Okay. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. >> I You want to take me TO JAIL? GO AHEAD, >> GUYS. LET ME GO. >> Let me go. >> Adults may argue, deny, and find ways to justify their actions. >> How long has your mom been gone for, bud? >> Uh, 3 hours, I think. >> 3 hours. Okay. >> There's no there's nothing. >> Did I pull my daughter out of school? Yes. Did I speak to the principal today? Yes. But for children, what happens in those moments doesn't simply pass. It can stay with them for a long time in ways that aren't always visible. A late night situation involving young children prompted police to take a closer look at what was really happening inside the residence. >> A 10-month-old and a 6-year-old were left alone in an apartment at 1:00 a.m. at night, and that's just not acceptable. >> I mean, look at the state of the house. On August 1st, 2024, police responded to an apartment complex after a very young child was found wandering alone in the early morning hours. Upon checking the unit, officers discovered two small children inside without adult supervision for several hours, and initial statements suggested this may not have been an isolated incident. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Where's your mom at? She went out. >> She went out. Do you know where she went to? >> No. >> No. Do you know mom's phone number by chance? >> No. >> No. I didn't think so. Where's uh your brother at? >> Is he doing okay? Okay. How long's your mom been gone for, bud? >> Uh 3 hours, I think. >> 3 hours. Okay. Do you know where they went to? >> No. >> What's your name? >> Is your mom's name Taylor? >> Yeah. >> I mean, this is definitely going to have to be a China case. Uh, it's child injurement for sure. I mean, she they're way too young to just be >> I mean, look at the state of the house. Is it just mom here with you or you have dad >> with the baby? >> Yeah, I see that. The baby. How's the baby? >> Good. >> What's his name? >> The mom. >> So, mom's been gone for 3 hours, correct? Do you ever stay with your father? >> No. >> No. Do you have any family in the area? Where's grandma live at? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? No problem. What's grandma's name? >> Do you know how to spell that? >> No. Okay, no problem. I don't know how to spell that either. That's a long name, isn't it? Is it just Davon? Is that the only other brother or sister that you have? Yeah. Do you need anything to drink? Are you hungry at all? Okay. Did you just wake up to mom being gone? Yeah. Okay. How long you been up for, do you think? >> 11 hours, I think. >> 11 hours. Wow. So, it sounded like you maybe have went outside into the hallways trying to find mom and you found a neighbor. Correct. Okay. Did neighbor just bring you back here? Okay. Was he nice man? >> Yeah. >> Do you know where mom usually goes off to? Does she work anywhere? >> Yeah. >> Where she work at? >> At Mercy. >> At Mercy. The one downtown? >> Yeah. >> Cool. Do you think mom went to work tonight and just left you? Does she work the overnight hours when you usually sleep or does she work during the daytime, during the evening hours? >> She works during the daytime. >> What does she do for work there? >> She helps people. >> Yeah. Is she a nurse? >> Yeah. >> Okay, cool. How often does your mom leave you guys alone? >> Like three times, I think. >> Three times total. How long is she usually gone for? >> Like 6 hours. >> 6 hours at a time. Okay. >> As questioning continued, officers realized the children had virtually no way to contact an adult. While everything appeared relatively normal on the surface, it became clear the situation was more concerning than it first seemed. If >> you just want to hang out real quick, I'm just going to jot down some notes. How long have you guys been living at this apartment for? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? For quite a while, you think? >> Yeah. >> You enjoy living here? Cool. Mom pretty nice to you. You get along well with mom. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. She ever hit you or anything? >> No. >> Do you think mom maybe went to work tonight or to somewhere else? stay somewhere else. >> Somewhere else. Okay. How long do you think she's been gone for? A few hours. >> Yeah. >> All right. I might have found a number. Okay. Uh she is a nurse at Mercy downtown. Works daytime hours is what I've gathered. Either grandparents info. So, okay. So, I got her info from a year ago. Donald Steel might be a father of one of the children. And then there's a Robert McGregor. I'm going to call Taylor first. Do you know what your dad's name is? >> Donald. >> So, that's Yeah, Donald Steel. There's histories and domestics with him though. So, >> were you asleep when your mother left or were you awake when she left? >> I was sleeping. >> You were sleeping? Oh, okay. I can try the hospital and see if she's there. House could have picked up overtime. >> I will get dispatch on three and see if they Yeah, I'll get dispatch 3 and see if they can get a hold of the hospital and see figure out if she's working tonight or not. She doesn't know what mom does there, but >> Hey, Kennedy, does Robert live here? >> No. >> No. Is it just your mom? Do you know a Robert? Who is that? >> Grandpa. >> That's grandpa. You like your grandpa? >> Nice. Do you know where grandpa lives? Does he live nearby? >> He lives kind of close by here. >> He lives kind of close by here. That's just what I want to hear. >> After reaching the mother and waiting for her return, officers also attempted to locate nearby relatives, but no one was available to assist. It gradually became evident that the children were without supervision, highlighting a lack of reliable planning. >> Hello. Is this Taylor? >> Yes. >> Hey, this is Officer Mortz with the De Mo Police Department. Hey, so we're at your apartment. Somebody called cuz Kennedy was out walking around the apartment and they came home and there was no one here. So, we were just trying to see where you're at and if you could head home so we can have someone look after your kids. Could you give your family member a call and have them come up here? >> Yeah. >> All righty. We'll hang out here until we get someone here who can look after them. All right. Okay. >> All righty. Thank you. >> Hey, Kennedy, which family member lives here? >> Aunt Chasey. >> Aunt Chasey? >> Yeah. >> You like Aunt Chasey? >> Yeah. >> Nice. >> This is September of 2023, so he's not even a year old. >> No, he is like 10 months. >> Yeah. >> Hey, Kennedy, are you able to go show my partner what >> you want to take me to your aunt's apartment so we can knock on her door and see if she's awake? >> I'll let you lead the way. Yeah. >> Does she live inside here? Over here. >> Right here? >> Yeah. >> Is this where you usually go through? >> Yeah. >> Are you sure this is her apartment? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Police department. Well, I don't know if Aunt Tracy's home or not. Have you seen Aunt Tracy tonight? >> No. >> Has she come upstairs at all? >> No. >> Okay. >> I just knocked on the door. >> You knocked on her door? Did she answer? >> No. >> No. Okay. All right. We'll head back upstairs for now. Hey, Taylor. It's Officer Mortz again. Are you on the way back here? >> Yeah, I am. >> Okay. How far from home are you? >> All right, we'll just hang out here. Like I said, we just need somebody. We just can't leave until we know that there's an adult here to look after them. So, >> when she returned, the mother explained that she had stepped out to help a friend and believed a nearby relative was keeping an eye on the children. While the explanation offered some context, the arrangement was still not considered safe. >> Hello. >> Have you been able to get a hold of Tracy at all? >> No. You guys went downstairs. She's right down there. >> I tried knocking for 5 minutes. >> I literally asked her to keep an eye on them. We talked all day. I told her she told I told her to keep an eye on them and she would I'm there to see my kids. >> Okay. Where did you go tonight? >> Always go help my friend. >> Okay. >> Her boyfriend was messing with her and that's where I went. She said I went to go help her really quick. Leave my kid. >> What time did you leave to go help your friend? >> Like 1:00. >> 1:00. Okay. Did you text Tracy or anything asking her to look after them? No, but I literally I went out. She was down here. I promise you she was down there. She always looks out for my kids. She always looks out for them. >> Okay. >> Like always. I would never leave my kids here. I'm the only person they have. >> Is there any reason Tracy wouldn't answer the door for her or me when we were knocking? >> She never knocked really hard. >> She's kind of like I don't know. But she literally keeps whenever you want me to babysit them, I will. >> Did you have any contact with her before you left? Like, hey, I'm leaving in the middle of the night. I need you to come up here and watch them. Yeah, she I promise she's always down there. I don't know why her car is black hair. She's always down there. >> So, she's probably her son has her car or I don't know. But she's always down there. Like I would never leave my kids here by herself. >> Okay, >> that's the thing. I would never do that. I've never done that. I would never do that. She always watches them for me. She always can live here and check them. If I'm going to be gone a super long time, I take it to my sister's house. Based on the full interaction, officers summarized the situation and made it clear that this could not continue and would be formally documented for further action. >> You're here tonight. Watch after them. Basically, it's going to happen from here. We're going to do a case because we have to follow up talking with them. It sounds like this isn't the first time this has happened where they've been home alone for long periods of time. >> They're home. >> Okay. And we can't get a hold of Tracy and then they're left home alone. Obviously, the condition of the apartment in their rooms is not great right now. Okay. So, there are concerns on our end. We're going to document those concerns. They're going to follow up with you. Okay. I don't know what happened with Tracy, but the end of the day, a 10-month-old and a six-year-old were left alone in an apartment at 1:00 a.m. at night, and that's just not acceptable. Regardless of who's at fault, right? That's not acceptable. If there was any sort of issue, she cannot take care of him. He can't get out and help himself. The only thing she can do is run and hope somebody what happened tonight is that somebody's awake and sees her and calls us. But if something happens, which 10-year-old young kids can have all sorts of medical emergencies, she can't help him. She doesn't know what's going on. He can't help himself. >> We don't even have a phone. >> We don't. And it took us a while to get a hold of you, right? Who whether Tracy didn't hold up whatever she said she was going to do, the point is it's unacceptable having food on the floor and all that with kids around. Okay. Tonight, don't go anywhere. Make sure that you're here with the kids. Our detectives will follow up and make sure that everything's good going forward. Okay. >> Um, >> their only parent, their deaths are not violent. >> As officers spoke among themselves, they outlined the potential risks such situations pose to young children. At the same time, certain details in the explanation raised additional concerns. >> Where did you go for to help your friend? >> She was at a little bar, so I went to go help her. Her boyfriend was like messing with her, so I went to go grab her. She didn't want to come with me. So I end the phone back here. >> Did she call you or text you? >> She called me. >> Can I see when she called you? >> She called me at 11:00 and she called me 12:18. >> So she called you at 12:18 >> and it would be 48 seconds away. >> Okay. And where did this incident take place that you had to go pick her up at? >> It was by the south. I don't know where. Like it was like in front of like a laundry. >> Okay. Well, like I said, we just have to document it on our end tonight. Just stay with your kids. Obviously, they appear to be in good health, so we're not concerned about that. But regardless, you know, with their age, somebody has to be here. They can't be left unsupervised. It's just unacceptable at their age. So, do you have any questions for us before we take off? >> Okay. All righty. Well, and that's the other thing. Hey, my friend's going to have an emergency tonight. Can you watch the kids? >> Like, no, you don't. From the sounds of it, what happened was she had no idea her friend was going to text her. >> Police department. >> She said her car's gone. So, I'm almost positive she's not here. Like I said, I knocked probably four or five times and gave it plenty of times. >> I think most reasonable people would wake up from that. >> Yeah. No, 100%. I mean, and that goes back to my point of if she's sleeping and she's that hard of a sleeper, she's not watching the kids. >> She's not been made aware. >> No, there's no way she's been made aware. I'll just give her another 10, 15 seconds and then, but like I said, even her like the I asked, she's like, "Oh, she said anytime I can watch my kids." And then she's like, "Oh, yeah, my friend texted me." And it's like, you can't foresee that that's going to happen. So, even if you asked earlier today, the agreement wasn't you were going to watch him tonight. >> Like, you had no idea. >> No, because you had no idea you were going to believe if your friend texted you out of the blue and was like, "Hey, >> you just don't really want to. Hey, can you watch my kids tonight?" >> Yeah. At 12:18 at night. No. Yeah. I don't really believe her. No, that's where like you were just honest. Be like, "Hey, my friend texted me and watched the kids. I didn't want to take him to a bar with me. I was trying to go help her and give her a ride real quick." I'd have been like, "Okay." I mean, there's still the issue of, you know, Kennedy saying this has happened before. But it's like, okay, that's fine. But then you just didn't lie about it. It's like, okay, so you do this consistently and you don't care. >> During a separate discussion, the mother was informed that the case would move forward. Arrangements for family members to care for the children were considered, though several uncertainties remained. >> Hi, Taylor. How are you? >> How are you? >> Good. I'm Detective Asper. We spoke over the phone yesterday. Can I step away from everybody, talk in private, is that okay? >> Yeah. >> This is Detective Gimpolo, just so you know who we are. So, I spoke with county attorney about the case and the circumstances involved and everything else. So, there has a couple charges that have been approved for your arrest. All right. We're going to work with you and be totally discreet and professional about this. Okay. So, our big question is the children. You've got Devon and Kennedy. Is that right? >> Okay. So, like are they with somebody right now? Like I said, we're going to work through this. We're not going to just go marching through there and parading through everything, but we are going to take your list. We're going to go outside and do all this, but I want to talk with you now about making arrangements for your child care. God. >> Okay. >> My daughter's at school right now, and >> she's at school. >> My son is at my mom's. >> Okay. I know you said you were working with Cali and you told me I think the other day that the case was closed >> on that end. Okay. You have a letter to say that? >> Yeah. >> So, Kennedy, >> she's at school where she attends school. >> Um, sorry. >> It's okay. >> Uh, Clay, but it's her first it's her first like literally her first day today. >> Okay. >> I just dropped her off this morning. She >> Clay in De Moines. >> Yeah. Well, yeah. Southeast P. But >> Southeast Pulk. Okay. And who was going going to pick her up? I mean, I was >> You were planning on it? >> Yeah, it's your first day. >> Okay. >> My big question is is who's going to be able to watch the kids like going forward from this point? Like you have mom or dad in town? I mean, we're going to have to have to have somebody. >> Yeah. I could ask my dad, but I don't know. He could talk at 4. >> That's why I can We're just talking like right now. We're just going to kind of work through this. So, I'll let you make some phone calls and that to try to make those arrangements and stuff. But, is your mom involved at all with watching the kids or No, >> she has Devon or she has my son, but I don't know if she >> Your mom has Devon. >> Yeah. >> Okay. In the end, a final decision was carried out. The case concluded along that direction with the priority being to ensure the children would be cared for more safely moving forward. >> I mean, someone will have to. It's just a matter of like, yeah, and that's why we want to make that arrangement with you. >> Not rushing yet. Just is your mom equipped to have Devon overnight. >> Yeah. Some of these >> diaper wipes, formula if he needs it, and all that? I mean, yeah, I think she will. I don't know. I texted that. I just text everybody. >> I didn't say them today. I didn't know. I didn't drop off. I dropped the baby off. I didn't know I was going to pick up. >> Okay. So, who's picking up Kennedy from Clay? >> My sister. >> Can I get one of their names and a phone number? What other arrangements need to be made? So, Devon is with your mother. Have you reached your mom? I'm like, "You want to talk to her on the phone?" >> Yeah, I'm about to call her. >> Just let her know what's going on. >> Yeah. Basically, they do charges. So, they came to my job. >> Again, I hope you understand. We're working with you. We're not trying to embarrass you here. I know this probably stinks, but as is, we're going to just walk out of here in a minute. Let's grab your belongings. Okay. One of us is going to have to come and stay with you, though, and just keep visual on you. I mean, are they hidden someplace or they just counter? >> They're in the bag. >> Yeah, we're not going to lose visual with you. I mean, I'm But we're working with you here, obviously. Let make some phone calls and that. So, >> and then we're just going to walk out front. Okay. We're just going to walk with you out front. Any We're not asking you any questions today about anything, you know, related to the case. So, just affecting the charges that were already approved. >> You know how long that like my case or like I don't know. >> I don't know at this point. I mean, you will get booked in now. You will see a judge in the morning. >> Thanks for being cooperative. I know this stinks, but you're dealing with it the right way. Have any questions on my end really quick? Your your charges are not. >> Okay. Two counts, three one for each kid. >> You said you don't have anything else with you, right? Okay. the rest of >> up here. Watch your head. Get up there. We'll help you. >> Okay, >> Taylor, you want me to put a seat belt on you? >> No. >> Let us know if it gets too hot or too cold. We can adjust the temperature for you. >> She was charged with two counts of child endangerment. Under the laws of Iowa, this offense may carry fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand along with the possibility of up to one year of detention. The safety of young children must be ensured at all times. It cannot rely on assumptions or unconfirmed arrangements. Supervision should always be clear with a responsible adult directly present to prevent potentially dangerous situations. Just a few minutes away, but could it lead to greater consequences? >> Like I just >> there's a there's a child in a vehicle that's running and unlocked. So, I'm getting arrested. >> On February 21st, 2025, police were dispatched to a Walmart after receiving a report of a young child sleeping alone in a running vehicle with the doors unlocked. >> I mean, we've been out here what 15 minutes. Okay, >> I was parked here and I was like, "What?" And then I pulled around when I was leaving. I just I thought maybe someone was sitting in the back with her. >> So, did >> probably 15 minutes. >> Did you call us or did you >> Yes, I called. I came I went in. >> Do you work for Walmart? Oh, okay. >> No, I I went and got him to stand with me. Okay. >> And he said, "We need to call." So, >> do you have your ID with you by chance? >> Uh, yes. have the rest. >> I mean, he was nervous someone would come out while we were standing here. >> Been asleep the entire time. >> We don't know yet. >> We don't know. >> Oh, the door's been open like this. >> No, I just don't >> It's been running. I was just an announcement, >> but the car is unlocked. >> Um I don't Nobody actually spoke with the child, right? >> No, she I saw her squirm, you know, rubberized. They didn't want to scare her. So I didn't um the dispatcher said not to try to open the car or anything. >> Um so you were just shopping when you came out. You were going to get your car and you saw >> I put stuff in my car. What? >> And I said, "Well, let me There was a space here. I was here and there was a space there." I said, "Well, let me pull around and see. Maybe there's someone sitting in the back seat with her." That's what I thought. >> I was like, "No way." So I went in and found security. And um so that's when we called. >> Okay. Um All right. >> But you didn't see any adults or anything around? It was just >> No. And this whole thing's been what now? Probably 20 minutes. >> The mother returned stating she had only stepped away briefly, even though the vehicle had been left running. When addressed by officers, she appeared irritated. A seemingly minor situation, but her response began to escalate the seriousness of it. Nobody's here. He was afraid someone would come and, you know, so he wanted to stay with me um in case the driver can die. >> Hello. >> Hi. >> Is this your car? >> Yes. >> Is that your daughter? >> Yes. >> Okay. Why'd you leave your daughter in the car? >> I've been inside for about 5 minutes. >> Not. Yes. >> Okay. >> I just got here. I went inside cuz she was sleeping. >> I had to use the bathroom. >> You went inside where? Walmart. >> Why did you just walk from this way? >> Because I can't follow. I was trying to find my car. >> Okay. Do you have your ID with you? >> Um, >> how old is your daughter? >> She's seven. I take care of her all by myself. I don't have anybody here. I went inside to use the bathroom. >> I have not been gone that long. >> You know, you left your car unlocked. >> I did. >> That's why the doors open because I when I got here, I opened the door to see if it was. You left your car running or the door unlocked with your child in the back seat. >> I didn't think there was an issue. Like I said, I'm here by myself. I had to use the bathroom. She's sleeping. >> Okay. We have conflicting accounts. Um, the person that called us was security and they were dealing with the situation for what they claimed to be almost 20 minutes. >> I don't know exactly how long it was. I just know I didn't think it was that long. Like I said, I knew she was in the car. I had to go to the bathroom. I was coming to try to find some flea medicine. I didn't find the flea medicine. So, I left my cart. When you see the footage, you'll see I left the cart and everything. I I came back. >> Okay. >> This is ridiculous. I don't know. Like, >> what do you mean it's ridiculous? >> Because I I I don't know. It's like I'm being treated as if I'm a horrible mother. I went inside really quick. I didn't think it was that. >> Nobody's treating you any different way. I'm asking you questions. >> No, it's whoever called the cops on me. >> She gradually realized the situation was more significant than she had assumed as officers clearly explained the potential dangers. What may have seemed like a quick errand carried significant risks. Like I just >> there's there's a child in a vehicle that's running and unlocked. That's obviously a cause for concern when they're completely by themselves. The windows are clear. I mean, have you have you watched the news? Have you paid attention to anything? Like things happen where kids get abducted all the time, right? So, who's to say that somebody doesn't walk by, see that she's by herself with no adult supervision, they break a window, they open the door, they take her, she's gone, and we have we're getting a call from you crying because now your child is missing. Right. This is why you're saying it's ridiculous, but it's really not because >> a child should not be left alone in a vehicle running and unlocked. >> You're right. It's not ridiculous. I guess what I mean is ridiculous. I just can't I I'm here by myself. I can't ever get a break. I just had to go to the bathroom. I don't have any help. I just I didn't think it was going to be an issue. I I live right there. I was going to come to get the flea medicine. I had to go to the bathroom and I was going to leave. That's why I'm here. I I couldn't find my car. I left the keys in here so that she could, you know. >> So, just a a word for the future, right? In the future, if this situation ever presents itself again, >> I will wake her up. >> You need to wake her up and bring her with you. Okay? Doesn't mean that this is over with yet. I still have to figure out what we're going to be doing with it and then we will go from there. Okay. >> As the timeline was clarified, it was later determined that the absence was longer than just a few minutes. Once inconsistencies in her explanation surfaced, the situation intensified, highlighting the importance of being truthful from the start. >> So, when you first walked up, you told me that you were inside the store for 5 minutes. According to the video, you walked in at 7:06 and you walked out at 7:32, which is 20, what is that? 26 minutes that you were inside the store. A little different than 5 minutes. >> Well, I knew it obviously wasn't 5 minutes. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from here to there. So, I didn't think exactly 5 minutes. I didn't think I was gone for that long. Would you would you agree with me that 26 minutes is >> excessive? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I was shopping around. I know I got lost a few times. I was trying to find vitamins. I think that's another reason why it took so long. >> And this is my other issue, right? You told me initially that you went in there to use the bathroom. Now you're saying that you were shopping, >> right? >> Well, I I did say I was trying to find treatment. I left it. That's why I left the part. I was very disembodied when I saw everyone. So that's that's what I said initially. >> What do you mean you saw everyone? >> Like when I saw like you and then there was a lady here like there was a lot of people. So initially like I you know I was very jumbled discom but I did say that I was trying to find prele treatment. I didn't find it. So I ended up putting the cart back but I didn't you know I didn't tell you in detail everything. >> Okay. >> At that moment. Yes. >> All right. >> It was no longer just a warning. Officers began to explain that the situation raised serious concerns about the child's supervision. What seemed quick and harmless had the potential for far more serious consequences. >> You said your mom is in Miami and does your has does your daughter ever stay with your mom? >> She does. >> Okay. Um I'm going to be straight up with you. All right. I don't want to be around the bush. Um, I hope that by me doing this, you'll respect it and understand that I have a job to do and that you're not going to cause problems or make this situation worse, right? Cuz it's already bad enough, right? You need to call your mom or her dad or somebody to come and pick her up. If they're not able to, then we're going to have to call DCF and have them come out and pick her up. Can you start working on that? What? >> Why? >> In the state of Florida, child neglect is a felony. Leaving a 7-year-old unattended in an unlocked and running vehicle with the keys in it to go shopping for 26 minutes would constitute neglect. >> So, I'm getting arrested? >> Yes. I'm not physically going to put you in handcuffs in front of her. I'm going to try to avoid that as long as you're cooperative. >> There's no misdemeanor or a ticket or something you could give me. >> No. >> The situation took a more emotional turn as the mother realized she could be arrested and separated from her child. Despite difficult circumstances, the initial decision had already made the situation more severe. I'm going to try and do this as calmly as possible so that she is noted by this process any more than she needs to be. Okay? As long as you're cooperative with me, that's how it's going to go. If at any point in time you change your tone or your demeanor or you start going against what I'm asking of you, then that's when things are going to change and I'm going to be forced to handle this differently. >> My mom is 33 weeks pregnant. She is and I risk. You don't understand how alone I am here. You have to arrest me. There's nothing else you can do. There's no there's nothing. I can't. There's a reason I'm here alone. There's a reason she's not going with her dad this weekend. There's a reason my mom's not taking here this weekend. I do it by myself. >> I understand that. >> So I So how do I get her back? >> That'll be through the court process. >> How long am I going to be in jail? Um, I'm most likely just overnight to get booked in. You get a bond. Once you pay the bond, you get out. >> And when I get out, I can't see her. >> That's not up to me to determine. That would be up to the judge. The judge at first appearance will determine whether or not you should have contact. And if you do have contact, what kind of contact that is, whether it's unrestricted, whether it's supervised, however it's going to go from there. But that's not for me to decide. So, are you able to call either mom or or dad or another family member or somebody that you would trust with her? Cuz if not, then I need to start my process of getting somebody here. A family member arrived to take custody of the child, helping to ease the immediate tension even as the situation had escalated, ensuring the child's safety remained the top priority. >> You're George. Okay. So, you have your ID with you by chance? >> Yeah. >> Um, she'll be able to explain it to you at a later time. Uh but we at least appreciate you >> helping facilitate >> understand >> the main issue is somebody wasn't available that DCF trying to avoid that. So, um I mean I I went through the DCF thing with their mom, but I going >> Yeah, be a little bit of a different process with DCF. You're definitely going to be involved in this afterwards, but um the fact that she's kind of by herself is what complicates matters. >> Yeah. So, you being able to do this helps alleviate a little bit of the the difficulty. So, um yeah, I I'll let her give you whatever she needs. >> Thank you. >> Temporary or whatever, but and then I'll let you guys get out here. My main thing is I can be put in her hands in front of her daughter. >> Yeah. >> I wanted her to be out of here. >> No, that's nice. So, I'm trying to make this as easy as possible given the circumstance. So, obviously I know it's going to be tough to get away, but um yeah, so I'll tell her now. >> The incident concluded with the mother being taken into custody while officers remained calm to avoid distressing the child. A regrettable outcome stemming from what initially seemed like a small decision. All right. If you can put your hands on your back, >> if you keep your palms like facing each other, it's going to be the most comfortable for you. Just be careful cuz the seat is hard plastic. So if you lean back against it, it's going to be difficult. >> Um I'm going to leave your phone in your pocket. Okay. There's there is there any other coordination that you have to do in order for George and Jazelle to meet up or they are going to be able to handle it all themselves? Okay. Um is there anybody that you need to or want to call uh in order to facilitate pond? No key. >> He's going to do it. Take care of it. Okay. Um All right. I'm going to leave your phone in your pocket. Please don't do anything stupid. Okay. I'm trying to give you some respect here. >> You've done amazing. >> I It's a shitty situation, but I also want you to understand the gravity of it. And I'm also here because I'm doing my a job, right? the the sad scary thing, right? Where I look at this and maybe you're going to call me paranoid because you already went that route with with other sad stuff, but if I were like, you know what, I think everything's fine and she's going to be good, right? >> And I let you drive away from here and like 2 weeks down the road I see in the news that the child got abducted >> and it was her >> and it was the same type of story. When the news starts digging into stuff, they'll see that your name was in a report for the same thing. And I was like, "You know what? I think she's okay." And I let you walk away. Guess what happens to me? I've been a cop for 15 years. So, I have a retirement, right? I lose that. I go to jail, right? >> And I get it. Things are in place. >> At the end of all this, do I think you're a bad mother? Absolutely not. Okay. I understand it's difficult. I'm going through the same very similar situation. Luckily, his mom is more involved. But at the end of the day, I don't think you're a bad parent. I think you made a mistake and I hope that at the end of this process that there's some sort of education provided to you to or other resources that are provided to you to help you in what you're going through. Okay. >> The mother was charged with child neglect in Florida. This offense may result in jail time, often short-term or suspended fines and potential court review of custody or supervised arrangements. What feels like just a few minutes can carry serious risks, especially when children are involved. Leaving a child alone in a vehicle under any circumstances can quickly lead to dangerous outcomes. Prioritizing a child's safety should always come first. A seemingly ordinary argument unfolding right in front of a child. >> In front of him, like I said, that's child abuse in front of him. You know, >> just leave. Okay. I I uh You want to TAKE ME TO JAIL? GO AHEAD. GO AHEAD. GO AHEAD. >> On February 8th, 2023, at around 3:00 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence following a disturbance call. Upon arrival, he observed a man with minor injuries and a couple engaged in a heated argument. >> Going on with you? >> Nothing, man. Just me and my fiance just having a little dispute, man. >> Where she at? >> J in the back room back here. How your head get >> hit my head on the damn side. But yeah, she might get some just some of the things that she kind >> Oh, no. No. That's That's my wife. She That's >> You just got to come on back. >> That's what she had right there. >> Oh, ma'am. Sharers off. >> I'm You still want to come in, >> man? This way. You wasting your time. You still want to come in on that? YOU WANT TO COME IN, >> MA'AM? >> COME ON, >> MA'AM. COME. >> Come on. You beating ON THE YOU SH COME ON, >> MA'AM. >> I'm I'm You already see me. What's up? >> You cold? >> I know I did. You going to You going TO REMOVE ME FROM THIS HOUSE? I DON'T be here. He's slamming me AROUND BY MY HAIR. THREE OF my plants are missing. You going TO REMOVE ME FROM THIS HOUSE? I'M FROM FLORIDA. I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE. DID YOU TELL HIM ABOUT THAT? YES. AND I BUST OUT HIS WINDOW. I DID DO THAT. I can tell you what I did. I want to leave. lift. >> Me and my son. Matter of fact, you see that? That that that's my son. I'm getting him dressed so we can leave. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Can I finish getting dressed? >> Yes, ma'am. >> No. No. TELL THEM ABOUT HOW YOU'VE BEEN CHEATING. TELL THEM HOW YOU BEEN CHEATING. THAT'S WHAT YOU'VE BEEN DOING. THAT'S WHY I'M LIKE THIS. YOU DONE MOVED YOUR GUN AND THAT THING. I know what I I know what I can't do. I got rights. wake you up. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. We'll wake you up. >> Let's go through here. This way. We'll put back into >> When asked for more details, the man explained that ongoing conflicts had been occurring between them due to suspicion and misunderstandings. Officers began separating the two individuals to better assess the situation. >> Go, man. >> I don't know, man. I I really don't know, man. I'm just I just got so much going on right now, man. That's all it is, man. >> What happened, man? Why is your head like that? I hit the wall over here, >> man. You ain't Man, tell me the truth, man. What happened between y'all? >> No, we just been arguing, man. We We've been arguing like this. >> Okay. Why she look okay and you look >> I hit my head over here. I'm >> doing what? How? >> We was kind of tustling and [ __ ] just over here on the wall right now. >> But why she look okay and you look >> I'm >> not okay? >> Yeah, I'm I'm >> You sure you don't need an ambulance? >> No, I'm good, brother. I just got that little that little cut right there. That's it. That's all I got. >> No, you got you got a big cut on your head, sir. >> Where? >> Wreck him. Right here. >> Right. Yeah. Right there. That's not a little cut. >> You got a gun on you, man. Got a gun on your hip. You know, you ain't your draw. So, >> yeah. >> So, what happened? >> We just We've been fighting for a long time now, man. For like a couple weeks, months now. And she just got back. And when she got back up again, uh my birthday was yesterday, so she wanted to get a bottle. I got her bottle. I went to work, came home. She was sleep when I got home around 11 or something. And then after that, I I was sleeping. She woke me up around like 3:00 in the morning and was going at me, man. >> That's what she talking about. She >> Yeah, that's what it is, man. >> So, basically, she what went through your phone or something? >> We been a going through my phone, man. Like, >> no, no, no, no. She ain't going to find nothing. She She just see she she'll just see a certain number pop up on my phone. >> You want to put a choice on her? I know she did you like that? >> No. >> You sure? >> Nah, I'm good, man. No, we don't need none of that type of She just Yeah, she just need to calm down, man. Once she calm down, everything is closing. You know what I mean? >> What's her name? >> Jamie for now. >> So, y'all not legally married? >> No. I I just I I just need her to down. You know what I mean? >> I try to go talk to her again, but she she put her clothes on now. It probably Yeah. >> She'll be all right. I'mma walk with her, >> man. No, you just you ma'am. >> I knocked on the goddamn door. She came out all hostile, aggressive. I mean, she had no clothes on. I do. You want to come in? >> The atmosphere shifted as the woman began expressing her frustrations. However, her tone remained intense, causing tensions to rise further. >> Ma'am, >> what? >> Ma'am, you me what? I'm here. What? >> I need to talk to you. >> Okay, but let's talk. You wanted to talk to me, but you was too busy with that sucker. What's up? If you're not going to remove me, we ain't got to talk about it. I'm telling you that right now. >> Remove, ma'am. He doesn't want you removed from the house. >> I don't give a what he wants. I'm telling you what I want. >> Okay. >> So, if you not going to do that, get in your car. YOU AND YOUR PARTNER GOING ON ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS and get paid. That's what you do cuz you I'm pretty sure you get paid by the hour with my partner, brother. So, if you're not coming HERE TO DO IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO COME HERE TO make a solution, please turn around cuz I ain't got for you. You want my son? >> You call. You want to get DC off him? I I know what I did. >> I don't know, man. Man, I'm just >> So, what what do YOU WANT? ARE YOU GONNA REMOVE ME, >> MAN? I'm just here to listen to your side. >> Listen to me. THAT AIN'T GOOD ENOUGH BECAUSE HE COULD DO THAT AND he don't want to do that. >> I want to know what happened between you and him tonight. >> What? What happened? >> Yes, ma'am. Cuz his head is messed up. >> I don't give A WHAT HIS HEAD IS. YOU WANT TO TAKE ME TO JAIL FOR THAT? >> NO. HE HE >> YOU WANT TO I CAN LAY DOWN. I'VE BEEN TO PRISON. I CAN DO MY TIME. I DON'T MIND THAT. HEY, HONEY. >> I don't GIVE A WHAT HE WANTS. >> CAN YOU TALK TO ME a talking to you, please? No, I can't. I'm sorry. I can't do it. I can't do it, bro. >> So, what happened to you? >> He's a cheating typical up five while I WAS AWAY FROM HOME. I GAVE UP EVERYTHING TO COME DOWN HERE FOR HIM TO STILL GET YOU TO CONTINUE CHEATING ON ME. ME AND MY SON AND I WAS JUST SUPPOSED to live with that. >> Do you want to leave here? >> Do you understand? >> I completely understand. >> Do you understand that? >> You left everything. >> I left everything. They come down here and he ain't doing right. >> He not. >> I understand. He not I'm not ugly. My ain't bad. Like what the >> Where are you going to go? Did you >> I have nowhere to go. But I I don't want to be there. I don't want to stay there. >> Go to the Salvation Army. >> No, I don't. Where? Where is that? >> It's on Broadway. >> No, I don't want to go there. I'm good. I'm from the trenches. I'm good. >> Understood. But he's not from the trenches. >> Oh, he Oh, he could. >> Let's not. >> We're not going there. >> Let's not put him in the trenches. >> Let's not. >> What you call that? What you call that right there? That's treasure [ __ ] >> Okay. >> He thought he damn near 40. That [ __ ] old. I'M 30 YEARS OLD. That [ __ ] old. You shouldn't be doing that. >> So, do you want to take him to No. >> Get him out the cold. >> No. I laid up and had him. I'mma take care of him. >> Understood. But it's cold out here. >> Honey, we not sleeping out here tonight. >> So, you do have somewhere to go. No. So, where are you going to sleep? >> That I don't know. I ain't figured that out yet. I'm just being honest with you, but I ain't going back there. And yes, all that I did to him, I did that. I broke his window. I CAN OWN MY [ __ ] CUZ I'M A WOMAN. THAT'S NO MAN. THAT'S NO MAN. That's no man. THAT'S A BOY. A DAMN NEAR 40 YEAR OLD BOY THAT GOT FIVE KIDS inside but yet still cheap with somebody that gave him everything to come down here. I'm good. ME AND MY SON, we're good. I got what I went for that type of I'm good. You want to take me and get DC in that life? I'm good with that cuz I've been there, too. I'm good. >> Well, I'm not going back there. >> Well, you don't have to. Okay. >> I'm not forcing. >> Okay. So, WHATEVER Y'ALL DOING, Y'ALL GO AHEAD. I'M GONE. The situation briefly calmed as officers returned to speak with the man to gain additional clarity. Even so, it appeared that the underlying conflict had not been resolved. >> And how long she been here, man? >> How long she been here? >> With me? Yeah. In this house? >> Uh, she's been visiting here since uh last year. I think she started in uh I want to say May. Oh, she don't live. >> Yeah, she does. But she started visiting from Florida up back then. Uh she she got she had got her little pass or something. She came out for like two weeks and then she came back one time. We got in a fight. I took her back. She came back again. Got another fight. She bust and hauled ass and then No, I just went back and got her ass another time. >> You sure? I mean, you I'm going ask you one more time. You want to pray? No charge? >> Yeah, I'm good, man. I like I said, I'm good, man. >> Don't go after. >> No, I'm not. >> You sure you going to come back? You going to let her back in? >> Yeah, I got to. That's my son. I can't let him stop. >> Oh, so that is yours? >> Yeah, that's my son. >> Okay. Okay. Yeah. Um the wife you Okay. >> Yeah, my wife passed away of my other kids. That's why I like it. >> No, they Yeah, they they have they have white black. Yeah, I got a chocolate baby. >> Chocolate drop right there. >> This is what come with it, though. I appreciate >> you good, man. >> Yeah, I'm I promise you I'm good, man. I'm good, man. >> Hey, man. Lock your front door, man. Cuz your front door was just wide. >> Yeah. I don't know. I I think that's when we went through it and I never came back that way to get to it cuz I surf on the front. I had to clean that up. But yeah, clean myself up. >> You don't need no am >> Yeah, I'm good. The situation became more difficult again when the woman attempted to leave with the child. Her hurried and raised tone made the situation harder to manage, requiring officers to step in. I'm Yes, I am. You going to take me there. I don't give a I don't want to be here. Get the out my way. Don't touch my car. Get off him. Get off him. >> No, you won't. Go pay attention to your other kid out my face. I got a right to go to the bus station, right, sir? >> You can do whatever you want. If you want to go to the bus station, you walk off. No, he don't have to. >> He don't. So, how get there? >> He got a right if you don't want to. >> So, how I get there? >> Do you grown? I don't know. >> I don't But I'm not from here. Okay. So I can walk. >> You no dope. >> Just leave. Okay. I I uh You want to take me to jail? Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Get the son. Go ahead. Get some. >> Go ahead. >> I don't mind. Go ahead. Here. You ain't got to do all that. Go ahead. Put your hand back. >> Go ahead. This what you want. >> This is what you want. >> Go ahead. Come on. We can go. All I want you to do is take me to the bus station. I told y'all I ain't want to be here, but y'all don't give a about that. You want another head to count for? Go ahead. To make your money, go ahead. That's fine, too. >> You got anything in your pocket? >> No. You want to charge me? I ain't got no pocket. I don't have any pocket. You want to lift up my bra? >> As tensions peaked, officers carefully considered how to proceed. Although the man appeared to prefer a less severe outcome, the circumstances required a decision focused on ensuring everyone's safety. Listen, but we ain't going to leave her here and we get a call back out here for her doing. >> You ain't going to get no call back. She ain't about >> and she doing this in front of the child. That's the thing. >> Oh, I understand. >> No, we we liable for all this. >> You going to take her? >> Yeah, I'm now you come on out. >> Oh, you going to take her to jail? >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, no. I don't take her to jail, man. >> No, we not we not going to have this and she showing her in front of us. I'm going to take >> No, that ain't right, man. I I got two jobs, man. >> It ain't right for him to see all this. >> I understand that, man. But don't don't take her to jail, man. At least let me get away from him or something. >> You going to take I will. >> I mean, if I got to, I will, man. I just I just don't want I just You can't take her to jail, though. That that ain't >> Yeah. All types of charges, too. In front of him. Like I said, that's child in front of him. >> Doing all this stuff domestic in front of a child. It's child. He ain't supposed to be seeing this. Y'all hearing stuff like this. And then she going to go in front of us and just just trying to bust your door. Come on now. We No, we're not going to have that. >> Like I said, I just know I just need to deal I just need to find a deal with her to take her where she need to go or whatever. I just >> Is that what you're going to do? You you going to take her to the bus station? >> I mean I mean if I got to it right down the road. My car my truck kind of went a little bit. So but I mean I can take her. I just >> She going to want to have this because you going to bring her right back. It's gonna be a repeated thing and she gonna feel she can just do whatever she want to do and burn the police. >> No. No. >> Once things began to settle, officers moved to verify the woman's identity. However, unclear information complicated the process. >> She breaking down now. So, this is this is basically what it takes for her to calm down. >> She or something? >> No. >> You giving me the right name? >> For what? Not >> you giving me her right name. >> Yeah. Jamie Fel. >> That didn't come up. No, no information on >> a M I E. >> Yeah. Try P A R. >> So you don't know how to spell her last name. >> Her daddy they they they spell her last name. The prell switch up back and forth. >> Arnell or Pel. >> Jamie. What's your last name? >> Huh? What's your last name? >> Jamie. Tell the man your name. >> Tell them your name. Jamie, I know you want to go. I'm trying to get you to come inside. They need to know your last name. >> Don't you ask him? He knows me. >> Jamie, I can't. They're trying to find you in the system. I don't know. They're They're telling me I'm not spelling it right. Tell them your last name so we can possibly get you off in the back of the police car. >> Now he wants to talk to me like you got sick instead of roughing me up like my spells are not valid. Officer, I'm talking to you, sir. Oh, you can't talk. >> While in the patrol vehicle, the woman repeatedly asked about potential costs and attempted to find a way to pay her way out of the situation. In situations like this, the process is handled according to procedure. >> Step out the car. Okay. I'm sorry. >> What is my boy? Can you film me? >> I don't know. They'll figure out. >> Can you Can you give me an estimate so I can tell you my money? >> Charge. Probably going to be $500. What? 15% of $500. >> What is 15% of $500 calculator? >> Can you go get my money? I don't know where is it. >> It's in my yard in the diaper in the diaper box. Can you go get my money and give it to me so I can bum myself? I don't Can you come bum me out with my money? I don't need you to use your money on me. >> She was charged with disorderly conduct in Georgia. This offense may carry a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail depending on the severity. When adults lose control of their emotions and engage in intense conflict, children don't just witness it. They can feel fear and instability. Maintaining composure and handling disagreements calmly is essential to ensuring children grow up in a safe and stable environment. What a mother believed was discipline quickly went beyond what was intended, leading to unexpected consequences. >> I'm going to take away what her the most, her hair. She loves her hair. This is the third time I haven't cut her hair. On August 11th, 2022, a concerning incident took place at a hotel when a female employee was reported for using clippers to cut her 12-year-old daughter's hair in a way that raised concern. Noticing unusual behavior, another staff member contacted authorities. Police were later dispatched to both the hotel and the woman's residence after she had been dismissed from her job following the incident. >> How's it going? Here to check on is it the daughter Priscilla here? >> Uh, yes. >> Okay. Can I talk to her? Yes. for a second. >> How are you guys today? Not too bad. >> All right. How are you? Who Who are you to Priscilla? You're Priscilla's boyfriend. And Priscilla's daughter's here as well. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Can I help you? >> We're here, I guess. Your daughter something. >> No. Your daughter. >> All right. Do you want us to go any further with what we're doing? N. >> All right. Turn around for me. >> What's going on? >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Stand up. I got her. I got her. I got her. Can you stop? Are you kidding me? Baby, you're now okay then. Okay, you guys. >> Let me let me go. >> No, we can't let you go. >> I just want to talk. YOU DON'T >> YOU DON'T NEED TO [ __ ] touch me. You don't need to back out. >> I know. I want to understand. >> Stop touching me. >> Okay. Please. Just let me get up. Shove it up alone. She'll get up alone. Look, she'll get Okay, GET UP. GET UP. >> [ __ ] TOUCH ME. >> OKAY, STOP. >> LET ME GRAB ME, >> BABY. And get up. >> Can you stop? Please stop for me. They just WANT TO TALK. >> LET ME THE GO for for like two seconds. There you go. There you go. Now get up and talk civilized. Come talk civilized. >> I'M [ __ ] TALKING. >> Stand up, you guys. >> I don't need to stand up. >> I don't need to stand up. Can you guys tell me what's going on first? >> Yes, we will. >> She's being detained. She's being detained before you catch another charge. >> You're not catching nothing, babe. >> ARE YOU BABY? Are you kidding me? Mama to arrest me, >> baby. >> You're not UNDER ARREST. >> ALL RIGHT, SO LET ME the go. >> They're going to detain you to talk to you, babe. Initially, officers arrived to ask questions, but the mother quickly became resistant, requiring officers to restrain her and warned that additional charges could apply. No, it's not. Guys, can you tell me what's going on, please? >> That's what we were trying to do in first. Talk to me. >> Right now, she's being secured in of a criminal investigation. Okay. >> Criminal investigation again of what? >> All right. We have another deputy on the way to explain >> criminal. Okay. >> She's not under arrest now. She's detained. >> Okay. Okay. I know. Touch. >> Okay. >> Don't touch me. Try and relax. You're going to You already extra charge. I'll talk to you. Okay. If she keeps this up, she's catching another charge. You already looking for me. >> She already hit me in the hand, so she's catching a charger. >> Stand up. >> No, we're not doing that. She ain't going to let go of your hand. >> We gave her plenty of warnings. We were being patient with her. This could have been simple. WE COULD HAVE >> I DIDN'T WANT NOBODY TO TOUCH ME. >> YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK TO ME. I'M NOT talking to you. >> I have domestic violence issues and I DON'T LIKE NOBODY TOUCHING ME. >> ALL RIGHT. DON'T TOUCH ME. >> I WON'T SPEAK AS LONG AS YOU DON'T TOUCH ME. JUST STEP BACK BEFORE YOU BEFORE SHE DOES SOMETHING. >> OKAY. >> LOOK, she's angry. I get >> I DON'T LIKE NOBODY TOUCHING ME. YOU DON'T TOUCH ME. I SPEAK LIKE A CIVILIZED HUMAN BEING. >> DISOBEYING THE word coming back inside. That's where it escalated. >> All right. Well, I don't like nobody touching me. >> I get that. But if you give me a reason to touch you, I'm going to do it. >> You have no reason to touch me. >> All right. Okay. No reason. >> I don't want to talk to you. I want to talk to him. I don't want to talk to you. I don't like >> Okay. Do you want me to talk to you in front of your kids? You want to talk civiliz? I'm talking. So the reason why we're here is because somebody witnessed you. They identified the carcuff shaving her head and barking on your face. That's why you're not under arrest yet. The reason why you're in handcuffs right now and not just walking around is because of exactly what I was coming to get from you is at least started on a statement and give me your side of the story. That was it. >> That was all we were here for. That's what I asked you. Did you want to talk to me? But now until we get to this next step and this other deputy comes, you're in hiccups. You're not under arrest anymore. Relax. Take a breath. >> No, you're cool. I don't want to see him in my house. >> So, GET HIM THE OUT. >> GET OUT. >> I'M NOT GOING TO STEP away from my partner. >> I will get the out of my house. >> No, ma'am. I'm not leaving my partner for officer safety. >> Just for this. Are you >> Are you good, sir? Are you at all? Are you good? >> No, I'm great. >> Once detained, she was required to follow procedure, answer questions, and agreed to cooperate. The atmosphere eased slightly, but it was clear the situation was becoming more formal in process. >> I don't know your number. I ain't calling nobody. I can't call you without my money on my on my thing. I want to talk to you too about another incident that just was just brought up. >> Take a seat in here. Okay. Before I ask you any questions, I have to read you these. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You have rights to talk to a lawyer for advice. Before we ask you any questions, you understand each of these rights I've explained. Have you previously requested any law enforcement officer to allow you to speak to an attorney? No, sir. >> With these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to me now? >> Yes, sir. >> During questioning, the mother explained that she had taken her daughter home and cut her hair as a form of punishment for inappropriate behavior. She viewed it as discipline, but the method raised serious concerns and could be interpreted more severely by others. >> What happened at the hotel? You start me from the beginning. I left the hotel because I was going through my daughter's phone because yesterday was the first day of school and she turned off her phone on me. She didn't come home till about 8:00 8:30. She's 12 years old. And I took her phone from her and I went through it to school. As I'm at work, I seen what was going on. I asked my boss if he need permission to me to go pick her up out of school. Picked her up out of school. I brought her back to work with me. I stopped here at home. I grabbed my clippers and I cut her and I told her, "Do you understand why I'm doing this?" She said yes cuz it's not the first time you do it. This is the third time I haven't cut her hair because she wants to be doing things that are not age appropriate for her age. That's what it really comes down to. I'm not going to I'm not going to punish her. I'm not going to lock her up. I'm going to take away what her the most. Her hair. She loves her hair. She's her hair is her thing because she knows it makes her look beautiful. So I said, "Guess what? Now you have no idea. That's your punishment." And the people at the at the hotel I know who it was. It was my God. I don't know her last name. And I know where she lives. She came in to ask me a question. She said, "Oh my god, what are you doing?" And I said, "Mama, do me a favor. Mind your business." And she said, "Oh my god, you need to pray. You need to do this. You need to do that." I said, "Do me a favor." She's not your daughter. Mind your business. And she said, "But you're cutting her hair. You're cutting her hair. Mind your business." And she left. And then that was it. And then my boss called me. He said, "What are you doing?" I said, "I told you what I'm doing. I picked up my daughter and I'm cutting her hair." He said, "From a parent's perspective, I understand what you're going through." He said, "Do me a favor. just chill out. I said, "I'm not hitting her cuz there's cameras all over the the hotel." I said, "I'm not hitting her nothing. You could run them cameras and checking inside. All right, just chill out." I said, "Yeah, cool." I stopped. I cut her hair. I cleaned up the mess. That was it. She was sitting there. I was sitting there. And then the same person that called. She was like, "You need to go cuz you're scaring everyone." I said, "I just called to my boss. I don't need to go because of you." So, I called him. I said, "Dude, you want me to go?" Whatever. He said, "No, you're fine." She called someone else. I don't know who she called at that point. I guess they it was Daniel superior and he said, "How about this? Go home, take a day off, relax, come back tomorrow." As I'm walking out, the lady that calls, "You [ __ ] go just the way my daughter." And I walked out and I guess that's what she did. So that's the story on what happened today. So yes, did I pull my daughter out of school? Yes. Did I speak to the principal today? Yes. Did I speak to her guidance counselor? Yes. Did I tell him everything I told you? Yes. Did I ask for help? Yes. Did I take her to the hotel to cut hair? Yes. Did I my daughter? No. Did I her? No. The most I did was cut her hair and on the back of her head because I didn't expect this behavior from her. Other than that, you could her will not find not one bruise, not one fingerprint, not one anything because I did not >> Well, she's got a a on her cheek that's barely new. >> Okay. >> So, what else happened? because that's not the deal. >> That was it. I hit her with the head like this. I was like, "The is your problem?" And I grabbed the clippers and I cut her hair and that was it. There's cameras in the hotel. I like you don't even have to believe me. You can the cameras in the office. >> As questioning continued, some details in her explanation did not fully align. While officers introduced statements from witnesses, the exchange gradually turned into a more direct exchange as officers compared statements. >> Why wasn't the haircut on it? Okay, I did it right there. Like I mean I I wasn't doing it in front of the camera, but I did it right. Like I wasn't >> What time were you told to leave work? >> I want to say around 2:15 anywhere between 2 and 2:30. >> There's one part on the video and that main office where I think you're describing where there's no video from like 155 until like 2:20. >> It's odd to me with all the allegations that are being made. >> I don't have access to the cameras. I don't have no access to the cameras at all. the supervisor. I have no access to cameras. >> So, if you cut her hair in the main office, how did you clean the hair? >> Correct. And hold on. And the rest of the hair is in the trash bag. Like her hair was long. So, like the long hair is in the trash. The remaining little stragglies are in the vacuum. It's a green vacuum with a yellow cord. >> So, there's also hair in the little hallway behind the office. >> That's That's where we were at. That little hallway. Oh, so you went to the hotel. Okay. So you have the front desk, you have that little hallway, and then you have the back space where the two tables are. Okay? So that space right there, cuz remember I was working front desk right there, that space is exactly where I cut her hair. So if you look where that white board is, right in front of that white board is where I did. I put that chair right in front of the whiteboard and I cut her hair. >> Also being told by numerous people that you were trying to in her mouth, making comments of, "Oh, you want to you can on this." There was no one even in that office when I was cutting the beard. It was just me by myself and her. >> I'm not saying you're lying, but I have numerous other people telling me completely everything. >> No, I was in there by myself. There was no one. If you look back at the cameras, the camera's aiming at the door. You'll see who walked in and out. It was just me and her. >> There was no one there. There was no one else in there. Look, watch the time. >> I I did. >> Okay. There was that first and then she walked out and there was no one there when I was cutting her hair. So, you did not hit her with your cell phone or a cell phone? >> No, I hit her with my hand. >> Cut her hair there. >> Yes, I did. >> You're claiming that you did not use the pipe. >> No, that's mying kid. >> Okay. And I'm not I'm not saying >> I'm not cursing at you. I'm just I'm just listening to what you're saying. Like people like there was no one there. And I know who I know who you're talking to cuz approached me and said, "Oh my god, you need to pray. You need to stop doing that." And I told her face, "Not in your business." At this point, officers presented multiple witness accounts that aligned closely, placing the mother in a more difficult position. Despite her continued denial, the situation became more complex. >> It's crazy how I have two people that were not call us literally crying about what they just saw. That's why this is all happening. So, today you're going to jail for felony child abuse, for battery on LEO, and resisting revolution. asked, "How am I going to jail for a child abuse if I never my kid?" Like, I I'm admitting to you. >> So, in the the state of Florida for domestic violence, if we can determine a primary aggressor, then we can we have to make a physical arrest. >> I understand that's your job, but how are you arresting over allegations that you don't even have? >> Because I have two eyewitnesses, >> but they weren't even there. >> Okay. Well, it's it's crazy how someone can describe an instant like they did to a tea when I talked to both of them completely separate and their statements are almost identical. >> So, why don't you talk to my boss? Why don't you go and look at the cameras and actually >> Because your boss wasn't there. Why am I going to talk to someone that's not there? >> Because these people don't like me. My Don't you think my If you're wondering if I talked to your boss, I did. And your boss said that he had got a phone call as well from another person who said that they saw you sticking a in your daughter's mouth. >> Dad, why don't you ask me why? >> Because she doesn't want to talk to me. >> Because she wants to protect. No, she could speak. I didn't I tell you if you want me, I'll step out of the room so she could feel comfortable talking to you because nothing else happened. Like ask her, "Did your mom over your head with her hand?" >> Ask her. >> I can't force a 12-year-old to talk to me. I'm not going to do that. >> There's only certain questions we can ask her. Okay, but you just clearly said that she said she cut my hair and that was it. Cuz that's all that was. Like in the reality, all right, let's say let's say what they're saying is true. Why would I my daughter's mom in front of people? Like don't you think those are things that I would wait to do at home? >> That's what one would assume. >> First of all, I would never do that. And second of all, if that were the case, I would do it at home. I wouldn't do it in front of people, in front of cameras, in front of people. I say I saw I saw I saw. >> With all due respect, it's not being rude. this is what court is for. >> After reviewing the information, officers informed her of the charges and proceeded with the arrest. She continued to object and expressed that the situation was unfair, but the outcome had already been determined. >> Okay? So, you're going to jail for those three charges that I told you about, and if you feel the need to contest or fight them, then then you can take it to court. >> Okay. Well, I want to say bye to my son cuz he has nothing to do with this. I want to say thank you to my daughter for >> for doing all this cuz I literally just [ __ ] out of here. >> Your daughter? >> Hold on. You got to remember to your >> before the reason for the incident was going on with her and the guys, which I still want to talk to you about cuz they're grown adults. So, I'm going to see if we can try to get investigators involved with that. So, I'll go. >> But everything's on her phone. Everything's on. >> Yeah. Hear me out. I'm going to talk to you about that. Okay. We're We're going to work on that. Okay. I'm big on that. All that we're there's a way to work on that. Okay. But right now, besides that, your daughter wants nothing to do with it. Your daughter has no reason to be blamed for this this aspect of it. Okay? >> This was called in by someone completely. >> Yes. >> She didn't call in. She's not saying my mom did this, my mom did that. >> No. But the reason I cut her hair is because of the decision she made. So now on top of all my responsibility and my fault, I have to deal with more. And guess what? You guys take me and guess who you leave two kids with alone. So guess what she's going to keep doing while I'm locked up. >> Okay. So So who is this? >> That's my boyfriend. But guess what? >> Are they okay to stay with your boyfriend or do you want us to call someone? >> You won't listen to me. What makes you think you're going to listen to me? If she's behind my back, what makes you think she going to his back? >> Where's her phone at? Following the arrest, the mother expressed concern for her daughter and mentioned additional issues involving the child's contact with strangers. The situation then revealed further underlying concerns beyond the initial incident. >> So you pretty much in all the reality I get you. I know you're just doing your job. I get it. And I don't want you pretty much just giving her the freedom to go run around tonight. Literally that's what you're doing. You're giving me the freedom. Mommy's not here. And who the is that? Nobody. And guess what? Mommy's behind bars. So mommy can't come get me. And I'm going to do whatever the want to go tonight. >> Do you want us to call DC? Well, we got to call DCF anyway cuz DCF has to be notified of the incident. Do you want her to go with DCF? >> Take her to DCF. Take her to DCF because I don't trust it. Then why do you think there's cameras by her window? Because I'm scared she's going to be going in and out of the window. >> So hear me out. Where's her phone? >> Her phone is in my purse. This is where we're going to go into that conversation. Yes, it's on Snapchat. Yes, it's on social media. But guess what? We have some technology that goes they can break into anything that it wants to go through Snapchat. Things that are deleted, we can still see. We can still pull that record. We can find out whose account, track it down, and figure out who that grown man is. That's messing with your daughter. Okay. You are her mother. She's a juvenile. If you want to turn over her phone to us and I can give it to detectives, we can do that. But it's up to you. You're saying that she's involved with grown men and there's >> possibly. >> She says it. She said, "I jumped in the car with the guy. He pressed me." D I was scared you almost would me. She says it in the text messages. Like I can write you her phone. >> I'm not making this up. I want you to if you're taking me, you're taking her. >> You want have to take her? >> Yes. If you're taking me, take her. Cuz it's not fair. It's not fair. I don't deserve this. Then all I'm trying to do is prevent my daughter from being aing on the street. >> If you take me, take her. This is not fair. >> Your son? >> My son is awesome. >> You want him to stay with your boyfriend? >> Yes. And what about her phone? >> You could take her phone. >> Okay. Do you want to turn it over to investigators? >> Discipline requires appropriate methods and emotional control. Acting out of anger can easily cross boundaries and lead to unintended consequences. Staying calm and cooperating with authorities is also essential to prevent situations from escalating further. How much impact can a brief moment without supervision have? >> Yeah, that's not acceptable no matter what. >> The kid shouldn't even be outside here by themselves. >> Unacceptable. >> On April 9th, 2020, police received a report of two young children wandering unsupervised near a lake with posted alligator warnings in West Palm Beach, Florida. When officers checked a nearby home, they found the front door and safety gate unlocked. Inside, the mother was asleep and difficult to wake due to medication for insomnia and anxiety. Fortunately, the children were not home and were brought back safely. >> Your kids are late. >> Yes. >> No, no, no. You don't need some water right now. Just just wait right here and then we'll get you some. Okay. some water. >> Yeah, we'll get you some water in just a second. >> Yeah, you're drawing. You want another color? >> I want another model. >> Well, this one's hers. >> Maybe you guys can color in a little bit. Okay. But we can't share this stuff right now. >> Oliver, come here. Yeah. Where's your Where's your dolphin? Come here, Oliver. Come here. >> Where's your dolphin? Where's the >> They have no lock on. >> I see. >> I think. >> Yeah. When I went in there, it does look like >> Yeah, that's not acceptable no matter what. >> No, >> the kid shouldn't even be outside here by themselves. According to a neighbor, the children had been outside since around 8:30 a.m., possibly longer, and had approached the lake area despite the alligator warnings. That alone posed a potential risk, while other details inside the home also required attention. >> They they've been out I mean, you saw them at 8:30, 9:30, so 2 hours. >> They were probably out earlier than that. >> Yeah, they please. You had seen them in the parking lot, you're saying? >> Yeah, >> he saw them in the parking lot this morning >> about 8:30. >> And then they were over there near the water. >> Yeah, I was over on the other on the other end with my daughter. We were looking. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Don't go back there. Come here. >> Hey, come here. Mama. >> Unless you open it. Did you open it? >> What? >> I have to run. >> All right. >> All right. I'll try to stop by. Okay. when you're thinking. >> Oh, I didn't get it. and so forth. So, we don't really know what you guys need help with pursuing it or whatever. Definitely. I mean, >> where do you live? What apartment? I got report with Marine Corp. >> All right. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Whatever help you guys need. >> You're welcome. >> In that area, alligators are commonly present and the waterways are interconnected. Officers also observed minor bruising on the children. These details suggested the situation required further clarification. >> I remember we used to get calls when I used to work. The gators would come up here. There's some big gators in the door. >> Yeah. >> Not just that, the potential, you know, 8:30, bro. The >> dude was like, "Yeah, this happens all the time." Then we show to the dad. The dad is like, "Yeah, this happens all the time." Getting lucky. There probably some big skaters. There's no doubt. There's absolutely no doubt. All of this water is connected around the villages. That's all of it. And I used to live on one of the village when I first started here. Really cross them. I used to bass fish and I used to see the big gator trying to eat my damn fish. >> What are you What are you trying to >> She's really right there on her head. >> Yeah, I saw both of them have marks. Yeah, they they both have bruises and stuff. The other other dude has a freshly lo, >> you know, this is >> unacceptable. Now, >> recognizing the nature of the situation, officers calmly reassured the children and spoke with them to help them feel safe. At the same time, they began addressing the situation with the adult in the home, preparing for further action. I don't want to do that want to do. I'm trying to be a little bit more. >> Wow, you got a lot of toys. >> Well, that's cool. >> You like it? >> I like that a lot. Who's this? Do you know this person's name? >> Do you know that guy? >> Yeah. >> That's Mike Wazowski. >> No matter what. >> Really? Maybe. Okay. All right. I got to take some pictures. Stand up. I talk to >> Hi. Your face. They see your face. All right. Give me a real big smile. I got to see it. You got to Awesome. All right, now it's your turn. >> All right, hold on. >> Do we want to go talk here now? >> All right, right here. Ready? Can you see it? >> I see your face. >> Let me see your face. >> Smile. >> I'm going to blow up the pool, too. Okay. I don't see any marks on you. Beautiful. >> What's up? >> Where did you see that? Walmart right? I'm trying to Oh my god. Careful. >> Can you just pull down her? >> After confirming the details, officers escorted the mother to the vehicle to proceed with handling the case. The process remained calm, but the situation required further handling. >> To your house? >> Um, I have therapy outside. >> Where is it? Stay with her. >> Do you have her ID? >> Oh, yeah. I do have it in the in my car. >> No, I'm good. >> I'm trying to hand him the best of you and your children. Okay. Do you want to lock your You want us to lock your house with a staircase? Sure. And then where you want to put the >> You can just the top. Does it work if you want to just lock the bottom? That's all you need to lock. Yeah. >> Okay. You want to leave the back key you had last time? >> Yeah. >> You want to leave this? >> Put it back in the spot. I guess I'm good. We're going to go into my car right over there on the left to the rear. >> You always >> I know. I found it. >> We see him a lot. Huh? >> I put the on already. >> Wait, do I have a light in there? You >> want the other side? >> Yeah. Please check your pocket. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Hold. Just move on in the back. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child without great bodily harm and was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail for processing. Under Florida law, this offense may carry up to one year of jail time along with fines and probation. Even a brief lapse in supervision can place young children in dangerous situations, especially in environments with known risks. Ensuring secure surroundings, constant supervision, and awareness of potential hazards is essential. Children depend on consistent care and responsible attention from adults to stay safe. You >> ever been arrested before? >> Yes, sir. I thought when I was a juvenile stealing from Walmart when I or being with somebody who was stealing from Walmart. >> To cover the rent, this couple made a poor choice that put their child's well-being at risk during a store incident. Florida police received a report of a couple involved in a store dispute while their one-year-old was unattended in the car. Authorities immediately arrived and took steps to ensure the child's safety. >> Hello, man. >> Hey, what's up? >> What's up? >> Sam's car. >> Yes, sir. >> ID on you? >> No, sir. What's your first name? >> William. >> M. You have your ID on you. >> So, like the that time is still Pokemon cards, man. >> Yeah. Yeah. That um just so we have an understanding, she had nothing. He was right there with you when you can see. >> I It is totally me, man. Totally me. 100% me. >> You guys put the Pokemon cards under the >> Yeah, I I will give them back. Of course. It's 100% my responsibility, sir. Seriously, honest to God, I am short on my rent and they are very valuable and I I was hoping to pull something in order to make up the money. I'm short on my rent. >> Where are the cards in the car? >> Yeah, >> I know. Where are they? >> In the back seat. >> By the way, you can't say she had nothing to do with it when that's all you guys came in here for. And you concealed it right next to her. Just so you're aware of that. >> I get what you're saying. I'm just saying she would have never >> Doesn't matter. She was right there with you. >> I don't know if it would make a difference. Is there any way we could pay for it? >> This isn't an apology type of thing. >> You've already done it. I mean, there's no way to just suddenly, hey, we're going to pay for everything because we got caught by the police. >> Yes, sir. >> You ever been arrested before? >> Yes, sir. >> For what? >> When I was a juvenile, stealing from Walmart when I or being with somebody who was stealing from Walmart. when I was a juvenile and um for battery as an adult man, I guess. So, >> could I call my dad to come get my phone, >> please? >> Yeah, we'll figure that out in a second. Okay, >> call my dad. Come with me. >> Do not call anybody right now. We don't want to make it a bigger scene than it has to be. Okay, >> sit back. >> So, have a seat back in the car for a moment. >> Okay. Can I ask a question? >> Have a seat back in the car. Okay. >> Have a seat. Although the mother promised to resolve the situation with the store, that could not undo the risk the child had been exposed to. The child had to be temporarily placed in the care of another adult. Just >> keep your hands on the dash. Get the door open. Okay. Yeah. You also stole stuff with the baby. >> Yeah, >> I have the money for it. I can pay. >> Yeah, but I just told him that's not how this works. You don't get to suddenly want to pay for things after you get caught by the police. It's not how it works. >> I literally You can literally see that I yelled for him. Like I literally >> walked right over to you and concealed it. It's on video. I literally >> you watched him do everything. You cannot don't. >> You also have all this stuff here. It's the same situation. >> Well, that's bulk from what we had before when we were going through all of our stuff. >> Regardless, it's the same situation. >> Am I going to know when his bail is or does he have to call me or >> You're asking all these questions and you're just as involved as he is. You understand that, right? >> Yeah. But >> Okay. So, stop asking questions being that you might be taking the ride with him. Do you understand what's going on here? >> Yeah, I do. >> Do you understand what's going on? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. But stop acting stupid. >> Oh, I'm just curious. >> And understand you're doing this with a kid. That elevates things. >> Yeah, but I I can't I talk to him, man. >> No, because even if he doesn't want to press charges, state of Florida does. >> You want to give me first? >> I'll go get the fresh one. >> We have child arangement on what they have to How old is your child? >> A year old. >> A year old. Then they use a shoulder cover for it. All right, Courtney, you want to call your uh your father to come pick up your son for I >> Yeah, you're being you're being placed under arrest. >> What? Please, can I just be with the baby? >> You literally put your one-year-old child in. >> How is that? >> You cannot do a crime and then nothing happens because you have a kid. >> It is happening. I'm born. >> You use the stroller as a ways of concealing the >> merchandise. I'm getting arrested >> and so is she. I need you to call your dad to come pick him up. Either you call him or I call DCF. >> I'll take the phone. >> Can I call him? It's over. >> What's his first name? His name is William. >> Okay. >> Please. I just want to be with my baby. Please. >> You can deal with him when you get out, but you are going to jail tonight. Okay. >> Please. I can't be without him. >> Hello. >> Hey. How are you? This is Deputy Cosby County Sheriff's Office. How you doing? >> I'm fine. How are you? >> I'm doing good. Hey, I'm with Courtney right now. Uh, where are you located currently? >> Okay. Right now I'm in um >> Okay. Can you come over to uh the target on >> Absolutely. >> All right. Just to make you aware before you show up on scene, you're going to be taking custody of her child. She's being placed under arrest. >> Okay. >> All right. So, we're over here right now. About how long do you think you'll be? >> Um, about 15 minutes. >> Okay. Can I get you the exact Can you look at the exact address? >> Uhhuh. >> Stop. All right. Perfect. >> Yes. I'll be there in 15 minutes. >> All right. Judy, thank you. I'll see you soon. All right. >> Can I ask a question, please? >> Go ahead. >> And um before you put me in depress, please. >> Oh my god. I have a panic attack. >> First thing, um are they going to post my bail tonight? >> I don't know. I don't control bond. So, what I am going to do is obviously I don't want to place you in handcuffs in case we still need to, you know, worry about a child. So, as of right now, I'm going to keep you out of handcuffs, okay? But I do need you to take out all your everything out of your pocket. I need your key lanyard. I need all that stuff. Okay. >> Okay. >> Listen to what I'm telling you, Courtney. I'm being very cordial with you. I don't want to place you in handcuffs until your mom gets here. That way, she can take custody of your son. >> Can I grab him and hold him, please? >> Not right now because I don't want to get into a fight with you over your child. Okay. No, that's I'm not going to give you that option. Okay. What's your What's your son's first name? So, if you want to go ahead and just have a seat right on this curb for me. >> Can I Can I please hold >> Have a seat on the curb, Courtney. >> Have a seat on the curb for you. Thank you. I don't want to handcuff you in case you need to do something with your child. Okay. So, just bear with us. All right. >> During the vehicle check, police discovered items that required further review to ensure safety, particularly with a child present. >> All right, Will, you have the right to remain silent. Answer any of my questions. Any statement can be used against court. Understand your rights. So, let's see. >> You guys were stealing these for to sell them because you got you got a ton of cards in there. Do you can't sell those? >> Yeah, we >> I'm kind of confused, man, cuz that's like a >> Yeah, a lot of them like the ones that >> commons and stuff. >> Yeah, they're not worth a lot. The ones that are in sleeves, we have valued. We're $100 short of what our rent is. That's why. >> I got you. And how do you sell them? You just sell them locally offer up and stuff? >> Yeah. Offer up or to a game that crazy? >> Yeah. Or to a game shop. They buy them immediately for cash. >> Okay, fair enough. >> All right. Is there anything in that car besides Pokemon cards I need to be aware of? Yes, sir. >> Okay. There's While I'm searching the uh the rest of the car inside of a not only I we have a cigarette or cigar, right? That was on your side. >> Okay. >> I'll take responsibility. >> Well, I don't want you to take Is it yours or is it hers? >> The cigarette is mine. >> So, that's fine. Um and then, uh there's a Milwaukee lunch box. What's in the lunch box? >> A Milwaukee lunch box. >> Oh, I'm sorry. No, it's a So, it's a red lunch box. >> Is what's in that lunch box yours? Um uh actually we went um fishing earlier today with my niece and two of my friends. They left a lunch box and a fishing pole in my car. >> But it's unzipped and opened. That's what I'm saying. Like that's weird. And inside of there we have pills and a pill bottle and a pill cutter. Yeah. >> No, sir. >> So the lunch box isn't yours? >> No, sir. >> Is it going to be hers? >> No, it is not hers. >> Are you guys going to other stores and doing this? >> No, sir. >> So, how do you guys have so many Pokémon cards? >> I've been collecting for years. >> That's what I'm saying. But these are all new cards, man. They're all like fresh out of the pack. >> Yeah, the ones that I have. >> The ones that are in there. Yeah, >> those are I've if you see the sleeves in there, they're all sleeved up, well taken care of, fresh out of my binder. We were taking them to the game store, Prodigy. >> Okay, cool. All right, we are beginning. >> All right, so Courtney, so I talked to him. The stuff that we found in the back seat here, is there any anything else that belongs to Target? >> Not that I'm aware of. No, >> it's a yes or no. Like, you should be aware of what I mean, you just you decided to take those out of the >> Yeah. Yeah, but no. >> Is there anything in here that doesn't belong to you guys? >> No. >> Were you guys somewhere with some friends about fishing or something? >> Yeah. Okay. Uh, did they leave anything in the car? >> They might have. Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, who was driving when you guys got here? >> Um, I was driving when we got here. >> There's a lunch box on the driver's side floorboard. Is that yours? >> No, he just moved that over there when we got to the car. >> Okay. Have you ever seen that lunch box before? >> It's his lunch box. >> It's his lunch box. >> Yeah, he takes it to work. >> Okay. >> But I don't I don't mess with the lunch box cuz he usually keeps it in the work truck. >> Okay. Do you guys have any kind of prescriptions or anything like that? >> Any what? >> Prescriptions. Like prescriptions? >> No, I don't. No, he don't. Not that I'm aware of. >> So, if there's pills in that lunch box, whose pills would those be? >> My guess would be his because I don't touch the lunch box. He, like I said, he usually keeps it in the work truck and he brought it with when we went when we went fishing. >> Okay. They're not taking that until my baby out, right? >> No, we were going to leave the baby in the car and then hopefully your mom can meet the tow truck driver. What kind of question is that? >> Because you're asking. Why would you ask that question? because my baby was still in the car. >> Obviously, we're still searching the car. Just sit there and listen to what's going on, okay? Just sit there. You don't need to keep asking questions. All right? >> If you were so worried about your baby, you wouldn't be doing this with your child. That's what the bottom line is. >> Okay? This was a mistake. >> After completing their procedures, both adults were taken into custody while relatives were contacted to care for the child. >> I get the baby. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, did um did Judy call you? >> Yeah. I'm Judy's husband. Um, okay. Perfect. All right. So, yeah. >> Can I get him so he stops crying? >> Yeah. Yeah, that's what I was talking about. >> I appreciate it. >> Absolutely. >> What are you doing? Huh? What's going on? You see all the light? >> Hi, guys. Thanks. Thanks for taking care of >> You got a car seat? >> They are being arrested, you know, and it is. >> Who's being arrested? >> Both of them. >> Both of them? >> Yeah, both of them. They're both They put their son at risk. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Yeah. So, again, I can't go into the full nature of it, but either way, they're they're both being transported to the jail tonight, and their car is being towed. >> Okay. >> All right. to the torso. Okay. >> Okay. >> You have anything sharp I can stick or put? >> No, sir. I don't have anything. >> Okay. >> Okay. I don't have bracelets on him. There's one on this one. >> Okay. I'm just going to take him off right now. I'm going to leave him in your car. >> Um, no, that's okay. >> You want to take him with you? >> I don't think I'll be able to get my car out. I don't know if I'll be able to for the only one working. >> About the ring. You want the ring to go with it? >> Oh, it's my engagement ring. Yes, please. Oh, no. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. >> All right, take a seat. Hey, remember what I told you, okay? Think about your child when you get up a little bit better. All right. >> I'm so sorry. I really am. I'm so sorry. You >> want me to roll the window down for you? >> Yeah, because I feel like I want to have a panic inside. >> All right. Just breathe. Just breathe. You'll be okay. Uh so I was here um in reference to a shoplifting that almost occurred. Uh while we're here, we observed this gentleman here, you know, selecting multiple packs of Pokémon card, Pokemon trading cards. >> Correct. >> And then can you just kind of give me a rundown of what we were observing? >> So while we were going through video review of the other incident, a individual coming into the store with selections of Pokémon cards, the toy aisle, and then making their way over to the baby infant care aisle where there was another subject. And both subjects then had merchandise concealed under their cart. Right after making their way and meeting together with the other subject, white female, they both proceeded to exit out of the east side exit. >> What else did they conceal? >> Uh they concealed larger packs of Pokemon card. The cards were then concealed under the baby stroller on top of the baby stroller with the looks like a blanket and then moved around. Yeah. And moved around on >> Okay. And then who who made those selections? >> Uh that was the female. >> Okay. So and she had walked in prior to the male actually walking in. Correct. >> Okay. And then he came in after and then walked out with her. And at that and at that point is when I made contact with them, you know, in order to identify them at that point, you know, do you want them trespassing location? >> We would. >> Okay. >> The father and mother faced multiple charges including shoplifting, child injurement, trespassing, and possession of under Florida law. The total penalties could reach up to 16 years in prison and $16,000 in fines. This case serves as a reminder to adults about the importance of awareness and responsibility in every decisioning children. There is a thin line between guidance and inappropriate treatment. When that line is crossed, the consequences are not just physical. They can also affect the emotional bond between mother and child. >> Get up from my car. You are impeding my investigation and I will take you to jail. GET >> OUT OF MY FACE. On March 25th, 2025, West Palm Beach County police received an emergency call concerning a child's well-being. It started when a boy around 10 to 12 years old ran out of his home, but quickly escalated as police uncovered hidden challenges in the family situation. >> Which direction did you see him lost? >> I was at way. I stayed in the middle of things. So when I came out the door on the phone with dispatch, he was on the long sidewalk coming on 17th out of the complex. Then he ran up this way toward this way. I can't see way this way from my from my complex talking about he seen him go way down there and and and then stop him. >> How you get way down the house talking about they seen him and then stop him. Duke, you just wanted to go there. That's this is not the time for that. >> Did you see him over there? >> No. >> Did you suffer from anything? >> No. >> So what happened? >> You just I grabbed his phone instead of his iPad so I could have showed you that he was in the act of doing this >> in your house. >> In my house. I just caught him in my bed. I had to call the police. It was the same thing. He tried to fight me, run away. It's the same thing. This scares me. You know what I'm saying? >> This his big brother. He never had an issue. I don't know how. >> Was he in your room this time or? >> No, he was in David room. >> Okay. So, you caught him in the act. What happened? Did you go to this? >> He's the one called. >> Oh, she called you? >> Yes. >> Okay. Did you discipline him? >> Yes, I went to discipline and he ran out. >> Yes. >> Okay. 17th district. I'm going to take you there. You want me to come with you my phone? >> No. >> I can't guarantee you right now. >> I'm sitting back. >> At the same time, police located the boy. Observations on his arms and legs highlighted the seriousness of the situation. >> What's up, man? You okay? >> Hit you. >> She hit you? Did you guys get in an argument? >> She with a stench. >> With a what? >> A sting cone. >> So, what happened? What did she What What was mom doing exactly with You said You said extension cord. >> Yes. >> Why was she upset at you? >> You remember me from the bathroom? >> I do remember. >> Oh, that's you. What's your first name again? So, she got mad at you because you didn't hop in the shower right away. >> Mhm. >> So, the same You're saying the same thing? >> The same thing. >> And so, she got mad at you and did she pull you out of the shower or >> No, I hopped on the bed. She kept me. >> She I'm sorry. Say again. >> I hopped on the bed. >> Okay. >> What happened before you hopped on the bed? >> Were you guys arguing? Was she yelling? >> She She literally just closed the door. >> Close the door. Why did she close the door? Why would she close the door? >> Close the door. >> She just got mad at you. And >> if I run, of course, she closed the door. >> So, I understand why you run out the house cuz she was sitting, right? >> I understand that. I want to understand what happened before she started >> me. I literally just started the whole time. >> Sorry. Say again. >> I told you to go stop. >> She got mad at you about showering. Did you not want to shower? Is that what that was? >> I was going to shower. >> You were going to shower? So she was mad that you weren't in the shower because she said so. Then she got mad. That's when she got mad at you. Yes. >> She tried at you with her hands. >> No. She really fell off. I got an extension cord. >> So as soon as she realized you weren't in the shower, she went to go grab an extension cord and starting it at her over there. Yeah, I know. They're They're about to bring mom over here. I know. Well, >> you might as well. >> What color was the extension? Was it orange, white, black? >> Is it like the ones that you use for like a TV? Like the >> Is it one you plug in to plug in more? >> The thin one >> that you use to charge your phone. >> Let me see your arm to charge your phone. >> What? Turn your arm like this. >> Where else did she hit you? Is he in the leg too or is that from running away? >> I think it's just from running away. All this is from you. Where she come here? >> So she was just it like this. I can see it on your arm. You have you have here. >> You all right? >> Yeah. >> You ran all the way from over there. >> Yeah. the whole way. >> All right. Calm, please. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Soon as he we come up to him, I mean, you can just see it. Put your arms like this. Here, here. Here. His legs. >> She just So, what he told me is that she was mad at him cuz he didn't hop in the shower. And when she got on his, >> she just grabbed >> mad. He said that she immediately got mad. Would you go grab an extension? Sorry. >> He's describing it as you >> can go. You okay, baby? >> Oh, what happened? I'm sorry. >> When the line between guidance and inappropriate treatment was crossed, the mother faced legal accountability. She showed remorse, seemingly unable to believe things had reached that point. >> Stop banging on my door, please. Okay. Right. I just listen. I just got here and they tell I'm telling you what's going on so you have to be patient. >> Listen, I we just me you came over here on camera. >> My partner just pulled me inside. Did you see that? He has on him. That's what we're investigating. >> We're going to jail right now. >> Okay. No problem. >> So allow us to investigate it and I'll let you >> That's fine. I went there. >> Step off the car, please. >> I don't want Huh? I don't want to. >> You have no choice. You have to. If she's going to jail, you have to >> Can I see him though? I I promise, ma'am. I'm not that type of mother. Please. I'm not that type of mother. Can I just please see him? I won't say nothing to him or nothing. You don't you are you a mom? >> He's okay. >> Are you a mom though, sweetie? I would never. That's what I need you to understand. >> Listen, but that's just my word against his baby. I told you I discipline him. >> I'm not going to argue with him. >> It's more than just discipline. He has wel on his arms, on his legs, on his face. He's >> He must HAVE FELL OR SOMETHING. Investigate this on both legs. I don't want to step out the car, >> ma'am. I'mma hyperventilate. Can you please just I swear that to you, I will not go nohere. I am going to hyperventilate. This is totally unexpected. Can y'all get me a sergeant or something? I swear to you, I'm not trying to do nothing wrong. I want this to be handled. I told you I'm scared for my baby. >> He's okay. Please, >> please. >> We're letting you know who's right now. All of our body cameras are on. He's fine. But I need you to step up. >> Why? Cuz if your mom is going to jail back here, >> can you take us back to our house and I can let him in the house? He's old enough to stay home by himself. >> But he's not old enough. >> We're not going anywhere. >> So you going to detain me here? >> I think we detained. >> So I can walk to my house. >> Yeah, but we don't want you. We can drive you. >> We at Nana house. >> I'm going to tell you one more time. I need you to come. I don't want you to get in trouble. >> You're not going to get in trouble. You just have to >> He's not going to get He's not going to get in trouble. >> Just need you to step out the car. You're going to be fine. Come out. >> Can you wait till his sister come? The camera only in here. We won't even talk. She want >> out of the vehicle. >> She's coming from the public right now in that vehicle. >> He don't want to be in no vehicle. >> This is not your choice. If you're under arrest, he cannot be in the back of the CAR WITH YOU. >> SO, AM I UNDER ARREST? YES. >> OKAY. I'M under arrest. >> Get out of the car, please. >> Here. Here. I love you. I love you. Can I get some go on the sidewalk next? >> Sorry. >> You know, you search me. Can I keep my phone, please? Cuz I want to talk to my daughter cuz she cannot keep the phone. >> So, >> Maya, they taking my phone going to jail. >> Take all they say and all of that. It's not. It's okay. I got I got him. >> Can make sure you check on your brother. >> I got him. I got him. >> Ma'am, can you wind the window down? I promise you I can hyperventilate. I won't speak to nobody. I'm not being rude to you, sweet sit in the car, please. >> Can you turn? >> Just lift up lift up your shirt real quick just so we can make sure. >> No, I don't got >> Yeah, just so we can make sure. We just miss >> We don't want to miss anything on you, buddy. >> What? Window down and talk to me. I swear >> she's going to talk to you. >> I know, but I won't even talk to you. Can you just please wind the window down? It just make me feel so much better. I'm going to have to swear >> I crack it. But as soon >> I crack it, but as soon as you start talking or yelling at other people, I'm going to close it. So if you stay quiet, I'll crack it. >> I will. I will. >> The situation became more complex when the mother's relatives arrived. Shocked to see her son placed in temporary care and the mother escorted by authorities. She's in the back of the car in handcuffs. You cannot go there. >> Are you who she was on the phone with? >> Yes, I'm the big sister. What's going on? >> Going under arrest for child right now. For what? >> Doesn't matter. >> It does matter. >> Doesn't matter. >> Okay. For what? >> Do you see? I don't need to explain to you. I don't need to explain to you. So, right now, I'm repeating my investigation. If you don't leave the scene, I will take you to jail. So, you guys get back, y'all. Get back. Get back. Okay. >> Don't say nothing to nobody. Mommy will come and get YOU TOMORROW. OKAY. BACK UP FROM MY CAR. You are impeding my investigation and I will take you to jail. >> Get out of my face. Do you >> please tell her stop? I'M SORRY. >> I KNOW. I know. I know. >> We don't need people screaming. It's a kid. >> That's our brother. What she wor about? >> I know they noticed. >> Do you feel safe now, honey? >> Okay. We're going to have the medics come and check you out. Okay. >> You're not in trouble. >> Someone, right? It was mom. You're not in trouble. >> I know. >> Big sister, can I talk to you, please? Were you at home at all whenever what happened between mom and him happened? >> No, I was out getting dinner. >> So, he has all over his body. >> That's why he ran away. He has welts and >> hang. He's not in trouble, but we need to keep him separate from everybody so we can talk get his side of the story before you allow him to talk to anybody else. Okay. >> I'm I'm sorry that this escalated so hard. >> So, while he talk to you guys, he is under edge. Can I be there while he talk to y'all? She's at the car with him by herself. Like, what is she doing? What did she say to y'all? >> If he wants you there, that's fine. But we have I'm sorry. We have We have a sergeant come out. First thing I want done before anything happens, I want the medics to come and look at him. He has a couple cuts on him that need to get evaluated. Okay. All right. And once our sergeant gets here, everything's We'll make sure that you guys are able to be He's not in trouble. He's not going to jail. >> I don't want him talking to her by himself. What is she asking him? >> Just what happened? >> Okay. I don't want him telling her what happened. >> Cuz we can't we can't go too far into it or I don't want her telling. >> Yeah, but we don't want her talking to him without appearing around. >> I don't want him telling her what happened. If we have to wait on your supervisor, that's what we can do. >> Hang tight right here for me. Let me go see. Anyway, my uncle told them I'm my auntie. Let her come with me. It's hard. She's very nasty. >> But what he's on in the hospital for all over got no that just let me tell you something. I my mother and them ain't these children need these days. That's what's wrong with her though. Like you don't know that you got jacking off. >> Baby, don't talk to nobody. I will be at the house right after you. that are you okay? Is he a parent? >> No. >> Excuse me. That's That's my big brother. Where is you taking him? We'll >> talk to that be with him. Where are you taking him? >> We're taking him to take him nowhere. >> But you have to take him somewhere. >> For what? >> Somebody has to watch out for the world for this child. He's gotations all over. >> Okay. But you said it's my little brother. I mean, I'm an adult and I can be with him. You're not going to be able to be with him where you can be at the hospital where he's at, but he's going to be at St. Mary's ride with him. >> No, they're not allowed to ride. >> More than likely going to say St. Mary's. So, we're going to figure out >> follow the car. We can follow it. >> Oh, you guys follow it's fine to follow. There's nothing wrong with Again, there's also obviously issues with him. Whatever happened there was probably too much. I don't know yet. I have to get to the bottom of it. If there was a lot of corporal, but you can't somebody till they're >> there's there's there's a difference between corporal punishment and someone That's what that's what I told I haven't got. I just showed up. I've only been here for 30 seconds. >> They need with stitching cords this generation. >> No, you can't do that. >> I know we can't. I said they need >> I'm taking >> the mother was taken to the station to complete the necessary procedures. >> So, what I was cuz you never talked to me. So, I asked you what uh what was wrong, but tell me what. >> Okay. So, he has welches. So like if you meet someone with I don't know a belt, a cord, jump rope or something, they leave, he has welches all over his arm, all over his leg. He has a wall along his face and I don't know about his back and front area. They will tell me that cuz he's at St. Mary's Hospital. >> And then you said something about >> on his face. Where else did he >> on his right leg? >> His right leg right over here. And what kind of like what caused the like >> I don't know cuz when when they went out with him that's what they saw. So I don't know. >> She was charged with child abuse. Under Florida law the penalty can be up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a $5,000 fine. Love is not about physical correction but about understanding and supporting a child's growth. Guidance is necessary but it must be accompanied by compassion and emotional control. A child's safety is not something to be handled on impulse. It's a responsibility that must be maintained every minute, every second. Adults, especially parents, are not only a source of love, but also a protective shield against life's risks. Consistent care, close attention, and a proactive approach to prevention are the most practical ways to ensure children remain safe and can grow and thrive. If you found this content helpful, don't forget to like, share, and leave a comment to help spread awareness about protecting children. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat.