Just listen to me out. >> I understand because of my record. It doesn't look good. >> I I never I didn't even look. Yeah. >> Just saying. Okay. It doesn't look good. Now, hear me out. As I told you, >> confronted with the evidence. >> A little confused when I asked you where your kid was a little bit ago. Do you want to know where he was exactly? >> I told you where he was. >> Where was he in the house? I wasn't in the house. >> Right. That's what I'm getting at. So, I'm just going to tell you where he was in the house. >> He was hiding behind a chair in that room alone next to this. >> Is that normal or does that concern you whatsoever? >> Absolutely not. Because I left him in the hands of my teenage girls. >> Okay. >> Which I thought was legal. I thought I was able to do >> Listen, if if your girls are capable of looking after him, that's fine. But you were >> unconscious with vomit all over you in the driver seat of a car. So I'm just trying to figure out how long has it been since you checked on your kids? >> How um an hour or so? >> What happened between when you checked on them and you ended up in the car passed out like that? >> An hour. >> But what happened? What took place between you checking on them and you ending up in the car in that condition? >> What were you doing? What what happened? >> Okay, so I had left And what was doing >> something? I'm still trying to gather my thoughts because I don't want DCF. I don't want anybody else. I don't want >> Okay. Well, do your best to gather your thoughts. Just to be clear, these thoughts are in the last two hours, so it shouldn't be too hard to gather them. >> No. No, sir. I have been Okay. Let me explain something, please. When confronted, her account began to unravel. She pointed to stress and lack of sleep, offering explanations for her condition, but none of it accounted for what deputies had already observed. >> You know what happened across the street? >> I don't know. >> My son right across the street. >> Your what? >> My son. >> Okay. He he what? >> Logan Goodman died. >> Okay. >> Right across the street. >> I'm sorry to hear that. >> A year ago. >> Okay. I'm sorry to hear that. It's been very hard coping with that. >> Do you recall what happened between you checking on your kids and how you ended up in the wheel behind behind the wheel in the condition? >> I am getting there sir. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, the last year has been hard. Okay. >> So, I have been able to actually get up and start working. Okay. because I wanted to keep my kid as close as I could. Okay, I can understand how it looks. I've been starting to come to a, you know, a breakdown, not like a suicidal or anything like that, >> but it's been emotional. Listen, I'm I'm sorry that you had to go through the things you had to go through in the past year or so, and I'm sorry for the loss of your son. Right now, my main concern, my priority is that while you were passed out in your vehicle with vomit on you in the driver's seat, your infant child was in the back bedroom alone next to this hiding behind a chair. >> Where's the vomit? >> It's It's >> in the car. There's a little bit on your shirt. There's some on your mouth, your nose. >> But regardless of the vomit, the kid with the hiding behind the chair in the back room alone, that that's more the priority here as far as the vomit goes. >> Okay. If you saw pizza showed you, >> your girls are with him now. They just got a diaper on them. >> Okay. >> But you can't recall what happened the last two hours of how you went from checking on your kids to being over there in the car the way you were. >> You have no recollection. >> Yes. Just just give me a second, please. >> So I could >> if you want. Uh >> I am not under the influence. >> Well, where? Yeah, we definitely are. I mean before it was obviously but as far as contacting >> I'm not under the influence like I have been in recovery I have been clean >> yeah I would probably >> ever since >> if he's available >> ever since >> what are you in recovery from >> January 20th okay I have been >> what are you recovering from >> please don't take my kid >> what are you recovering what's your first name >> Chelsea >> Chelsea Chelsea what are you recovering from >> I just recovering from a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Nothing hardcore, but I felt like it was that it was an issue. It was starting to to be an issue. And I tried to get recovery. >> Is it just alcohol? >> Yeah, alcohol. And every now and then I'll be with my friends and like whatever here or there, you know, but >> what like or >> stuff here or there? >> All right. Does that have anything to do with how you ended up here this morning like that? >> No. >> So again, again, I'm just trying to piece together how we all ended up here in this moment right now. And you're having trouble remembering the last 2 hours, but you're the only person that could >> because I've had brain surgery, too. >> Okay. >> Okay. And I'm going on very little sleep. My son has been teasing. >> Okay. >> Okay. And every time that the police come around, okay, something happens to one of my children. >> What's up? >> Why were you asleep on the bathroom for when there's a bed right there? >> I don't know. There's no reason. What's going on? >> He's working off. That's why. >> What is going on? Here, I'll come over here. Come over here. I'll explain all of it to you. >> Please. Please. Hang on. >> Do you see any the problem with any of this? >> Of course I do. >> Okay. What do you think is a big problem here? Just walk me through it just so we're on the same page. >> Yes. >> What's wrong with what what's happening here? >> The problem is um me over on that side of town and the way I >> fell asleep and >> on that side of town. Well, when we were >> in that part of town, >> what part is that? >> Deputies then found the father, Robert Goodman, also inside the home, passed out on the bathroom floor. Meanwhile, the children were left wandering in unsafe conditions. >> Your pass on the bathroom. >> Is this what you're going to do to me, officer, or can I tell you what's okay? >> You lost me quickly. So, you were over on whatever side of town >> you fell asleep. >> It was dark. >> Okay. >> Our children can watch our kids just fine. >> Um, >> what's the real question here? Officer, >> if you could describe what the issue is today, what's wrong with everything that we've discussed so far? Where is the problem? where >> for instance, we didn't just mosey on in the street and mosey on into your house and just kind of start walking around there. There are things that led to this. >> Can you describe what some of those problems were? >> Yeah, a caring called because I fell asleep. >> I I I don't know because if I say anything then I'm going to be in the wrong >> cuz I've tried to talk to you guys and it didn't come out right. Did you already reach out to 210? >> You want to go to jail? >> I don't think I did anything to go to jail. >> Uh, well, I didn't throw you in handcuffs and you're not on your way to jail right now. So, as far as that goes, I'm just trying to take this one thing at a time. >> So, you want to take one more walking through what happened this morning and maybe describe the last couple hours for me? >> Not yet. Okay. Yeah, >> we just got here. We're still figuring things out. >> There's nothing in my urine if that's what >> I'm not I'm not interested in your urine. >> But if you go to the bathroom, you're going to want to go in there alone by yourself. And at this point, you're detained. I'm not going to separate from you and give you a room to yourself. I'm also not going to stand in there with you while you do it. I'm not comfortable with either of those options. >> Well, sorry, but I got to go. >> Listen, I can't stop you. You're not going in the bathroom. >> I know. I'm going right here, sir. >> Okay. If that's what you want to do. I'm not gonna >> I have to. So, >> okay. >> I have to. Is this gonna Is this gonna give me a charge? >> It's your home. Um, if you cover yourself with that towel and whatever you're doing, >> I own this home. >> I can't stop you from doing that. At least I'm not going to. Um, as long as you're not displaying it to the public. >> Girls, girls, come here, please. These officers are having a hard time letting me go to the bathroom. So, I have to pee right here. >> Hold this so I can go. >> If you'd help her cover herself. I can't let her go in the bathroom by herself. And she's saying that she has to do that right now. So, >> I do. This is how, baby. This is how I have to potty. >> I'm telling her to hold it, but she >> This is how I have to pee. >> Why? What is the problem? >> I I can't let her go into the bathroom by herself right now. She's detained. I'm not going to let her go into a room separate by herself. >> Why is she detained? I'm not telling her she has to do that, but she's saying that she has to go to the bathroom. So, I'm not going to stop her. >> He's telling me I can't go inside to use the bathroom. >> Can we get this over with? If that's what you're going to do right now, you're covered. Do whatever you have to do. >> Can we please get this over with? >> He doesn't know why he was sitting on the bathroom floor. >> Cuz he's been working a lot. That's why. >> There's a bed right there, too. But that doesn't matter. It's You can sleep wherever you want in your house. It's just odd. Well, when you're a supervisor of an asphalt plant working 60 70 hours a week, sir, >> his work came by a little bit ago wondering where he was. Actually, >> neighbors said this wasn't the first time. And for deputies, that raised a serious question of ongoing neglect. >> I understand if listen, if you went out to dinner to get a bite to eat, sometimes have people have their teenagers watch their kids. That's one thing. But when you're both at home unconscious in the way that you guys were and the babies run around hiding behind a chair with next to them, we're past we're past having our teenagers check, you know, look after our kids cuz that's we're talking about hours. She can't tell me what happened the last couple hours. You tell me we've been asleep since 1. So I don't know who's been watching these kids. >> We lost our son right there. >> I understand that. >> Okay. >> I understand that. >> Do you understand that? >> Yes, you you've explained it to me, so yes, I do understand. >> But h but have you been in that position? No, I haven't. But regardless of the situation, >> you still need to care for your children. I I mean, I can't >> You care for my children. >> Can't explain that enough. >> So, >> can't explain that enough. >> I care very much so. >> I'm sure you do. I I'm sure you guys are great parents. I I I don't doubt that. But this situation right here, you know, we we got to do what we got to do. It's our responsibility at this point to make sure for one that the children are okay and two that you guys are fit enough at the moment to care for them. >> Of course we are. >> Well, right now you don't you don't appear to be at all. >> I don't appear to be. >> I'm tired. >> Okay. Well, whether it's whether it's that you're tired or you're under the influence of something, regardless of the situation, you don't appear to me to be >> capable of caring for anybody at this point. All right. >> I am completely fine. I am tired. I am under a boatload of stress. >> Let me see something real quick. Do you mind if I shine this light here? >> No, go ahead. You got to do >> so. You can see this as well. Correct. >> What? >> Her pupils don't react to light. >> No, I don't know what you want me to do. >> Typically, I mean, if somebody somebody's under the influence of >> I can tell you one thing that we take care of our children the best that we possibly could. >> I'm sure you do. >> Again, I'm not doubting that, but obviously we're in a situation right now where You fell asleep in the trunk and I fell asleep in the on the toilet. >> Cuz we've been pushing ourselves, baby. >> Deputies gave her multiple chances to explain, but she refused to acknowledge the situation. And at that point, the focus shifted back to the children's safety. That's when both parents were placed under arrest. >> You are arresting me. >> Put your hand back. >> Why are you arresting me, sir? for everything that we discussed. Okay, >> we covered everything several times and if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them, but I don't know what questions you would have. >> Yeah. Why am I being arrested? >> Well, that's definitely something we already answered. >> Okay. >> It's going to be You want me to be specific? It's going to be for neglect. >> Neglect? >> Yes. And if you talk to them, >> my kids, I can't help. as far as add down goes. >> Back hand. Um, she emptied everything out of this pocket earlier. So, I'm not worried about that. >> Go up against the car here cuz I got to make sure I don't have any on you again. >> You're on, right? Yeah. >> You were at this point. You want me to sum it up for? Yeah, I think we covered everything as to why and how we ended up here, but if you want me to sum it up to a single word. >> In the end, both parents were arrested and charged with felony child neglect. Robert Goodman bonded out while Chelsea Wright remained in jail on a $2,500 bond. The children were removed by DCF and placed in safe care. Children don't get to choose their environment. They rely entirely on the decisions of the adults around them. And when those decisions fail, whether through neglect, distraction, or poor judgment, the consequences aren't theoretical, they're real. So the question becomes, at what point does a mistake stop being a mistake and become a risk no child should ever have to face alone? >> Okay. Where's your other son? >> He left. His parent is for >> We don't have a marital agreement yet. We're still in court. >> No child should have to run from their own home to feel safe. But that's exactly what happened here. On December 26th, 2022, officers in Florida were dispatched after a teenage boy called for help, reporting that his father had physic 10-year-old brother during what started as a simple argument over a video game. >> How you doing, ma'am? Martine police department yesterday. So, um he was just we were just playing um a video game and beat him and then so he started playing again against some a CPU and then he lost and he got mad cuz I I don't remember what it was. My brother had said something and then he started him and stuff him >> brother. >> Yeah. And like tackling him and then um >> How old is your brother? >> Nine. 10. >> 10. >> Yeah. And then um >> who's your brother now? He's in the house still. >> Okay. >> And then he then he said, "You're next." And then I I put him away and I got to the um door and I ran. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There's a video of what him your brother. ing. So, I tried to get some there's music from the game. 1020 a few hours every night and people doing this take a 10 special opportunity. So you're not. >> Yeah. >> Are you not? >> All right. Is your brother at the house now? >> Yeah. >> Where's where's this address at? >> Police. >> Hey. Hey. So, this is what I want you to do. Uh go follow me to the address, but stay a couple houses down. Okay. When officers reviewed the video, it immediately raised serious concerns about the children's welfare. Following directions from the 14-year-old boy, they made their way to the home to confront the father. >> Hey, how you doing? Give me your favorite step by the house. >> Yeah. >> All right. What's going on today? What's your son? Your son is with mom right now. Show us a video. a video. Yeah. You get him? >> I doubt that. >> It's on video. >> Okay. >> Yeah, he's fine. I saw the whole thing. He's fine. >> The bars. Okay. >> Hey, buddy. >> What's your name? >> Yes. >> All right. You all right, buddy? >> Yeah. >> You sure? >> Yeah. >> Good. Just look up for me, buddy. Okay. What were your dad doing? You and dad doing >> um he was trying to do something >> because he isn't even >> No. So you in the face because you lost the video game. >> That has nothing to do with what happened. That is his mom manipulating the situation. >> No, I saw the video. >> You saw the video. It's because he lost the video game. He wasn't even playing a video game. I was calling in the face for not being asked. Okay. Uh if I want to raise my kids, I want to raise them. If I don't, what does the Florida law say? Well, it's capital P. It's not >> No, that is not true. >> Franklin, are you read your laws? >> Despite the video evidence, the father continues to deny any wrongdoing, insisting he has the right to discipline his children. He also points to an ongoing custody dispute. Okay. >> Court punishment has an extent. >> Yeah. >> And based on the video, based on the video that we saw, >> my son. >> Okay. Who else is here? >> Who else is here? >> Yes, sir. >> Well, clearly me, my daughter. >> Okay. >> And my son. >> It's somebody else. >> There's nobody else here? >> No. >> Okay. Where's your other son? >> Uh, he left. >> Okay. Is there a reason why you haven't called us to report him missing? >> Because he told me he was going to his mom's. >> Okay. Where his mom? >> And he's a teenager. If he wants to leave and go to his mom during a marital dispute, what do you want me to do about that? I can't do anything about that. >> I'm aware of that. My lawyer, I've contacted my lawyer since he left. >> Okay. >> He said you have to let him go. >> So, you have no parental rights in controlling your son. You have to let him walk out the door. >> I have to. Yes. Correct. According to family court law, >> I don't know what >> you guys aren't involved in that. I know that. >> Okay. I don't know what lawyer you have. But you guys aren't in law to step into custodial issues. >> If your child leaves in the middle of the night and it's 45° out and you don't know how long he's been gone for, >> he's 14 years old. >> Okay. What legally makes him an adult, sir? >> Oh, really? >> Yes. >> Because if any of my children decide they want to go to their mother >> Mhm. >> I've already been through this three times already. You're saying police department. >> Did you call your wife and make arrangements for her to come? >> Do I need to? Do you need to? >> Yes. >> Where does your wife live? >> What is your right in family court? >> Yeah. Barefoot right now, right? >> What do you want me? I cannot physically. If I would have physically controlled him, do you stay here? You guys would be arrested. >> No, because you No, you would have. That's illegal restraint of a minor. >> You're his parent. That is for >> We don't have a marital agreement yet. We're still in court. I called my lawyer. He said, "You cannot physically." When officers pointed out the visible red marks and possibleies on the younger child, everything changed. The father didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he grew increasingly aggressive. That's when officers knew they had to act. >> So, what happened between you and your younger son? >> He leaves all the time. >> Your younger son? >> What's What's up? >> You just disreg? >> Yeah. >> Dad always like that. >> Does he have bruises? No, his ear is pretty red from when the side of the head. >> His ear is red cuz it's cold. >> Yeah, it wasn't red. >> Are you guys serious right now? Does it look like we're playing? >> I did not intend to any child that I've ever had. Video on the kid. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> The the video indicated what? >> I have kids and I will you discipline them like like you said, there's a certain extent when it comes to corporal punishment. Okay. >> No, no, there's no such thing in Florida. >> Okay. Well, you know what? Give me a fair. >> No, no, no. For what? >> For what? >> For what? For what? >> What's your reasonable suspicion? What's your reasonable suspicion? You guys have to answer me that question. >> Are you guys What's your reasonable suspicion to be? >> Stop resisting. This is really what I'm doing. What are you doing to be paying me right now? Because what? I punish my kids under the law. Are you kidding me? As long as I don't injure my children in my punishment. That is my right. >> Well, also does the fact that you're intoxicated and you're dealing >> I'm intoxicated? >> Yeah, I can smell the alcohol coming from. >> Yeah, I have. >> You can laugh all you want, sir. >> Oh my god. Okay. Yeah, my mom. >> Go get your truck and pull it up. I did nothing wrong under Florida law. >> Okay. Well, you and I obviously have a different interpretation of how you deal with your kids. Okay. And you >> Yeah. Well, that's Florida law allow you guys. >> Absolutely not. Sir, >> you guys don't get if you don't intend to children, you can physically punish them. >> You intended to strike them though, didn't you? >> That doesn't mean I intended them, does it? >> Yeah, that's still without understanding. >> No, >> you're not understanding. You don't understand Florida law. I've known me for two years under my lawyer's advisement. >> Okay. >> But you guys know better than my lawyer, right? >> Well, here's you guys know the law better, >> correct? >> You talk to your lawyer. Okay. >> Okay. Yep. >> You guys are perfectly perfect always. Please. >> Mesing up your kids Christmas. >> Yeah. Oh, you because you don't because you disagree with how I punish my children. That's what you guys both have told me. You disagree. Not that the state of Florida does. No, >> that's fine. Right. Am I Am I incorrect? You can disagree with the state of Florida all you want, but you arresting me is completely unlawful. >> I just need him to stop drinking. >> No, I understand >> cuz he's a good I just need him to stop drinking. >> Of course. >> No, I I understand. And like I said, I have a son myself and that's that's hard to watch that video as well. You know, there's a difference between >> you know, there's a there's a line that, you know, you can cross and it was, you know, definitely crossed. three two and a half years ago, we got into a fight and um they arrested me because um he said that I hit no charges were filed, but I was the one that was taken in custody and then I never came back to the house and um it's been this is what he does when he drinks. Officers note signs of emotional distress in the children as well as minor physical child protective services is then contacted and the case is handed over for further protective intervention. >> Where'd you hit your buddy? >> It's a little mark. >> Okay. How did that happen? >> Uh when he me and I had to >> That's when you were leaving. >> Uh that's when I I got him off and Okay. >> Uh he landed on top of my head. >> So what was the point of him tackling you? just because he was mad and then that's when you tried to leave or was he trying to prevent you from leaving? >> No. Um I wasn't going to leave until he started to cuz he was going to punish me. Knocks on you. Are you sore? Can you look real quick? Does anything your head, your body, your neck, anything? Can I come on you look? When daddy was tackling the other little red mark there. >> Yeah, I know. >> All right, buddy. >> Let me see the other side of your head again cuz my ear was really red right there and like purple. >> Okay. All right, buddy. You going to sit in the car? Okay. >> So, you have no check? >> No. >> Do you want me to call the AMS to check on you? >> No. >> Okay. >> My son does anything. My wife has called y'all seven times. This is the first time I've been put in cuffs. The father is arrested and charged with battery, firstderee misdemeanor, child abuse, thirdderee felony, child neglect, resisting arrest without violence. Under Florida law, these types of actions can carry penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000 depending on the circumstances and severity of the case. At this point, this is no longer a parenting debate. It's a legal matter with real consequences. In every home there's a line and once it's crossed it becomes impossible to ignore. Sometimes the most dangerous place for a child isn't outside in the world but inside the place meant to protect them. >> Um I can see you drove up here for a year around the house. Okay. >> Hey Ronald, sit down and talk for a few minutes. >> On January 11th, 2024, officers in New Mexico responded to an anonymous call about a child in distress. What they found raised immediate concern. A baby just one day old without medical care inside a home with signs of unsafe conditions. At this point, this is no longer just a welfare check. It becomes a question of immediate risk. >> Huh? >> No, I I get it. I understand. Okay. But just because he wasn't uh born at the hospital, we need to make sure that he's okay. He, you know, he's at the you know, he's got proper weight, all proper nutrition, all that stuff. Okay. Um it's my job. Okay. It's nothing against you. 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. Okay. >> So, can we do that? >> Let me talk to my husband. >> So, there's no if ends or buts. Either we go in or you guys get arrested. Okay. For um interference with the child uh welfare investigation. >> Okay. >> All right. Can you just give me a second? >> So, I can't let you close the door by yourself then, but I can stand by the door. Okay. I won't go in. But either way, we're going to have to Okay. You have to come to the door. You can have them come to the door. >> They want to come inside the house. >> So, have them 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, uh, 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 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 now. Inside, the home was cluttered and disorganized. The baby was sleeping on a couch with questionable items nearby, raising immediate questions about the child's safety. >> Can you guys show me the area where you keep um your baby? >> Huh? >> Does he have a place to where he sleeps? >> On the couch. on the couch right here. >> Right here. Okay. >> And do you guys sleep with him or how do you take care of that? >> I sleep with him. >> Okay. Do you have any water? >> Yeah. >> Pop water. >> I just got to feel real quick. Make sure it's hot water. Okay. >> Yeah, I know. That works for me. Okay. >> You said food. Yes, >> I can see. >> Okay, sounds good. >> 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? >> Yes. >> Okay. How's How long have you guys been working on that? >> Huh? >> How long have you guys been working on >> One day? >> Yeah. >> Huh? >> One day. >> Just one day. >> Yeah. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Can I have you guys walk over here for me? Can >> I have you guys go 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. >> At this point, officers prioritized the baby's safety and overall well-being. The focus shifted toward transporting the infant to the hospital for urgent medical care. 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 you were pregnant. You possibly had your baby here without going to the hospital. Um I don't think I don't think that's a crime. Um I'd have to go to 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 the child's safe, healthy, you got food, running, all that water. Okay. >> Um, I can see house. Okay. >> Um, do you guys need help with that? Do you guys need services? We can guys get you guys clean. Um, were you using while you were pregnant? >> No. >> No. Okay, sounds good. So that that's just what's going on right now. Okay. >> Sound good? Yeah. Espanola. >> Espanola. Okay. When uh how long was she in Espanola? >> She was going to school for an appointment in the morning and she's going to take us afterwards. >> Okay. And then um how long how old is your baby? When did you have him? >> 10. at 7:28 or p.m. 7 a.m. >> Okay. And so you were waiting to go cuz you don't have a car seat or do you don't have a ride yourself? >> I don't have a car seat. I don't have a ride or car. >> You guys don't have a working vehicle right now? Okay. >> So, Darlene, how do you spell your name? >> D A R L E N E. >> And your last name? >> Gonzalez. G O N Z A L S. >> And your birthday? Okay, Ronald, how do you spell your name? R O N A L D. >> R O N A L Dis Martinez. M A R T I N E Z and your birthday. Okay, so here's the deal. Okay, I did see a little container on the couch with fentanyl on it. Whose is it? >> Mine. >> 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, sound good. Mhm. >> So, because we see it, I mean, we can't let you guys stay in here by yourselves, but we're not going to Nobody's under arrest as of this very moment. Okay. So, we're just going to wait here with you guys so Okay. >> So, what's going to happen then? >> Huh? >> What's going to happen? >> Um, we'll probably type up a CCP. You'll go to court for it. Um, I don't exactly know all the details at the time, but something along those lines. Um, 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 I would 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 CD or anything. Okay. >> So, is anybody going to be arrested? >> Huh? >> 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. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Does this go with you, Rama? >> So, here's the thing. We can either wait here with you or we can put you guys in the car with us and we can all go to the hospital together. How does that sound? >> Yeah. >> Well, we're going to all go to the hospital. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Let's do it. >> Do you guys have everything you need? >> You guys have everything you need? >> I'll get my stuff. My diapers. >> Okay. Oh, where your diapers at? >> Right here. You guys see right there too. >> How many animals do you guys have? >> Three cats and a dog. M one dog. >> Is it just the one dog? >> We have to put the dog outside before we go. >> Okay. >> We'll get that figured out here in a sec. Okay. >> While the parents prepared the necessary items for the baby's hospital transfer, officers continued their search of the home. What they discovered painted a very different picture than what had previously been described as simple financial hardship. Is this your license right here, Ronald? >> What? >> Is this your license right here? >> Yeah, my ID. Yes. >> Let me get the Is it in the refrigerator? Can you get away? >> You know where the burn was at? >> It was stuck up right there. >> I moved it to this counter right there. Turning right right there to your Will you be able to come back in? So, walk out from now. >> Uh, yes. In a sec. Okay. >> So, let's all go out. We'll talk about getting your dog out once we get things in the car. Okay. >> Let me go. Let's go make some work for you guys. Can you move all the stuff in the back seat to the trunk? Yes, >> sir. You guys just saw the one. As the situation escalated, the father was taken into custody following the discovery of prohibited substances. An item of concern was also recovered during the search. Here we go. Get back in there. Huh? Oh my god. Hey, Ronald, sit down, talk, man. So, I called my sergeant. Okay. Um, I didn't want to have to put you in handcuffs, but he says I have to. Okay. Go and turn around for me. Face the car. Anything your pockets going to stick one of those pokers want to hurt us in any way? >> Uh, no. Just pliers. >> Just pliers. Which pocket is it in? >> Here. >> Cool. They're going to go to the front of the unit where the camera is to search you. Okay. >> All right. >> Any questions for me? >> No. >> As of right now, it's just for the fentanyl. Okay. All right. Come come front. >> All right. Again, you have anything pockets poke me? >> No. No. >> All right. I'm open on your zipper, right? For jacket. >> Yeah. That's fine. Is your dog okay with your mom? >> No, >> my mom's not okay with the dog. >> Is he okay with only you or just you and Darlene? >> Yeah, pretty much. Well, he's okay with my brother-in-law, but I don't know. >> Does he live here in school? >> Yeah, I know. But um he'll be all right inside for a day or two. >> Okay, sounds good. I just wanted to double check. Okay. So took your back in. Back in only, right? >> Yeah. >> What's that? >> Okay. 92 airport. All right, Ronald. Read it. Nothing. Nothing. All right. All right, Ronald, I'm reading right. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to an attorney and have them present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be one will be provided for you at government expense before any questions if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. If you decide to answer questions, you may stop answering questions at any time to consult with your attorney. >> Do you understand what I've told you? >> Yes. >> All righty. >> The father acknowledged the presence of restricted items in the home, but claimed they were not used near the infant. However, officer's observations suggested otherwise. And then in the back bedroom, uh, past the kitchen, uh, there's like a big old bucket full of, uh, foils and stuff like that. Is that Is that all your guys' or just yours or mine? >> That's all yours? >> Recycle aluminum. >> What was that? >> We recycle aluminum. So we >> So you save them to reuse them? >> No, >> you actually recycle. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. Okay. Um, was there any drug use around the house? >> No. >> No. Because while I was there, man, I saw the area where he was sleeping on the couch and there was a little pacifier right next to a used foil. So, that's why I'm asking. >> Well, the used oil is there, but I don't smoke there. I smoke outside usually in the car. >> You smoke outside? in the truck as well. >> M Did you ask Darlene at any point if she wanted to call an ambulance or anything like that? >> She did in the beginning. >> She did at the beginning. >> And then when I got the stuff, she wanted me to call just gives us a right. We We were going to call evidence. We're going to call and get a right. >> Mhm. and he was supposed to come over and he never came. So then when I was the one calling out, she decided she was feeling okay and everything went all wrong. >> So the guy that you guys called never showed up? >> Yeah. >> Who Who did you guys call? >> Joe Henry. >> He said Joe Henry. Is he a family friend of your guys's? Yeah, he uses right and where does he live? >> Going to jump on my own. Yes. >> They're off of 76. >> Uh 75. Uh yeah, 76 is the one. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So Joe Henry never showed up. How'd you get a hold of him? I went to the doctor about the diaper and stuff. >> So you called from there. >> Okay. >> When officers pressed further, the mother began to justify her actions, framing the situation around the personal difficulties she had been dealing with. >> As far as the warrant goes, um the search warrant on the house. Okay. >> It was a mess. I wanted to clean it up, but you know, like if this happened so soon, the baby and that >> Yeah. So I I found um foils there near near the baby. Were those old or those new? >> Those are old. >> Those were old. >> Yeah. >> Okay. There was uh others right by his pacifier, too. Um were those recent? Were they old? >> They were old. >> They're all old. >> I was trying to pick up today, you know. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> But so much stuff and that >> Well, you had a baby, so that's already a lot to deal with alone. So >> So it was getting it was overwhelming, you know, trying to clean last minute, you know. Mhm. >> And I've had the mess for a little while. >> Yeah. >> And trying to get rid of stuff and just people stealing from us has not made things easier. >> Stealing. Who's stealing from you? >> Well, when my neighbor lived there, John, and that, you know, every time we would come in jail >> Mhm. >> they he would have somebody breaking the house, you know, when we live so close to the highway. >> Yeah. >> So, every everybody sees >> and every time they had to see like this was going on, you know. >> Yeah. So, >> I don't got too much things left. You know what I do have? Mhm. >> And a hard time trying like trying to get rid of stuff. >> What do you mean by that? >> Like clothes and that and just >> figuring out what to do with stuff, you know. >> Yeah. >> And then I was planning on putting stuff in my camper and I had but like my neighbor came and burnt my trailer. So >> who burnt your trailer? >> Did a lot of stuff. >> You got three people worth fighting for. Three kiddos and you have a lot of >> reason why. Yeah. I'm still here. Yeah. kids >> because I can't I can't leave him without a mom or a dad, you know. >> Yeah. >> There's times I think doing like things that will end me in jail, you know, and >> I got to think, you know, they they need their mom and think I'm still here, you know. >> Mhm. Especially the people have done me wrong, you know, like stealing from me and that the car and like trailer being burnt, you know, >> if I only had a, you know, but then yeah, I got to think, you know, I have kids. >> Yeah. >> Are they worth it? No. >> They're not what it messing to for my kids, you know. >> Yeah. That's the I mean they, you know, if if you go down that dark path and you leave, you leave them like to, >> you know, and that couldn't imagine growing up, you know, with that on your mind how that would affect you. And that that's worth fighting for. That's worth getting clean. I mean, granted, we're in the situation we're in right now, but you can always turn a negative into a positive. You can't control what happens most mostly in life, but we can't control. >> Thankful and glad that I don't own it because I just tired of these people running over us and walking all over us, you know, they get away with it. Look, every time something happens, me and Ronald are always arrested, but these other people, they do bad crimes and that they come in jail in and out, you know, and they want to call us rats and >> the mother redirected the conversation toward outside circumstances and questioned how authorities became involved. Still, the central concern remained, the well-being and safety of the children inside the home. I can't believe like my neighbor, he's got away with a lot of things, you know, he shot up at the smoke shop. Him and his wife got caught with blues, you know, a bunch of blues. >> Mhm. >> And he's out. >> Mhm. >> But if that would have been me and Ronald, we'd be still sitting in jail. >> I I understand. Maybe you could, you know, >> maybe you could have Ronald give his mother, his mom a call and say, "Hey, can you >> keep an eye >> keep an eye on the feed talk right now?" Because who did feed your dog? you know, she's the one that called the report, you know, concerned about >> We don't we don't know that, right? And and even if we did, like uh I'm a transparent person, right? I'm not too sure called. >> I knew who called. >> Yeah. You know what I mean? But if they want to remain anonymous, that's their right as well, right? Cuz there >> I don't think she would want to I don't even want to ask her, you know, definitely she don't want to deal with my dog. >> If you know somebody >> cuz my dog can't bite me, you know, me and my brother got in a fight. Mhm. >> Yeah. Well, if you know somebody that will be able to keep an eye on your house, I mean, you could definitely call him from jail and say, "Hey, >> we did feed your dog in a cat before we left the house." >> Yeah. I couldn't find a collar for him. Otherwise, they would have tied him up. >> Yeah. No, we did feed him. We let him out. >> He seems like he's a big mean dog, but >> No, he just warm. He's the big dog. >> He's a big softy. >> Yeah. But, >> you know, he asked me and that, but >> No, he has to. He's a big dog. Um but >> and he's been my other child who knows since my kids have been tooken away. That's my baby. >> But yeah, tied up in that. >> Any other any other questions for us? >> No. >> Nothing that >> I can think of right now. >> Okay. Anything we should know that's important maybe about like the bird and stuff like that or anything like that? Nothing. >> We didn't leave any. >> We asked every question we think we should have. >> And did you guys were you guys able to lock the door cuz I don't have keys right now. We we shut it as best we could. Um I noticed that that little the bottom handle or so. Um the latch is broken so it doesn't really >> The way the front door the way I lock it is I lock the top >> without and then that wire. >> No, I just lock the top and then I go out through the back door. >> Oh, you go out through the back door. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. So, >> and we we tried to close it up as best we could. There was a bunch of snow underneath. So, we were like >> the cats were pushed in or the dog, you know. >> Yeah. No, we we should have >> and I wanted I should have told I put the dog out because he has been we left him in one day and he you know >> so Ronald punished him you know >> I brought him in again didn't know >> so he's been out since >> and he was he's been a good dog >> we don't want to leave something bad happened and then we're lying for it right >> yeah to death it was one degree >> and then my house is already a mess you know I don't need more of a mess >> I know It's one degree out there. >> Cats down my cats, you know, they've poop came in and pooped and that. >> Yeah. >> Um supposed to be cigarettes. >> Okay. >> You just go and leave that there. Um I'll talk to him and see about getting you a chance to uh smoke before you go in. Okay. >> All right. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And then I don't have no idea may may have >> the mother was charged with child abuse resulting in great bodily harm. The father faced charges of possession of fintel and child abuse following their arrest and booking into the ta county detention center. Under New Mexico law, conduct of this nature is classified as a firstderee felony carrying penalties of up to 18 years in prison depending on the circumstances. Cases like this show that child's safety doesn't depend on one moment. It's shaped by a series of choices, environments, and responsibilities. Why is it so hard? >> The test wasn't difficult, but in her state, it became a real challenge. On July 5th, 2024 in St. Petersburg, authorities responded to a traffic accident involving a 26-year-old woman who briefly disoriented of her vehicle and collided with a concrete barrier. Alarmingly, the 2-year-old child in the car was not properly secured and was at risk. Officers quickly arrived and collected statements from witnesses. She was driving down the street. We were heading this and she didn't have any lights on. She tried to put her hazards on. Only one light turn off and then all of a sudden she just lost control and pushed the gas. It was no lights. Remember, >> she was traveling southbound. >> We were both traveling this day >> and she had no lights on. >> No lights on. She had her hazard lights on, but only one hazard light was blinking. She couldn't figure out how to get her lights on and off. So, you can tell you can see her lesson. She was tapping her brakes and that's the only time her brake lights would come on when all of a sudden she just gasped and went straight into those people's yard. We was She passed us flying. So she was in a right that right lane. She going this way. No, she coming from this way. >> Yeah. And I was saying they ain't got no lights. I said so they might I said but she's driving a little too fast without having her come around the curb with no no lights. She had like one hazard light and black lights, no headlights. And I say she must got the hazard cuz it was like flashing and yellow. was on the on the right side of the car. When when she got right here at the curb, a car went by and she came I don't know if she couldn't see the road no more. She came straight this way. >> Oh, she didn't continue with the curve. She just came straight. >> Yes, that's how she came. >> Fortunately, the child sustained only minors, but the woman's condition caused serious concern for authorities. >> Monster Kenny, please. Um, are you the restaurant owner of the car? Yeah. Do you have an ID or anything like that readily available and your purse? Okay. for him to get your first name. Okay. >> Um um am I nervous cigarette? >> I don't know. Nothing from the car or anything like that. If you want just for now, just have a seat on the curve. >> My purse. >> Just leave it there for now and if I'm able to go get it, then I'll come I'll come grab it. Okay. But I want you to just have a seat on this curve for right now. Okay. >> What kind of car? >> Here's where it is. >> Oh, those are good cars. >> And it only had 82,000 miles on it. >> Oh, that's it. >> An07. >> Not bad. You could sell that thing. >> Go. Going north. >> Where were you driving? This way. >> Yeah, I was coming up this way. I took somebody home and I was going to Vanilla to go home. >> You were going that way. You were going that way? >> Coming from that way to Is that south? >> No, that's north. >> Coming from south. Head north. >> Oh, okay. >> Sorry. >> No, you're good. >> I wouldn't try to get up yet. >> No, like >> Oh, you can lift. Yeah, sure. You live in Poss. >> Uhhuh. >> Okay. >> I don't know. >> When did you get that car? >> September last year. >> Oh, September of last year. You sure you don't want to go to the hospital? Hey, sure. You don't want to go to the hospital? Hey, you got to wake up. Hey, sweetheart. Honey, you got to wake up. You want to go to the hospital? >> No. >> Hey, Kristoff. Hey, I'm also kind of we were talking a little bit earlier. Do you mind standing up and coming with me to the front of my cruiser so we can talk a little bit more? All right. And then just come right over here to this SUV that's right in front of us and I just want you to stay in front of that bumper. Turn around and face towards me. Okay. >> Can I? >> Yes, absolutely. Please. I >> promise you I'm just going through a sleep regression and if I could control my car, I would be in a much better situation right now. >> All right. What started as a routine traffic incident quickly escalated into a formal investigation. Police clearly informed her of her rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. All right. Um, just real quick, it's hot. Just be careful. Okay. Um, what we're doing is, and when I talked to you earlier, that's all for your civil crash stuff, okay? The crash itself is just civil. So, what I'm doing right now is I'm changing from a civil crash investigation to a criminal DUI investigation. I'm not saying you're impaired or anything like that, but yeah, not that's what I'm saying. I'm not saying you're impaired. I'm just here just to disprove any alarms that you concerns that I may have had. Okay. So, before we continue, >> so one minute. >> Say that again. I'm sorry. >> Just me, right? >> Yep. Just you. >> How am I getting I'm not intoxicated. >> Okay. So, when you driving your vehicle and stuff like that, right? And then you crash into another person's property. Okay. And cause damage there, too. Plus, your car as well. Okay. Like I said, you you may not be impaired, okay? But all we're doing is changing from the civil crash to the criminal DUI investigation. Okay. So, the changing of that before we continue, um, it read your rights when you go to jail. It's just how we do things. Okay. >> Am I going to jail? >> As of right now, you are not going to jail. Okay. >> Does it have to be DUI? >> It's just an investigation. I haven't even made that determination. You know what I mean? >> It's just an Okay. So, it's not a final. >> No. No. Okay. >> All right. So, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him or her present with you where being questioned. You cannot afford to hire a lawyer want to be appointed to present you. Do you decide any time to exercise these rights and ask any questions or make any statement? You understand each of these rights I've explained to you? Just a verbal response, please? >> Yes. >> Okay. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to continue speaking with me? >> Do you having your rights in mind, do you want to continue speaking with me? >> Uh, I mean, as I'm as far as >> Say it again. I'm sorry. >> As far as I'm comfortable. >> So, you're okay with talking to me? >> Is that a yes? Okay. I don't have any questions for you right now. All right. The only thing I want to do really quick is just look at your eyes. Are you okay with that? All right. Do you wear contacts or glasses? Huh? >> Glasses or do you have any contacts in currently? No. >> No. >> Okay. And then do you have blindness in either eye? >> Blindness? No. I have a screen. >> Okay. So, it's just blurry, but you can see me. Okay. Right now. >> Yeah. >> What I'm going to have you do is I'm just going to have you put your feet together like this. >> Oh, I can't do this. So, >> okay. And then I want you to put your arms down to your side. Okay. And just stay in that position. All right. You see this light right here? Okay. Can you just tell me what color it is? >> Blue. >> Blue. What I'm going to do is I'm going to make several passes in front of your field of view. The only thing I want you to do is follow this blue light right here with your eyes and your eyes only. I do not want you to move your head. Do you want to stand? >> I understand. >> Okay. Right. >> Yeah. Um, what I'm going to do really quick, I'm going to verify the information on your driver's license. Um, I know I have I know your license in there. I'm just going to get your name and stuff like that. Okay. >> Okay. >> Can you spell your first name again for me? >> Yes. >> I can't sure you can spell me anything. I am not supposed I am. I haven't slept in almost. >> You okay? Here. Just lean on the back of the bumper right here. Okay. >> I'm back. >> And what? Just give me one of your phone numbers again really quick. >> Okay. Phone number 395. >> 395. >> And then I have another one. >> Nope. Uh just just the one's okay for now. >> Okay. >> All right. Um and then uh what are you currently doing for work? What kind of trade are you in? >> Clean houses. >> Clean houses. >> Mhm. >> So you're you're on your feet a lot? >> A lot. >> Okay. Is the car registered to you? I can't remember if I asked you this. Do you know the year, make, and model of the vehicle? 2007 KS Sportage. Uh auto first off. >> Um just some generic medical questions. Are you clearly feeling sick or injured at all? >> Just right here. >> Just right there. Yeah. It's just a little lump there. >> Sore. And um yeah, I don't like out of nowhere. Um I feel nauseous a little bit from when um when I first shot here. >> Yeah. >> Feel good. >> Yeah. But I don't know if this or anything else. >> Um, do you have any physical defects at all? Like you're missing any toes, one leg than the other, any broken bones or anything like that? >> Okay. So, is that a no? Okay. Are you diabetic at all? Do you are you epileptic? Do you get seizures? >> Are you currently seeing a doctor or a dentist like outside of routine care? >> Yeah. >> Like >> like not like your yearly checkups or anything like that or No, they do. >> If it's checkup, stuff like that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Are you taking am medications? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um, how would you rate your overall health? You good, fair, or poor? >> Um, between fair and good. >> Between fair and good. >> I'm so tired. There's no bad. >> Officers carefully followed proper procedures, beginning with a standard field assessment. From the start, the woman struggled to maintain her balance despite clear guidance. Is there anything like it affects your ability to go to the gym, go to uh to grocery store or anything like that to prevent you from working? >> Yes, I didn't do that. >> Well, like any physical defects or anything that hinders you like you have constant back pain that or you have like you had surgery that prevents you from walking or something like that? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. So, really quick, what I'm going to ask for you to do is I would like you for you to participate in a couple additional fields of body exercises. Okay. Would you be willing to do that with me? I'm going to have you come to the far end of the line right over here. Okay? Right where my light is. I want you to stand right there at the very end of the line. Okay? And just face down towards me. Good. All right. Just stay right there really quick. All right. What I'm going to do is I'm going to place you what's called a starting position. Okay? Once you're in the starting position, I don't want you to move for me until I tell you to do so. All right. Do you understand what I'm asking you to do? >> All right. We'll wait until I get your hair put up real quick, too. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> All right. All set. All right. So, that starting position. >> Yeah. So that starting position, what I'm going to have you do is put your left foot on the line. >> Yep. And then put your right foot in front of the left touching heel to toe just like mine. And then put your arms right down to your side. >> I can't do this one. >> Okay. >> I just want you to try your best. Okay. >> Okay. >> And then put your arms down to your side. All right. Just remain in that position. Okay. >> Hold on. Let me get it. I can do this. Yep. So, left foot on the line, right foot in front of the left, so they're touching heel to toe. I can't hurt. >> And then just put your arms right down to your side. >> My lord, I swear this is my hand. Can you do right, left, or no? No, it's got to be your left foot first. I'm sorry. And then right foot in front of the left, touching heel to toe. That's all right. Just stand over there. Then I just want you to watch what I'm about to demonstrate to you. Okay. No, just stand right here. I just want you to stand down there. Okay. Right here. Right where the my my my light shining. Just stand at the end of the line. Just stand right at the end of the line. There you go. And just face down this way. And just try to put your feet together. And then just I want you to stay with your arms down to your side. We'll just stay like that. Okay. So, when I tell you to begin, all right, once you're in that starting position, I'm going to help you get back into it. But then I'm going to tell you to begin. I want you to take nine heel to toe steps down this line. It's going to look something like this. Okay. One, two, three, all the way to nine. I did three, but I want you to do nine. All right. Assuming this is your nightst, I want you to keep your front foot on the line, take your back foot off of it, and then make a series of small steps till you're facing back down the line like this. Okay? When you're facing back down the line, I want you to take nine more heel to toe steps. All right? It's going to look like this. One, two, three, all the way to nine. Again, I did three for demonstration, but I want you to do nine. When you reach your ninth step here, you can step off the line. You completed the exercise. Okay? Couple things I want you to keep in mind. Just make sure you're looking down at your feet. Make sure you're counting out loud. Keep your arms down to your sides. All right? And don't use it for balance. And once you start the exercise, I don't want you to stop till you completed it. You have any questions about what I just demonstrated. >> Once I get balance, when I'm like completely um not tired, >> I'm going to take everything into consideration, too. If your balance is terrible before, I'll keep everything in consideration. Okay. Any other questions for me or anything like that? I so far >> any tips or tricks that >> I have no no tips or tricks. All right. >> A lot of practice. >> Um any other questions? >> So we're going to get you in that starting position really quick. So you're ready. Your left foot's already on the line. Yep. Just put your right foot in front of the left touching heel to toe and then put your arms down to your side. >> So sadly I'm not even >> All right. And then put your arms down to your side. >> Why can't I do it? Why is it so hard, sir? >> I have no idea. Go >> and then arm to your side. And then whenever you get your arm down to your side, you can begin. Okay. So, put a heel to toe. All right. >> Okay. Because you can't do that. Why? Hold on. >> All right. So, right foot in front of left touching heel to toe and then arms down to your side. and then you may begin whenever you're ready. Okay. >> Why is it so hard? >> After the initial test showed difficulty, she was asked to perform a follow-up balance assessment, but the results remain concerning. >> You want to take a break from this one? >> Take a break. >> Yeah, let's take a break from that one. I have one more for you really quick. Okay. Do you want to put your shoes on or you want to keep them off? It's completely up to you. You want to take him? Keep them off. Okay. Just face towards me really quick. All right. I'm going to have you put your feet together like this and then arm down to your side. All right. Just remain in that position until I tell you to. Okay. So, when I tell you to begin, you can pick either your left or your right foot up off the ground approximately 6 in. While you're doing that, I want you to keep your foot parallel to the ground and your legs straight like this. Okay? Down in the following manner. 100 1,002 1,00 3 all the way until I tell you to stop. Okay? I want you to look at your race foot down out loud. Keep your arms down to your side. Don't use them for balance. I don't want you to hop, sway, or anything like that either. Okay? Do you have any questions about that? You said don't hop. >> Yeah, do not. I don't want you to hop or sway. Okay. >> Any other questions? Let me get my timer out really quick. >> Get together with this. >> All right. Whenever you're ready, you can begin. Okay. >> So, right leg first. >> Whichever foot you want. All right. You can put your foot down. I have a couple more for you really quick, too. Okay. You don't have to walk or anything like that. I'm going to have you do stand there. >> That's okay. I'm not having you standing on one leg or anything like that, either. Okay. >> I'm so embarrassed. So, I'm just have you put your feet together like this again and just put your arms down to your side. All right? Just remain in that position again until I tell you to. Okay? So, when I say begin, what I want you to do is slightly tilt your head back, close your eyes, and then estimate the passage of 30 seconds. Okay? >> I get it. >> So, when I say begin, >> pass. >> Yep. So, when I say begin, I want you to slightly tilt your head back, close your eyes, and estimate 30 seconds. >> Okay? >> And when you think that you reach 30 seconds, I want you to open your eyes and tell tilt your head forward and then tell me to stop. Okay? Any questions about that? >> So, you're going to be counting, too. I'm gonna use my timer. Yes. And then but I want you to just estimate 30 seconds. Okay. >> Yep. >> Any questions this? >> No. >> All right. Just give me one second. >> Damn, I suck at this thing. I'm I'm in the aot. I swear I'm I'm going to be determined on that. >> All right. Go and put your arms down to your side. >> All right. And begin. Stop. Okay. >> I kind of closed out of it so when I look back at my camera, I can let you know. Okay. All right. So, this next one I'm going to have you do. All right. All right, I'm just going have you point your arms out like this towards me and put your feet together again. All right, point your index fingers out and then rotate up and put your arms right down to your side. All right, just remain in that position until I tell you to begin. Okay, so if I say left, I want you to use your left index finger and touch the very tip of your nose like this and bring it right back down to your side without having me to tell you to do so. Okay, so if I say right, bring your right index finger, touch the tip of your nose, and bring it right back down without having me to tell you to do so. Okay, there's a couple things. This is the pad of your finger. This is the side. That's the top nail. And this is the tip of the finger that I was talking about that I want you to use. Okay, this is your nose. You have the very tip right here. So, if this is your nose, right? This is the top of your nose. That's your bridge. This is the side. That's your nostrils. And this is the tip of your nose right here. Okay. Very tip of your finger and touch the very tip of your nose just like this. Okay. Any questions about that? While you're doing this, your head's going to be slightly tilted back and your eyes closed just like before. Okay. >> Due to the clear indications that she was unable to safely operate the vehicle, legal consequences were necessary. >> You want to use the curb to put your shoes on really quick? If I would win a billion dollars for that, I wouldn't. I don't. >> Hey, Kristen, are you able to put your shoes back on really quick? >> Yeah. Sorry, I'm so tired. >> I feel you. It's It's kind of late. >> It is late. >> I was just up with a friend because I didn't want to drink and drive. >> Yeah. Um, are you going to stand up and come back over here so we can talk again? >> Yeah. >> Do you need help or are you okay? >> Just come back over here where we were standing at the very beginning. All right. I'm going to have a couple questions for you and stuff like that. Okay. >> And just come right to the front bumper again. Okay. All right. So, I know earlier you said you wanted to talk to me. All right. Um, where we you were coming from Friend's house, right? Okay. Uh, what is the general area again where Friends lives? It's off 22nd. >> 1462. >> Okay. There's one more thing I have really quick I forgot to do. There's a camera right here where there's a red blinking light. I just want you to face towards that really quick cuz I'm going to have you count that red blinking light a couple times. Okay? Are you able to turn towards there really quick? >> And then there's the red blinking light right there. Can you right here? Can you just face that camera right there and then just follow uh look at that. Okay. And then um I am going to place you under risk for driving under the influence. Okay. >> No, no, no. Please. Why the camera? It's okay. >> Why? I'm I'm not driving by the >> Okay. Hold on. Wait. No. Excuse me. I'm not driving. I'm in. I'm tired. >> Okay. We'll give you an opportunity to prove that it's safe and off your own. >> So do a virtualizer. I don't drink. I don't do anything. >> Can you just face really quick? you have cross a soldier. >> Yeah. >> Oh my god. >> Yeah. Continue down. >> Are you That was lit. >> Are you serious? >> Yes, ma'am. >> How? I'm tired. >> Okay. Like I said, we'll give you the opportunity to to provide a breath. No, there's going to be nothing, I think, coming back for breath. So, we're going to ask for your table, too. Okay. Do >> you have anything on you that's going to sick or focus? Nothing like that. Okay. >> Is that front right pants pocket? >> Okay. Was that in the the change pocket or is that just the normal one? >> No. >> Okay. >> That not your pants? >> No. >> Okay. >> Do you not see a booty go? >> Yeah. >> Is there anything else on you? Okay. All right. So, if you do go to jail tonight and you bring it into the jail, you're going to get an extra charge. You understand that? To yes or no? >> It's a yes or no. >> It's mine. >> Yes or no? >> I don't have anything. That is not mine. >> I don't chance. >> I don't do that. >> I don't do that. >> What's that do? >> Ken, do you want her in yours? >> Put your seat belt down. The mother was charged with driving under the influence with a minor child and driving with a suspended license. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years and 9 months in prison and a $7,000 fine with a court set bail of $6,250. Following traffic rules, never driving while impaired or distracted, and always securing young passengers. These simple precautions can mean the difference between safety and critical situation. Behind every report, every charge, and every case file, there's a child who had no control over the situation they were placed in. These aren't just legal outcomes. They are moments where protection came too late or just in time. Because for a child, safety isn't something they can create for themselves. It's something they're supposed to be given. And when that breaks down, the impact can last far beyond the moment. If you believe every child deserves better, let me know your thoughts in the comments. and follow for more cases that matter. Because understanding these situations is how we begin to prevent them.