alert. Stop preaching. >> Wait, wait, wait. Stop. >> Don't have that. How many guns? >> They got it. >> In moments when people lose their balance. What remains are children [music] facing uncertainty? >> Where do I find where? [music] >> That's why it smells like I got >> I got to get arrested. >> Yep. You're going to be placed under arrest for domestic battery. Okay. In today's video, you'll explore situations where the line between safety and risk becomes more fragile than ever. This person thought he was safe online, but authorities are always vigilant and ready to protect children from potential online risks. In May 2022, the Cumberland Police Department launched an online operation to identify individuals showing concerning behavior toward minors. During the operation, Chief Heatherwolf, Cumberland, Wisconsin, noticed a suspicious post on a website where someone expressed unusual interest in a sensitive family role. Investigators then engaged to clarify the individual's intentions. Over the following days, the individual, later identified as Jason Bowers, 43, working in healthcare in Rochester, Minnesota, communicated via a chat app, frequently sharing daily life photos and suggesting moving to voice or video calls to verify identities. Eight days after the initial contact, he traveled from Minnesota to Wisconsin over two and a half hours to meet who he believed was a teenager. Upon arrival, he [music] was intercepted and taken into custody by officers. >> Be right there. Right there. >> Driver, put your hands up. Put your hands out the window. Slowly grab your keys and step out of your vehicle. Hands up. Face away from me. Step out. Face away from me. Face away from me. Slowly walk back with their hands up. Face away. Keep walking. Keep walking. Keep walking. Face away. Keep walking. Stop. >> Get down on your knees. >> Put your hands behind your back. >> Is anyone else in the car? Are there any guns in the car or anything like that? Okay. He said no one else is in the car. >> All right, >> I got this right here. >> Okay, I be in the game. It was revealed that he was married with two young children who were completely unaware of his online activity. >> I parked in the middle of the street and there's these people in the apartment. Look at that lady in the middle of the street. >> I do. I'm like, you see the >> Oh, they're they're not right back. >> Oh, yeah. there backwards because Peter's not putting him on backwards. My husband needs to fix the actual stuff. >> She's just going to put him in the interview room and he can just >> Okay. >> Sit for a second. >> It might be trickier in terms of it might just be easier to search like document and stuff like that. >> If you're okay with >> Yeah, she's not going to be here. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Do all the pictures here before Rich takes the vehicle. >> Okay. >> So, all there's a whole bunch of bags and stuff inside. And I see there's like shooting targets. So, there might be a gun in there somewhere. Yeah. Just take pictures of everything and then just grab anything you find. So, >> I'm going to go back inside. >> Electronics. We have to we need to take >> does did he have a phone on him or is it in the car? >> It they're it's in the car. I believe he did not have a phone on him, but he should have two phones. >> So to take anything, >> anything electronic and anything like he said he was going to bring protection if he was going to use it. So anything like that. >> Yeah. If there's condoms or anything related to this, let's just and then we'll you'll take it as evidence. Y >> we'll help search the vehicle. >> Okay. So we'll go back and we'll we'll do the interview. >> Yeah. And then we might we'll do all the inventory later. >> Okay. >> Car seats. >> Hey, John. >> I don't think so. Thank you. Yeah. See you, John. >> Okay. I have it all for you. >> Numbers. >> I don't have numbers though. You got any? Uh, >> vehicle checks also uncovered items that authorities needed to review as part of their investigation. >> A cell phone here. I take a picture of cell phone. >> I took a picture of that. Got that? Okay. >> Um, can you take a picture of that? It was in that bag. >> How can he come here? Well, I mean, there is a lunch pack in the back. Maybe he didn't want to use his card to bring anything. That's why it smells like I got really >> Anybody want some? >> Where was that in that little thing? >> Yep. Just >> here. Put it back. >> Step out. [snorts] Going to walk around the back of the slide. Keep working into that room. Not at the moment. Down over here for >> Hello. >> Hey, come in. PD1 me. >> All right. Come on in. >> Oh, hello. Hello. How is Jason today? >> He's good. >> Good. Well, then how's Mindy today? >> I'm good. >> Good. >> How are you? >> Good. >> Good. Jason. >> Good, man. Okay. Go ahead and take a few. Okay. Okay, I'll have you take your seat back there. >> The man was charged with using a computer to facilitate a child crime and attempted secondderee sexual assault of a child. By March 2023, he was convicted of attempted secondderee sexual assault of a child. His other charges were dismissed, but still entered into the record. Ultimately, he was sentenced to 3 years in prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release. Mayo Clinic confirmed that his employment there ended after the arrest. While technology makes life more convenient, it also carries risks when misused. Parents should proactively create guidance and rules to help children stay safe online. When the relationship between a stepmother and her spouse's child reaches an impass, even a routine child handover can quickly become stressful. >> If I keep being respectful, then um she'll whoop me and she'll let my mom know that she >> On June 16th, 2024, while police were conducting a traffic check, an unusual commotion nearby immediately drew their attention. At the scene, the child's stepmother and biological mother were involved in a heated disagreement during a scheduled pickup. The situation began when the boy called his mother, expressing that he felt uncomfortable in his daily life. Anxiety and tension escalated quickly. >> Stop. DON'T DON'T REACH IN THAT CAR. >> Stop moving. Stop moving. Stop moving. >> AND CHOKE ME OUT. >> Give it a second. Relax. Sweetheart. Sweetheart. >> Look at my neck. >> This girl shooting gun. He pulled a gun on me. Look at my neck. >> Hey, we're here now. Stay here. >> I JUST WANT TO GO TO my stay here. You're going to stay here. Stay in the car. Stay in the car. That just shot a gun at me. >> Stop. >> Ma'am, this is my wife. >> Okay, that's fine. She reached in the car when we walking up. That's >> I'm sorry. >> All right. >> Hey, stay out of the door. Jam >> I got you. Hold on. >> There kids in the car. >> Y Hey, they got a gun right there. It's on the top of the car. >> She just shot a gun. He grabbed me around my neck. >> He grabbed me around my neck. >> And then he just pulled the gun when y'all was just coming up. The gun on that side of the car. Is it in that bag? >> Don't go don't check the car. >> Don't have open that door. How many guns? >> They got it. >> And I have and I have conceals also. I didn't pull no firearm. That's He grabbed me around my neck. >> And like tell him you put your hands on me, too. >> Hey, can we be honest, please? Did you not put your hands on me? Bro, >> I got you. >> That's up, bro. Listen to me. >> That's crazy, bro. That's my son, bro. I got four kids. I I got a baby in the car right now. I would never my son, bro. And you know me, fam. >> Are the kids only in this car? >> Yeah, just my kids. >> Just wait right here back in the back seat. >> Hey, baby. Everybody. Okay. >> Can I get my baby? >> They're fine. You want to talk to him? Yeah. Talk to him. They're good. That's your cousin. Okay. You going to come out? You come out on this side. Okay. What's your name? >> Yanni. >> Before switching. >> Yeah. Yeah. I got you. >> That's crazy. I would never have my son, bro. All right, let's go. >> Why would you even disrespect my wife like Oh, hold on. Let me just tell you. Who are you? >> I'm No. No. Are you mom? Are you >> That's my mom. >> We got guns pulling out on each other. >> Put her hands on me and Anna put out her gun. >> She has She has She has my lawyer. I'm going to call I'm going to call you. >> Sorry. Stop. Wait. Wait. Wait. Stop. >> I have a lawyer in the car. I'm a nurse. >> Okay. I'm being as nice as possible here. Please stay out of the car. >> Yeah, I understand. >> But until we figure out what's going on, just relax. Please don't ever put your hands on me. >> On you. No, I grabbed her. That's my sister. >> You did grab him. It's all right. It's okay. We get it. We get it. >> She's not the person that I know, but >> we're trying to figure everything out. We We're trying to figure everything out. >> We're just here to calm everybody down. These officers are going to come >> make contact with everybody and have conversations. >> Okay. Who is he to you? Miss Diamond. >> He had my son for a week. >> Hold on. Let me ask you something. >> Hold on. I'm going to give you a whole little rundown. He had my son for a week. My son. >> Is it joint? You got >> No. No. There's no joint custody. I have >> No, no, no. I'm sorry. Is the child in common? Like is that his father? I don't I don't care about the custody right now. >> He never had a baby at all. But I was being a good mom because he also on summer break. So I said he could go. My son called me and said that the stepmom a verbal complaint against him stating that he was going to put his she was going to his she stated that she was going to my 10-year-old son. So I told him I said bring me my child. You get what I'm saying? You can search her. >> Where's your idea? He grabbed was her by her neck. >> When he grabbed me, that's when she grabbed the gun and she cocked it back and she shot it. >> Look, that's why my shoes was off cuz he picked me up, picking me up by my neck, telling me I would um I would kill you, stupid. >> She caught the gun back and she shot the gun towards him. That's why y'all heard the gun. >> Where was the gunshot at? Roughly >> roughly >> overlapping relationships can make everything more complicated. The father sides with his current wife. The mother insists she's protecting her child. And the child witnessing the adults conflict [music] bravely expresses what they are experiencing. >> Never. So for her to be with all that rage, I don't understand that I'm a great dad, bro. I don't do no disrespect. I'm a man of God, bro. I don't even play like that, bro. My mom is a pastor, bro. I don't play like that, bro. >> No, we heard it. We were on that traffic stop right there. We heard it. And then a guy pulled up and was like, "Yo, there's somebody pointing a gun over there. >> Put her hands on me." And my wife acted in self-defense. >> I was talking to him. I I'll explain to you. I can talk. >> Yeah, absolutely. Just showcasing right there. >> But that's what I'm not going to do. I'm just talking. That's all I got. >> She Yeah, she fired in self-defense. >> How could I possibly beat up? Why would you pull a gun and shoot at me? >> I feel you. Middle >> and look at my neck. You don't have no You don't have no bark, no no nothing. You're a man. Why would you even do that to me? He just got out on summer break. So, I let him go for a week till my son called me and told me about what the girlfriend said to him. Yeah. Him, I'mma be trusted and tell your mom. And I also called the mom and I said, "Hey, just tell him to drop my child off." He said, "Meet him over here at the sister house." Sister, >> that's petty. >> That's his friend, the tall black. You want to check the car? >> Yeah, >> I can step away. >> TCW and gun. >> Yeah, but I ain't got my gun on me. >> Oh, no. It's not in the car. >> Go ahead. Check it. Go ahead. He put no gun on nobody. This >> I feel Can you have your son come out? >> Bentley, get out the car. >> Hi, Bentley. How are you? Are you okay, buddy? >> What? What did you guys tell the police what she said? You don't have to be scared. They can't touch you. The police here, >> Miss Diamond, walk away. >> Miss Diamond, you need a medic. to my side. >> Hey, what's up, buddy? >> Well, what happened was she told me that it was time for me to go to bed. And then she thought she thought I was just sitting here and wasn't going to get up. I was stretching, but she didn't let me talk. And then and then when when and then she said she said something about um if I keep being in respectful, then that she >> Okay. All right. And that is the girlfriend that was put in handcuffs over here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do you know her name? >> Anastasia. >> Anastasia. Okay. All right. Thank you. Just hang hang out with your mom. Give us a few minutes. >> They said they did. >> They said they did, but you never saw one. >> Yes. The uh girl with the white pants on. She went in her trunk. She went I don't know what type of gun. I just seen her. >> Wait, did you see a gun or did she just >> I saw her glint go in her trunk, pull out something, and then soon as y'all pulled up, I don't know if it was gun or not. >> Okay. All right. I'm going turn. >> She only know I have a gun because she said that she'll shoot me. And I said, "You shoot me, I'mma shoot you." She told me she was going to shoot me. So I told her, "She shoot me, I'mma shoot you." >> That's fair enough. Okay. A witness came forward describing the stepmother's pressuring behavior and the father's lack of calm. Both adults crossed boundaries leaving the child caught at the center of the disagreement. >> They you know normally they'll do exchange like to get >> So the child exchange is right here. >> Yeah. Some sometime depending on the area but she was already in the area. Yeah. My sister pull up. I pull up with my sister then. >> So when you mean pull up where exactly were you sitting in the vehicle or you in your own car? No. >> Yeah. We both Yeah. And I'm in the Honda. >> And you're in the Honda right there. Y'all pull up simultaneously at the same time. >> Uhuh. No, she pulled up first and then I came. So when I had came, we was waiting for like 20 minutes like just waiting on my nephew cuz she said he was calling. He said he was calling Bobby which was his dad. She like, "Bobby, can you bring my baby?" Like she wasn't arguing. It was no fussing or anything. When we seen them like they was doing like a hundred coming down the street. So we was looking at them. He had pulled over and he was like >> And then you mean so they was coming? >> Yeah. They was coming like this way. >> North Division. >> Yeah. like driving fast as hell. So he had parked the car and then my sister was like, "Where my baby at?" He had opened the door. The girlfriend, she ended up getting out the car. I don't know her name. I just was here just there. She kept telling my sister, she was like, "Ho, get your baby, ho. Come get him. You want to get your son? Come get your baby. Like, come in the car and get your baby ho." Cuz he couldn't get out. It's a twodoor car. So, you get what I'm saying? >> So, as she was doing that, you know, >> to kind of get the baby Yeah. to get my nephew The girl ended up reaching like in the arm of her door and she took the gun and she was like, "I shoot you in your face, ho." Like she just kept saying that and she was like, "I don't give a [ __ ] about these kids." And she just was like, um, steady like, you know, cursing and doing too much. So my auntie and me, we were just trying to >> So get the gun. What did she do with it? >> When she had got the gun, she had looked at us and when she looked at us, she had looked at my sister. She pointed it like this, but then she grabbed the gun. >> She grabbed the gun. The gun is like this. >> So cuz I my camera could see exactly. So she grabbed the gun. She dropped me in the car. She pointed at my sister. Then she had pointed in the air. Like boom. >> Did she say anything? >> She kept telling her. She was like, "Hold I you. I'll shoot you in your face. I'll shoot you in your face." And then Bobby when she walked to the back of the car, Barb Bobby end up running up on my sister, grabbing her and justing her, turkeying her. So me and my auntie, we like trying to move his hand like But a man is strong, bro. We fighting it to try to, you know. >> So her face was turning red. >> Yeah. Like she damn near like I can see that her eyes was like like she was f to drop man [ __ ] and then after he said that he pulled the gun from under his >> so he pulled a gun like to to tuck it but he had a shirt. So the way his shirt was I didn't see the gun but when he went to her the gun had my side I was like oh I was like diamond come on no no no come on come on come on he got a gun and she got a gun she had already shot you. So once he was done her, how did y'all separate them? >> Me and my auntie. >> What events happened after that? >> Nothing really happened after that. She had end up um pushing up the seat. >> Then uh did you ever see the girlfriend hide the gun? Did you ever see her do anything else with a gun? Did you see Bobby do anything with a gun? >> Yeah, Bobby. He was running cuz we heard that we we I heard I knew that the police was coming. is coming by. And he was like, he ran to the car, but soon as she ran to the car, a police officer already, the one that was in the was in an unmarked car. So, at first, I didn't know it was the police until he clicked the lights and then Bobby ran in the car. He was trying to hide the gun. >> All right. But did you ever see Bobby pop the trunk, pop the hood or anything? >> He didn't pop the hood. He opened the door. >> He opened the door. >> Yeah. They gun like his his gun already was right here. Her girlfriend had the gun in her arm, like you know, the side of the car. >> All right. >> According to the mother, she went to the meeting spot simply to ensure her child's well-being. However, she found herself in a stressful situation as well. >> You swear affirm that the statement you're going to give me is the truth. My truth. >> Yes. >> All right. What happened? Start from what time he got here and what led up to >> my son was stating that um his dad girlfriend had stated that she would his ass and tell his mom. That's when the dad started getting aggressive with my baby and I said just drop my son off. But this is the aunt house. We usually exchange here or I drop the baby here and we pick the baby up from here. So this the common place where which is Bobby's sister. I text at 6:41. What's the what's the address? He said new house at 6:41. I text at 6:46 that I was here. It took them a minute. I kept on calling as you can see. I called multiple times. BJ BJ BJ BJ that's 7:51. She texted me, "Stop calling love. We on our way to 6:47." That's when we had Well, they arrived. I got out the car. My aunt got out the car first to try to get him, but it was prior commotion. So, I just want my child because you don't say nothing like that to a child. He's not an aggressive kid. He's only 10 years old. So, if you saying aggressive things like, "Oh, I'm a this, that, and the third," he's going to get scared and shut down. That's when he started like finger pointing. Y'all saw the video started finger pointing blah blah blah blah blah. >> Finger pointing what? >> No, just his hand. >> Who? Who was fingerpoint? >> Me was driving. >> What's his what's his real name? >> Bobby. So Bobby got out the car at the driver's side. That's when the girlfriend just she started selling out. Like I'm like it's not about you. Like no one's talking to you. I'm talking to him. We don't have nothing to talk about. You get what I'm saying? My child is with in his in his custody at the moment. There's no need for us to talk. So she started that's when he came to me aggressive. He grabbed me around my neck. We ended up coming. >> That's why you have you have that on your neck. >> Yeah. He grabbed me around my neck and as y'all seen we we like walking this like cuz obviously I'm way shorter than him. He like walking me this way, walking me right this way. So when he walk >> So when he was grabbing back then he >> absolutely >> Yeah. Now I can see the marks. >> Yeah. >> So as he was grabbing your leg was he saying was he saying like I had got lightheaded for a second and I kind of straddled. So when I had straddled that's when you know what I mean by straddle when I'm standing right there. That's prior to that. She jumped out the car. She caught the gun back and she like shot. So I stood right here behind. >> Okay. Who jumped out the car? >> Anastasia jumped out where? >> She went back to the car. She walked back to the car. She grabbed the gun. She caught the gun back. If you want to shoot before she could even Yeah. She went to the She went back to the car. The passenger side of the car. She grabbed the gun, caught it back. She grabbed the gun, caught the back. She shot one time. Boom. It was like pointed towards my me and my little sister. >> So he demonstrated. So how how demonstrate how how she pointed the gun. So from from here so she stand no I'm saying like from right here right here we don't have to go. >> No I just gota I'm a vision I'm a vision. So I got to like >> when she jumped do she was like selling and I'm telling her like it has nothing to do with you like I'm telling her it has nothing to do with you and Bobby why would you let you >> Yeah. He he holding me. My auntie was trying to like dispuse the problem. Like she was like that's a girl that's a girl. So she was like I'm not f to rape with you. She pulled the gun out and cocked it back. Not towards us like she tried to scare us. She tried to shoot towards us like she she shot like she was going to shoot at them. >> Yeah. So he's standing over here when she shot. He had a gun also because when y'all had pulled up originally, he grabbed he got in the front seat and >> Oh, y'all seen a So when he when he had he was like he was like, "Hold on. I'm >> Did he say anything? Did he wave the gun at you? Did he >> No. Cuz by the time when when he had the gun, he put the gun out, he was going to walk out. >> And so were you in fear for your life when she she grabbed a gun? I have to ask these questions. So you was in fear that she's she probably more likely. >> Yeah. Anybody >> after after she fired around? What did you do? >> When she has fired at me, I think. No, I was standing right here. My my thing was open. I tried to lift up the trunk like I'm saying just in case if she was still me. Now, can I is it okay if I look for my charm on my necklace? >> Yeah. You know what I'm saying? Does that conclude your stay with me? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. But, um, once he did come, he did go somewhere over here and the mom had the mom ended up pulling up in camera. >> No, no, no. He pulled up in that car. The mom had parked the car right there. I don't know where she got her car park. >> All right, that concludes our interview at 203 hours. >> The stepmother defended her actions by claiming the child was being difficult while the father's behavior only increased tension rather than calming the situation. >> All right, Mr. Mr. Dexter, my name is Officer Jo Police Department. Right now, I'm conducting a Before I talk to you, I'm required to warn you have the following constitutional rights before you make any statement. All right? You have the right to remain inside and not answer any questions. You know what I'm saying? Once once we conduct our investigations after we're done talking to everybody, I saw you guys looking at only cuz she put her hands on me first. I reacted out of self-defense, bro. >> Then we can talk about the rest of the stuff cuz if you talk to me without this, it doesn't help the investigation. You have the right to remain silent and answer the questions. Do you understand? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. So, Mr. Dex, just go ahead and walk me through what happened, how we ended up here. >> Okay. So, I've had my son for about 2 weeks now because even though you know we share a son, I am a child passport for her. So, my son has been with me. >> You share custody legally through the courts or >> honestly, I'm going be honest with you, man. I can't even tell you that. Even if I do have legal custody, which I don't know or not, I don't get to see my son like that. So, it's it's a shock that I even have him right now. She called me stating that she wanted to speak to Bentley that it was urgent. So, I said, "Okay, cool. I'm not home right now. I'm at the grocery store when I get back to home." So, when I got back home, I gave her a call. He got on the phone. My wife asked him, "Hey, Bentley, it's it's bedtime. It's 11 o'clock at night. It's time to go to bed." Four days ago, Thursday night, she asked my son to go to bed. It's 11:00 p.m. My son didn't want to go to bed. I went to see how my wife was going to handle it cuz that's her stepchild. So, I sat back and I let it go. He totally disrespected her. But that's the thing. He likes to play as if he's deaf. So, I said, "Okay." I sat there. She asked him again, "If your sisters are in bed, why are you not in bed?" He got an attitude. I said, "Okay, cool. No video game." Today, mind you, this happened 4 days ago. Today my son took it upon himself. Get on my cell phone. So I stepped in because I thought she was yelling at him. So I said, "What's Hey, hey, this is this this is this Bobby. What's going on?" Her hands on him. I said that that would never happen. First of all, cuz I don't give her permission to put her hands on him. If he needs to be disciplined in any type of form or fashion, that is my child. So if I to discipline him, I know how to discipline him. I have four children. I got three daughters and a son. So boom, it went from there to I said, "Okay, cool. Meet me at my mom's house. I will bring him there to you right now." If if it's that serious, >> there's there's and stuff on your son. How did how did he sustain the >> what kind of are on him? >> He has all kinds of >> like fresh marks and that's not whatever whoever did it. It was it's not it's not that wasn't a regular. He has welps. He has all kind from his arm. >> Have you ever stole up from before? >> Of course. >> What we talking about? >> But I'm saying who who who beat him? >> I myself did you call your mom? You know he said to me she's not my mom. She can't tell me what to do. He got an attitude with me. So I said okay get in the car. I'm taking you to your mom. So, yes, I did my son >> because you're not gonna you're not going to disrespect any adult. My son has that problem with other adults as well. Even in school, every child needs discipline. >> I don't believe that. But soon, so we got here. >> All I did was get out the car. That's where it escalated because she walked over the mom down, >> rushed over to the door, and she ran up in her face. They was doing all this arguing d I'm like, "Yo, let him out. Just let him out. Let he wants to go home, let him go." And I stepped in between it. The situation escalated from the car to over here by the sidewalk. >> What happened over here by the sidewalk? >> This is when I stepped in by the sidewalk. I stepped in between both of them. Me trying to be the the mediator, the peacemaker, I get hit by diamond. So all I did was put my hands around and I pushed her off. If I squeeze it too hard, okay, I understand that. I'm sorry. Did I put my hands on it? Yeah, I did. So when I broke it up, as I was walking back to the car, Diamond rushed over to Anastasia again. Anastasia pulled out her gun in self-defense to receive her. I don't know if she had it in there or not. That's all she kept saying. Oh. Oh. You ain't the only one. You're not the only one with a gun. So she ran to the trunk of her car. Did a round get fired from a >> Yeah. Yes, it did. >> All right. Who fired round? >> And when she fired it in the air, diamond was at least 3 ft away from her. >> When asked about the items she carried, the stepmother explained they were for personal safety, denied [music] anyone, and repeatedly supported her husband. >> It was about the incident that occurred today. We was home, left church, got home, which is my husband's baby mom, called say she need to speak with family. She talked intently. I don't know what the conversation was really about. Wanted her son back. And she was basically saying if she don't get her son back, she's going to call the police. At first, I was telling my husband no, and end up in jail like we are now. We got there, her, her sister, and her teacher got the car on us. Let's just talk about this, see what's going on first. We do all that. She didn't want to talk. Okay. We went we got an argument and I end up I they started jumping on my husband and understand that they was going to shoot us and I let them. >> So at no point in time at no point in time did they know case were in possession of >> I had my firearm. >> You had your firearm. >> So you didn't discharge your firearm? No. >> Did you or did you not? >> I didn't. >> You didn't discard your firearm? No. >> Or your possession of I wasn't I was it was I had it on. >> Yeah. What kind of firearm were you in possession of you know firearm you know takes around you know color fire you remember reaching into the back this fire that you're referring to. >> Mhm. >> All right. You ever point anybody else with firearm? >> Yes. >> Yes. I can't say as to who. I just know they was at the trunk of their car and they pulled out something out of the trunk of their car. And >> sure if it wasn't fire, but you did observe somebody running to the back of your car. >> Correct. Insulin fire. >> So you were in possession of the fire. When you exit the car, was the fire on you? >> No. >> Firearm was never on you. >> My purse. >> Your purse. >> What? Concealed. >> Concealed in your personal. All right. You drove the firearm. So at no point in time was this firearm drawn. Somebody walked up on me to my car and then I did to protect myself. >> After that cuz I'm just like, you know what? Let me put it up after that. And his mom just kept running up on me and I'm just like, you know, let's go. Let's just go. >> And uh who's Mr. Dexter? Excuse me. >> Yeah. At no point in time did you see Mr. Dexter? >> No, I didn't. Both the stepmother and the father were charged with aggravated assault and child. Additionally, [music] the stepmother faced a charge of firing a in public. Under Florida law, she could face up to [music] 30 years in prison while the father could receive up to 25 years. A reminder for divorced parents, resolve conflicts through calm dialogue, choose safe handover locations, and always prioritize the child's safety above personal [music] disputes. Sometimes doesn't come from strangers but from those close to us. People once fully trusted like a familiar neighbor. >> He was in the bed with his wife and I was talking to his wife who's on the opposite side where she couldn't see him and he'll just pull it off. >> On October 10th, 2024, after a concerning [music] incident, a child's mother contacted authorities when her daughter shared experiences that made her feel uncomfortable. Starting from early childhood during sleepovers [music] at a friend's house, the individual involved was the friend's father, someone the family had once trusted. This call quickly triggered [music] an urgent review process. >> You guys speak English? >> Do you want to tell me what's going on? >> I was having a little argument with my daughter. And then she told me, "Oh, you haven't really cared this and that." And then she's like, "If you cared, how come you never did nothing?" And he used to always. And I said, What? So I came and we argued and I I went off on him and the mom told me like we've had other incidents like this in the past. How come she didn't tell me nothing when she was spending the night and when she was with my daughter? >> When was this? >> 5 years ago. >> 5 years ago. >> So she would always be spending the night here with us. >> Do they have kids too? >> Yeah. >> That are now your daughter's age. >> How long ago would you say you lived there then? >> 5 years ago. 5 years ago. >> 5 to 6 years ago. Do you know them or >> I know >> your neighbors or who are they? >> Long time ago. >> You You guys both live here? >> Yeah. My wife. >> All right. >> I know what I did. >> What do you mean? You know what you do? >> Long time ago. A little girl. >> So, a long time ago. A little girl. >> Yeah. I in an inappropriate way. >> In an inappropriate way. >> Yeah. Inappropriate way. >> Okay. Where did Where did >> Yes. Right here in the body. That's it. >> Like where on the body? Where? >> Right here. >> Like her? >> No. Right here. >> Her stomach. >> Yeah. Right here. What about her? Any p private areas? >> No. >> No private areas. >> Nothing. Just like her like her stomach area kind of or her hips. >> How long ago was this? >> Like 7 years ago I guess when they were living right here. >> What happened today? >> She told to their parents what was happening. Okay. that time. No, >> no. >> The girl recounted situations where personal boundaries were crossed. Although no physical evidence [music] remained, these experiences have had a lasting impact on her wellbeing. >> Is your name? Okay. You're 17. So Hugh's been doing that, too. So, when was I'm going to ask you when the last time was that you did that to you? >> To this day, like I remember stuff that I forgot happened. >> Do you know how old you were? Maybe >> around five. And I remember stuff when I moved away. >> Do you know how old you were? >> Yeah, I was 10 when we moved away. >> So, when you were 10, that's probably one of the last times that happened. You want to tell me like you said you only remember like a couple times? >> Yeah. Couple times where I would sleep over like we were sleeping in the same bed and like he would say good night to us. You would used to have a sleepover together. You both >> he would say good night splice like once she fall asleep he'll come back then down there >> like touch you inside like underneath your underwear or on top of your underwear >> like [snorts] underneath there was times like he was teaching me and or was under >> underneath your bathing suit. >> Did he? >> Yeah. >> Do you know how old you were at that time? >> Like seven. There was also times where like we would fall asleep on the couch, but I would stay up and then it would TV and then it would just [snorts] or there was this other time where he was in the bed with his wife and I was talking to his wife who was on the opposite side where she couldn't see him and he'll just pull it out. Don't saw his eyes where [snorts] he called me to his room and he made me lay down and he lift it just like [snorts] rubbing his >> Did he ever do you remember that time? What about >> I don't remember that. >> Did he ever? >> I don't think so. >> No, just his fingers. The last time you kind of remember is like 7 years old or do you remember one when you were 10 years old? >> Just remembered when he would make me want >> That's fine because sometimes as a trauma response we try to hide stuff. You know what I'm saying? It's okay because it's so traumatic. [snorts] Your brain doesn't even want you to remember what's going on. So sometimes like over periods of time you get [snorts] flashbacks, right? It's almost like a protective like mechanism that your brain does for you. Okay. I know you said you let it slip out, right? And that's okay because you need to tell people about what's happening to you. I know that it's embarrassing. Like [snorts] sometimes it could be embarrassing, right? Or you feel like when you're that young, you don't know anything about it. So you think that you're doing something wrong, but you're not. [clears throat] And when you get older, you start realizing like, hey, this was not okay that this person did that to me because you trust these people. And then they violated that trust. >> The man acknowledged inappropriate behavior and [music] confirmed that tensions arose when the situation was discovered. Okay. Okay. Okay. foreign. Mhm. Okay. Okay. Okay. She told you like she just let it slip out that. So then what happened after that? Then >> I pulled over and I said, >> "Oh, you guys were driving somewhere?" >> Yes. I went to [clears throat] go pick her up from work and I pulled over and I said, "You're going to tell me right now." And she's like, "Like like anybody cares?" And I said, "You're going to tell me right now this to you." And that's when she told me it was him. Did you talk to him? Yeah. I came and confronted him and he started laughing to him like, "What are you talking about?" And I said, "Don't act stupid." And then I start I started at him and him. And then he was just there laughing. And then the mom's like, "Wait, wait. What happened?" So I told her and then she said, "Wait, can I talk to Mary Jane?" And I said, "You don't come. What? You think my daughter's lying?" And she came. And my daughter told her and she's like, "I'm sorry, but I had to my mom." And I said, "No, don't apologize. Where was she when she was supposed to be watching you?" And then she said, "We had another incident like this in the past." >> When you say mom, you like her wife. >> The wife. >> Okay. Okay. I just want I'm >> cuz that's her. friend's mom. So she >> So his wife said that they've had an incident in the past. Did she elaborate on that? >> She said he's done this in the past. He >> That's what she said. And I said, "What?" And then she just started crying and she's like, "Don't worry. We're going to take care of this." How my husband would have done that to your daughter? It would have been different, right? Just give me a minute. Okay. >> The wife, though aware of her husband's [music] past concerning behavior, struggled with guilt and concern toward the child's family. >> Tell him to stand out there. >> Okay. I guess. Okay, that's fine. Let me just make sure I have all the information. Okay. Was he in the car with you guys when he was telling that? >> When we were coming from work, it was just me and her. >> So you when you confronted him, he admitted to you that he did that? >> No, he was just laughing and laughing. >> He was just laughing. And then that's when the wife was like, "This we have the truth." >> Then she said that they had problems with that before. >> Yes. >> But they didn't say, she didn't say it was. >> They said, "We had an incident and I thought he had changed. So you knew about this. You knew that this has happened in the past." And then she's like, "No, wait, wait. Let me tell you what happened." I got hysterical and I started yelling at her and she just started crying. >> Thank you. >> Did you get the wife's name? >> No, I haven't got her. >> Let me get her information cuz you're saying that she knows it. It's happened before. She made a comment over there that this has happened before. It's like if she knows anything about that. What's your daughter's name? She never saw anything weird. I mean, she's just saying that they found out about the whole thing with her daughter two years ago. Okay. I don't think we need anything else from her. Okay. No. Okay. >> So, right now I'm taking him to the station doing an interview about the incident. After that, they're going to probably like screen it so that way they could get charges for it. >> No, I'm just afraid that he he you guys are just going to let him go and I'm going to have to come after this cuz she had daughter and I took I was little girl like she was my daughter. >> I'm sure they're like I said the the detectives are probably going to end up talking to her again. talking [snorts] to the daughter to make sure nothing happened to her daughter with him, too. They're going to have to do the investigation. So, the investigation is going to take a while. Our job right here is going to be we got him already. But now, it's going to be up to them. >> And like I said, because they changed the law that they don't have any bonds anymore that it's unfortunate because [ __ ] like like cases like this, for some reason, they don't feel like he's a risk. >> Guys, I think it's just best that everybody just go their own way. She wants to say her peace. I mean, it is what it is. But as far as like right now, I suggest that everybody we're already dealing with this, okay? So we don't have want to come back. Like I said, I'm not saying that you guys are going to do anything, but we're not trying to, you know, come back here for something else. Snowballs into a bigger thing. >> Yeah. You're not >> okay. That way like that. There you go. The following day, authorities worked with the man's wife and daughter to clarify the details of the situation. >> Okay. >> Thanks. >> Hello. >> You mind if I talk to him? >> Do you get to work yet? Cuz you get to go to a company. >> Yeah, I do. I work at a nonprofit. It's called Ragdale and Lake Forest. It's not I think most of their like partners are corporate are corporate are very corporate business and mine is for foreign. I'll let your nose ring. I wish I could do that. >> In the following days, the investigation expanded. Friends of the girl provided additional [music] information that helped authorities better understand the case. >> Hello. Are you funny? I'm so sorry for running late. Yeah. So, basically what I'm here for is Were you guys at court earlier today or No, >> not today. >> Not today. I wasn't there for the when you had that interview. So, I'm kind of getting everything feeling like hold to me. So, I'm kind of just trying to figure out exactly one of them being is figuring out who your friends are. I think they spoke to you about that, right? Estrea and >> Isabella. >> Isabella. What can you tell me about either of those? >> You guys want to come? >> Sure. Thanks. >> Well, Estrea, I don't really know like anything about her. >> Is she the one that's around your age? >> She's like older than me, like [snorts] a year or two older than me. The one that's around my age. >> She's like 18 or 19. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What's her last name? >> Um, Mamoru. And you said that she was the one that used to be at that house as well. >> Yeah. >> You guys would hang out and whatever. >> You know, like what high school she went to or anything like that? >> No, I didn't really hear about her after she moved away. >> What's the last time you saw her? >> Like when I was like 10. >> Okay. So years ago. >> Mhm. >> As you can remember, brown eyes, blue eyes. Like does she have >> She has light hair. She's like >> like blonde or like light brown? >> Like light brown. Do >> you ever on social media or anything like that? >> Um I do know her social media. >> Where did she move away to? >> I'm not really sure. I wasn't really like close to her. It was more them >> for you to have to say it again. But which one was the one that you think was a victim as well? >> Um, Estrea. >> Estrea was a victim. >> What was Isabella's part of this? >> So, like when I was younger, I did like try to tell them what was going on. The daughter was just like, "Oh, that just means that he trusts you." And then Isabella was the one that told me like was saying the same thing that I said. >> But you've told Strea and Isabella or just Isabelle? >> No, the daughter Sarani and Isabella. And then Isabella told me that Estrea told her got it. So you and Estrea never talked about it. >> Um no we never talked about it friends but >> but Isabella talked with and yourself for you to understand too. So again it's like the more people that we can speak to about this cuz it being so long ago the better the case will be to be able to prosecute. >> You might guys might want to even talk to the little neighbors of little boys because he really like to have all these kids sleeping over there. a lot of kids from the blocks and I've been trying to go out there and talk to the ones that were very close to us. >> Well, I mean if you hear of anything like you're doing that that'd be awesome but people are tend to come to us. Right now we're going to focus on her right now and everything but the more people that we can more of course you know sorry for coming so late. Okay. How's it going? Good. Yeah. Okay. Just try to forget about it right now. Like whatever they ask you, just answer truthfully. Don't make anything up. Don't reach out to friends right now. Okay. >> The former neighbor was charged with [music] aggravated under Illinois law. He could face 6 to 30 years in prison with no possibility of probation. Every reaction stems from [music] fear, pressure, or unresolved trauma. That's why staying calm, vigilant, and supportive is essential to protect children. Over a pile of clothes, and a messy kitchen, a mother child disagreement escalated to the point that authorities had to intervene. >> After that, I grabbed that and I hold on to the broom and then I let go of the pot and she tried. I threw a pot on the bed. On November 18th, 2023, police received a call from a mother after an argument with her 15-year-old son. The conflict began when she returned home to find her son upset over a lack of food [music] and a messy house. When she asked him to help clean up, he refused and tensions quickly increased. >> You can come in. >> It's okay. You could. >> Um, my son, I went to do Spart to get some food to cook. It's kind of late, but whatever. He destroyed my He done put my clothes that was on the couch and destroyed my kitchen. All I asked him to do was come downstairs and get it together. He had a whole fisty fit talking about, "Oh, ain't never been no food in this house." I should cuz I did. I'm not going to lie cuz I went up there to try to get him and we was tussling. He said I should have killed you that she heard him on the thing. Everything. >> So you went up there to try to What? Like did anything Did you guys >> tussled? What is that? Can you elaborate >> like how you tussle with your child? Yeah. >> Okay. So like he didn't like there's no likeing or anything like >> No, you got to bust up. I don't know how he got a bus up cuz I didn't hit him. >> I tried to. >> Okay. What's your first name? >> Ja. >> You wanted him to come downstairs to what? He was complaining about you guys were arguing over the He's saying there's no food in the house. You told him to come downstairs >> and clean up the mess so I could cook cuz he destroyed my kitchen. >> And then you went upstairs and then tell me exactly what you went to. >> I told him to come on. He told me I'm not going no [ __ ] way. That's how I started. He started cussing at me. I said, "Yes, you are. You going to go clean up this mess." >> Okay. >> Oh, BRO, YOU [ __ ] TRIED ME. You ain't buy [ __ ] >> Okay. And then >> then it What the hell are you talking about? Mhm. >> Oh, [ __ ] this. Oh, this and that. I DON'T CARE. I DON'T GIVE A [ __ ] >> YEAH. All that disrespect. And Yeah, I did. I went. >> And then what? And what did you do at that time? >> I did with I went and grabbed the pot. I I ain't going to lie. >> What pot? >> A little pot. >> And then you hit him with it. >> I tried to. He didn't. He blocked it. >> So you hit him with it? >> Mm-m. >> Okay. So, >> but I did get the broom and the broom went through the wall cuz we like I said, we was tussling. >> So, did you hit him with anything? No. >> Did he hit you with anything? >> No. >> Well, he pushed me back. >> So, you just attempted to hit him and you missed? >> Yeah, he he blocked So, and you said he has a bust lid, but you don't know how he got it. >> No, cuz he was in the um garage. He was slamming the door and I was trying to cuz he was cussing me out in the garage and so I was trying to get in the garage, but he was on the garage door. So, I did push the garage. He probably got it from there when I was pushing the garage though. >> And what were you pushing the garage door for? >> To get in there. >> He was just holding it closed. >> Yeah, holding it closed. >> What's his Can you spell his name for me? >> He went to Yeah, I'm going to call her now to see if he >> can you Yeah, do that for us, please. >> Who's that shy? One of the um church members houses. Is Josiah there? Yeah, he's there. Oh, girl, he to my house and we got into altercation, so I called the police. Yeah. So, they want to know is he there? He's He's He's there. >> All right. >> Um I meet Mitchi say you want me. Stay with her. Me, stay with her. We're going to go to 1200 North. Before the police arrived, the boy ran outside and was seen by neighbors looking anxious and upset, prompting authorities to conduct a careful search. >> Hello. >> He went that way. Is he living? I'm trying to find >> He ran. >> He's running away from the house. >> We're 97 in the house. The juvenile just ran up the back. We're trying to get a direction of travel now. And and when he came here, was he with you talking to you or you saw him? >> Yeah, he was talking to me. >> And how was he? He was okay. How was he? >> He was fine. He was just legit. He was just trying to explain his side of the story. >> Okay. Was he like super upset? Did he look like >> He was a little upset. >> Okay. Did he look Did he have any Was he? >> Mm- No. >> He had nothing. You didn't see any on him? >> No. >> Okay. And how often do you like how do you guys know each other? >> Oh, we go to the same church. >> Okay. And so you guys do see him around and you guys know him a lot. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Where did he go out of? He ran out this way cuz >> you show me. >> Yeah. >> Ran that way. >> Yes. >> I just don't understand how he could have ran this way cuz we came from there. Did you see him jump that fence? >> That's what I was saying. That's what I saw the other cop was like this. >> I just Yeah, because it's just like we we came here. >> Yeah. I was like >> that's Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Making sure he can't be hiding anywhere over here. >> I mean, did did he look like Did he think he was in trouble? >> He did? >> Yes. >> Why would he have been in trouble? What did he say to you when he was with you guys? How did he he how did he look? >> I really didn't look at him. >> Did I'm saying did he look Did he look >> No, he didn't. >> Did he have any injuries? Was he upset >> his lip a little bit, but that was about it. >> Just the lip, you said. And then what did he say to you guys? >> I didn't really hear anything from you. >> He just came in there quietly or >> I was in my room. He came to them. >> All right. No worries. >> All right. We're going to keep looking. All right. Just >> I'm going stay outside. >> Is y'all okay? >> No. No. We're still looking for him. >> All right. Just stay with her cuz she's not free to go right now. >> She looks like the primary aggressor and whatever's happening here. >> Ma'am, would you content us searching her house to make sure he's not in there? Okay. >> Hush. Come here. Come here. Come here. Go ahead. >> You said we're able to. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you. Just stay with the car's coming right now. I'm going to search you. Did he before you with this pan? >> Did he? Yeah, he pushed me out the way. >> Okay. So, so he pushed you and then you him with the pen. >> I tried. >> Okay. Why did he Why did he push you? >> Cuz I was trying to get him to come downstairs. >> Are you? >> No, I'm not. >> I have three other kids. Trust me. >> Excuse me. No worries. They're not at home, right? No, my daughter's home right now. My daughter's at work. >> No one else is in the house right now. >> My son is at his place and my other daughter stays in Georgia. >> Oh, no problem. His paperwork. Do you have a Can you send me a picture of him, >> please? >> Sure. >> This is the guy here. >> Just reading the >> This is all I have of him right there. >> How long ago was that? >> This I see >> September. >> Can you I'm going to air drop it to myself actually. Can I see this? >> Do you anticipate he's going to return tonight? >> I doubt it. He probably know yall looking for >> where do you think he's gonna stay? >> I have I really don't know half of his friends that only friend I know is that one that stay across the street and he's a good boy. He don't get into none of everybody else. I don't know. >> Well, good or not, do you think they'd let him in the house? >> I can go over there and ask. >> No, we can. I don't want you going over there right now. >> Which one is this house with the van? >> Yeah, with the van. His name is Jonathan. >> All right. All right. So, we're going to put him in the system as a runaway juvenile right now >> so that if any other officer or anybody goes out with him and they run his name, uh, it'll pop back. It'll pop up. And um >> what should I do if he should return? Call y'all. >> Well, if he returns, call us and if they're located, I'll put all I have all your information. So, I'll have this address and your phone number and everything under that. So, they'll they'll have your 14. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. Thank you. >> Your information area number four Kyle Way hoodie outside walking around with a zero rifle. >> Still. >> 20 minutes later, he returned. While speaking with the police, he described the incident, mentioned related items, and indicated minor marks on his lips to show what had happened. >> Dude, you didn't have to run. You were in trouble. >> Mhm. What you got going on? You all right? >> Mhm. Let me see. Are you hurt? >> Yeah. Lip. >> What happened to you? >> So, basically, it was no fun in the house for a couple days, so I got hot. >> Mhm. So, as soon as I triggered it, something triggered it. I don't know what triggered it. It just triggered. >> You just got pissed off. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Anyway, >> so after 1016, >> so after I got pissed off, >> I went downstairs and I threw the floor just on the floor. I could have just picked that up. And then I went back upstairs and sat upstairs and went until she got home. And then she got home, she was yelling saying, "Oh, her housem looking like this." And then she came upstairs. >> She She said, "Oh, I'm tired." And [ __ ] And she tried to go grab a pot and try to hit me with that [ __ ] >> So she tried with a pot. She came up to your room and tried to hit me with a pot. >> Mhm. >> How'd you dodge it? What? Like tell me what happened with that. >> I grabbed the pot and then she pushed me up pushed me up against the wall. That's why there was a hole right there at the hallway at the end of the hallway. I'm sitting up sitting. >> So she pushed you up against how how was her hands on your body? >> Like like this like her form >> like if if I was like like that on you? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Had me like that. I had the pot and then as soon as she let the pot go, I went inside the bathroom trying to lock me out the bathroom. >> You tried to lock yourself in the bathroom? >> Mhm. >> So she could get away from you. Okay. >> That my lip was already busted. I was trying to clean up my lip. >> How did your lip get busted? >> I don't know. I can't >> had did it happen throughout the interaction with your mom. So, it had to happen either when she was pushing you up against the wall or when she tried to with the pot, >> but you don't know exactly what you she did put her hands up against you and push you over. Let me let me go. She grabbed the broom. Grab the broom. Okay. >> And try with the broom. After she tried with grabbed the broom, >> I grabbed the broom. >> So, she tried to with the broom how? Which way? >> Like that. >> And then she missed or what? >> I grabbed it. >> Okay. After that, I grabbed that and I hold on to the broom and then I let go on the pot and she tried I threw the pot on the bed. She tried to hop on the bed and grab the pot. I grab I get the pot out her hand again. I get I get the pot out her hand. >> So she tried to do the pot again. >> Yeah. And then after that she go downstairs and proceed call the police. I'm just sitting there mad like I didn't even do [ __ ] I put my hands on you the one that's trying to touch me and [ __ ] I all through the interaction I was trying to leave me alone. >> Okay. So, I'm just going to that. Can you raise your right hand? This is I know you're 15, but you're just going to swear. Say your name that what you told me right now is the truth and nothing but the truth. >> I swear everything that I tell you was nothing but the truth. >> Okay. Let me just take a picture. Can you try to pull it out with your finger so I could get a good good look at it? >> Okay. So, you're not in trouble or I'm going to have you here. Stay stay here. I'm going to have you sign a few papers. Okay. here. 15. I don't know if you can, but I'm just going to still have you sign up. Okay. Or actually, let me have my partner come. Once my partner gets here, we'll we'll have her. And your mom's inside. >> Yeah. >> And and uh the lady that you stayed with, who? >> The one that you went to the church. >> Oh. >> What's her name? Shady. >> Shanny. >> Shanny. Do you stay with her sometimes or No. >> Yeah. This happened a lot actually. >> Do you sleep over there usually? >> Yeah, sometimes. But >> Okay. All right. Has your mom Has your mom put her hands on you before? I mean, no, but this was the first time. >> Okay. Where's your dad? Do you You don't know your dad? You don't have a relation. >> Where's he at? >> I could call him. >> No, I'm just curious. Where's he at? >> He stays in. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Let me get his Do you know his number by heart? >> Mhm. >> What's his name? >> Okay. Um, and so do you split time with him? Do you go to his house sometimes and he go? >> No. Sometimes when happen like this, I go to his house. >> Where does he live? Deonica. >> Yeah. >> Come talk to me, please. All right. You can go inside for now. We're going to talk to your mom. >> All right. >> The statements and observations were sufficient for authorities to take appropriate legal action to ensure the child's safety. >> Okay. >> All right. So, give me your Steven again with I'm trying to figure out how he got the bus slot. >> I don't know how he got the bus stop. That's why I don't know. >> But you know it was in the altercation y'all were having. You just don't know what actually him. >> Was it that was it a super he like a super heated interaction that it could have came from any part? >> Yeah. From him trying to hold me or help me try. I don't know how the bus look came back. >> Okay. All right. Here. So turn around. >> I got to get arrested. >> You're Yep. You're going to be placed under arrest for domestic battery. Okay. >> Hold on. Let me >> Well, can I at least >> I'll I'll I'll let you do what you can to make sure everything's taken care of. All right. streaming. >> How long I'm going to be in there? >> Um that it should probably most likely Yeah. Tell the morning. >> Um we're going to we're going to call dad and see if dad if >> I got the people in my house though. >> I know. I know. >> Can I Can I >> listen? It's here. Here. Walk with me right here. >> Jesus. >> Me. Um, have him give you dad's phone number and get dad's address and see if you could get if you could um if dad gives you his address, give him a 1014 to dad's house and tell dad. >> Hello. >> Hi. So, I'm going to have to take you to your dad's house. >> Okay. You want to pack like a good night bag or something? Mhm. I think it's more. >> Police quickly contacted a trusted family member to care for the boy temporarily with his father being the first choice. >> Black female turn 15 38 31. >> Can't make a phone call from my job like I asked. Please. >> Not right now. >> Okay. Are you trying to find? >> No, he's 15. You can't leave him here. Dad lives in the Meadows, but she he doesn't know the address. Not picking up. >> What's his name? >> Dad. >> I didn't even look that up yet. >> I don't I'm going to look it up and see if it's in the right The right address is in there. Um Okay. So, Mom, here. This is her key. She said you could secure it. I'm just going to actually You can place it in there. U She said it's okay for you to secure the house first. She's being arrested for domestic battery. Okay. Mom is being arrested for domestic battery. Okay. She did. She busted her son's lip. >> Okay. I guess you guys could She said you guys to secure the house and then you guys could go. >> Okay. >> So, if you want to do that now, you can. And you guys go just lock it and then walk out and then get out of here. >> Okay. >> Thank you guys. >> If we can't reach dad, >> my mom is not going to let him come down cuz of what's going on. She not >> got it. Thank you. Cuz we don't want him to be in DCF protective custody obviously. But >> you go last case. >> Well, my phone got his Auntie Tina number and that's the only person I know and I don't >> Okay, we'll we'll we'll see if we can get in contact with dad. If not, then we'll go that route. All right. >> What my mama said, Sherlock? >> Not right now. Just let her know what's happening so she she's aware. >> Watch your legs. >> John, >> Beach Police. >> DMA with a report. >> Hi, >> Tony D. Can I talk to his dad, please? >> He's coming. >> Okay. You can head in. >> Um, so him and his mom got into a fight and he got a busted lip. So the mom was arrested. Okay. Or domestic battery during the fight. He had the busted lip. >> All right. >> Can you take him? >> Yeah. >> All right. I just need you to sign. >> Does he usually stay with you? No. >> No. We usually do more. Is there a reason why he does it? >> Um, no. >> But he's okay to stay right now. >> Yeah, no problem. No problem. What's the um charge for what she >> domestic battery? It's because they're family that we don't have a choice on whether or not we arrest her. any family fights um if there's somebody has to get arrested and I didn't arrest her but you know um from what she said and from what he said somewhere during the fight he got the lip and so that's why she got arrested probably be out tomorrow morning >> the mother was charged with domestic battery and child abuse without great bodily under Florida law she could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine family conflicts often flare when both parents and children lose control of their emotions. Staying calm, avoiding escalation, and seeking healthy communication are key to protecting both children and adults. Wait until you see a drunk mother steering the fate of three kids from behind the wheel. >> You said you had a crank. >> Yeah. >> But it was over the course of 2 hours. >> On October 20th, 2023, an anonymous call came in. A woman was driving drunk with three children in the car. Molen Illinois police rushed to the intersection where their encounter with the mother Cynthia began to reveal an unsettling truth. >> Hi, how's it going? My name's Offspring from the police department. The reason I'm pulling you over so your license plate there's dirt. You can't read the last three of them. >> Yeah, I know. I was going to swap the Yeah, I got pulled over. I need you to hang on the phone. >> Okay. Do you Do you have an ID on you? And then if you have insurance, I'll take that, too. >> My mom says she has a copy of my insurance. >> Okay. You just have just have her send you that and then >> Can I please speak? >> Okay, go ahead. >> I had my car searched by Ventburg Police Department and when that happened, I lost my insurance copy and I've asked my mom to please send me a copy of it, but she has not been able to do that since then. She has a copy of it and she can she can send it. >> Yeah, that's perfect. Just have her text it to you. Okay. And then I'll take your in your driver's license if you need that. Oh, >> can I get out of the car >> to look for my bag? >> What? >> Back seat or >> my I don't know if it's in my back seat or if it's in my trunk. >> I can just grab your name from you. >> How many little ones you got back here? Three. >> Three. >> You just want to sit tight for me? Okay. >> I'm sorry. What was the reason? >> So, I can't read the license plate when I'm behind you because I got pulled over again the other day for the light. The light that's below. It was because >> Is there a light that's that's knocked out back here? I couldn't even tell. I'll take a look at it. Okay. >> Hey, did you mind stepping out for me real quick? >> Um, yeah, she has the >> Is it okay if I just grab your phone and take a look at it? >> She has a copy of it right there. >> And then there was another >> I got it. I got it. Oh, yeah. I just need to see this as long as Okay. You mind stepping out for me real quick just so we can talk back here? >> She didn't deny drinking. In fact, she called it her stress relief therapy. >> Okay. So, we had a caller say that you've been drinking and that you got in your car and that you've been drinking. Okay. Is that true at all? Have you been drinking today? >> Mom. >> So, I'm going to be honest. I can see it in your eyes. Okay. Your eyes are are foggy. >> Mom, can I talk to my mom? >> I'd rather you ask answer my questions right now while I'm trying to talk to you. We can talk to mom later. >> Yes, I was. >> You were drinking? >> Yes. because I was going to take my kids trick-or-treating and I was nervous and I didn't want to and instead I hung out with my friend Eva. >> How much did you drink? >> I didn't drink that much. >> How much is not that much? >> Like a half a pint? >> Half a pint of what? >> But it's above the legal limit. So I'm going to get my third DUI. Mom. >> Mom, my kids are crying. >> I'm going to talk to her back here where the kids see here. Okay. Do you want to come back here? We'll talk out here where the kids can't really see. Okay. >> Please. Oh my god, bro. Cynthia, do you want to talk back here where the kids can't can't see? >> No matter what, they're traumatized already. >> We're trying to not >> I want to not traumatize. >> Let's just walk back. >> Mom, I don't know what to do right now. Mom, I literally was just trying to go home because of a argument at the hotel. >> Can we talk to mom later? Does that sound like a plan? So, you can ask my questions. >> I don't want to talk to her when I'm in jail. I want to talk to her the whole time I'm on the phone with you. That is my right. >> Okay. Can you talk while she's on the phone then? Does that sound like a plan? >> Yeah. Mom, can I please put you in my pocket? >> When did you stop drinking? >> It's like an hour ago. >> Like an hour ago. You said you had half a pint. >> Yeah. >> What were you drinking? >> But it was over the course of 2 hours. >> What was it that you were drinking? >> Amsterdam. >> The vodka. Is that what you're talking about? Okay. >> I was going to visit a friend who was going to go with me to my kids trick-or- treat school party. >> I was drinking at home at first. >> Police began a DUI test and Cynthia quickly pulled the I'm deaf card as a lastditch excuse. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to give you some sobriety tests, okay? Some tests for you to perform. >> I'm literally really close to home. I don't even care if I just get a ride home. >> I'm not that intoxicated. Listen to me, please. >> Hold on. I'm talking. Okay. That's what the tests are for. Okay. It's to determine how intoxicated you actually are. Cuz alcohol affects everyone different ways. Okay. So, depending on how you do these tests, it'll depend on if you drive home or not. Okay. At the end of the day, you have your kids in there, right? So, I'm not going to mean anyway. >> So, I'm going to pass what? >> It's depending on how you perform in these tests. Okay. So, are we're going to do some tests. Okay. So, you're going to keep following my stimulus with your eyes only until I tell you to stop. Do you understand the instructions? >> Yeah, I do have these quote. I am deaf in this ear, so it is hard for me to maintain my full balance. Even if I'm not intoxicated, it is hard for me to maintain my balance. >> Okay. Go ahead and follow just to tip my finger. Okay. >> Okay. Go ahead and blink a couple times. Okay. Thank you. >> I'm sorry. I was just I thought you were not. >> Nope. You just got to keep following it. So, let's do it again. No problem. >> So, we're done with the first one. The second one's going to be the walking turn. Okay. So, for this one, do you have any physical problems or disability besides the >> I'm deaf and I've never been good at it. I've literally never been good at it. >> Do you have any physical problems though that's going to affect your balance? >> No, but can I please put my phone in my out of my pocket. I'm just going to help you just like this. Arms on your side still. So you can look at how I'm doing it >> right now. >> Yeah, you can go ahead and >> I'm sorry. I see enough like Facebook videos to say. Oh, not till your instructor. >> So once you start walking, don't stop until you've completed the test. Do you understand the instructions? Begin and count your first step as one. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 So, we have one more test. So, for this one, we're going to get in the same stance we were in for the first one. Feet together. Means >> I'm at a slant. I know I'm at a slant cuz I can feel it. >> Okay. >> I don't know if I can do it. facing this way. >> You'd rather do it again facing that way? >> I would. Yes. >> Okay. You think this is You think this is flat, straight. I'll get these sticks out of your way so you didn't walk on them. >> I don't need the sticks out of my way. No, I am. >> I will anyway. So, >> you you want to do the walk and turn again? Is that what you're saying? >> No, I'm not saying I want to do the walk and turn again. I'm saying I can feel the slant when I'm walking this way. So, I would rather just stand this way. >> Okay. >> We can walk there. We can have you walk again that way. That's what you want to do. >> You just was instructing me to stand. >> Yeah. But if you want if you think this is slanted, I mean, then you want to do that. >> I don't think I failed that test. >> The final part of the test was given, but instead of cooperating, she used her condition as a shield, twisted the rules to her liking, and called it fair play. >> So, for this one, I'm going to have you the first case just like how you were. So, go ahead. >> If I'm deaf anywhere and I have a hard time maintaining balance, and I can prove that in court, what does that do for affecting me? >> Okay. because I do have a deaf ear and it is really hard for me to maintain my balance. Okay. >> So, do you have vertigo? >> I have uh I can't remember the name of it, >> but you don't take meds for it or anything. >> I'm supposed to have a hearing aid, but I can't get a hearing aid unless I'm in Poria or Chicago. >> But I will do the best. >> Okay. Yeah. And that's and that's all that we ask. >> I absolutely Yeah. >> Yep. I'm totally with that. >> Okay. >> You can go ahead and start. 100,004 600 off a little bit higher. >> 1,006 I can't like I literally can't. >> Okay. >> Like >> does it just affect your balance? >> It does. It really does. And that's not fair. That's really not fair because I'm deaf. >> Do you want to try it again or are you done? >> I am going to try it again. >> Okay. 1,00 1,002 1,003 100,005 106 1007 1008 1009123 1 2015 2016 2017201223 2024 >> she done >> and Of course, police weren't fooled. They answered with a click of handcuffs. >> If you just want to walk over, we'll walk back this way and I'll talk to you. Okay, you can grab yourself. Okay, so you're going to be arrested, okay? For DUI. Okay. Drinking under the influence. Driving under influence. Sorry. Go ahead and I'm just going to take this and put it on the ground. >> Where did I fail? >> The first all three of them. >> All three of them. >> Mhm. >> Yep. Okay. Do you have anything else on you? >> How did I fail all three of them? I can explain to you later, right? Do you have anything else on you? Anything else beside your phone? >> No. >> I I I can't hear you. I'll talk to you in a second. Okay. >> Can I call my kids by and everything is going to be okay? Please. >> Right now, >> right now, we're going to take a seat and then we can go from there. Okay. >> Please tell my kids it'll be okay. >> Well, we're just going to take a seat for right now. >> I don't want to traumatize them. Please, >> just take a seat. >> Can I please tell my kids it'll be okay? >> Just Just give me a second. >> She had two tires. Even if anything, she had all nestagmas all day long. >> Oh, I know. >> And don't tell me you're deaf. I literally that was the first time that I've ever heard her say that. She had no problem. The first being super argumentative. >> I can see. So, they were staying with the her one of her good friends at one point. >> The deeper they dug, the more shocked they were. Cynthia's record was far from clean. In fact, she had quite the history with DUIs. >> Can I please tell them >> what do you want to do with the kids? >> Can I please call someone? Can I please call someone? Can I please tell them it's going to be okay? >> Stop yelling. >> They're freaking out. Am I not supposed to freak out? >> Your friend that they used to stay with. Can we call her? >> We are not in no good terms right now. >> What about your mom? >> She lives in Iowa, so I have to call their grandma. Can I please have my phone? I don't know her name. >> Your phone for you >> and her number. Like, please let me figure something out. This is not okay. This is not okay. I was trying to look a bad situation. It's just the wrong leg. >> Go ahead and step out. I'm going to undo >> and I'll let you make a phone call. >> I will. I will collaborate. I will not resist. >> That's fine. We're letting you make a phone call quick. We can figure out what we're going to do with the kids. >> I didn't think I felt all three. Like, that's crazy. >> They're freaking out. So, it's like waiting me out. >> I'm I have PTSD and I can't deal with that. Like, I didn't take my meds today. >> So, we do got to figure out because I think you have a prior conviction for DUI, right? So, do you know if you only have one or do you have two? >> I have one in Illinois and one in Iowa. And the one in Iowa, I pled not guilty. I'm trying to fight that because I wasn't guilty. >> You had one in Illinois and then you had one in Iowa. >> Was that like within the past like seven years? >> July 12th >> of this year. Was that Illinois or Iowa? >> Iowa. >> Okay. Okay. And then one in Illinois. Has that been a few years? >> It has been over a year and a half >> for the Illinois one. >> And I've been doing a bunch of classes and bunch of stuff that's not relevant to right now. Did you have an Iowa license when that happened? >> No. >> No, but I wasn't the one driving all night. I got left stranded in my vehicle. I had a designated driver the whole night until I got stranded. >> Okay, >> Mom. Hello. >> Hello. >> Yeah, I am under arrest. I supposedly failed all the tests. I don't know why. I tried to tell them that I'm deaf. I tried to tell them that I can't balance well. Well, they didn't I don't know. So, >> I didn't think I didn't think that I failed, but according to them, I failed. And they are telling me that there is a possibility of doing I'm sorry, what did you say? >> No. So, if you just cooperate and we go down to the PD, like we would give you like an NTA and everything like that. More than likely. >> Can you explain this to my mom? >> Can we just verify though for the kids really quick? Because we got to find somewhere for the kids to go. >> I don't have anywhere for the kids to go. They don't talk to Sarah anymore. >> We got somewhere for the kids. I don't talk to Sarah anymore. >> Mom's saying she can come and get them though. >> She lives 2 hours away. She lives 2 hours away. >> Stay with somebody at the PD until she gets here. >> Mom, I'm not going to have them go with she them. No. >> Out of excuses, [snorts] she took the last route, denying reality and begging for sympathy. >> Hello. You let me talk to the police. >> I'm trying. >> Yeah. car screaming. >> They don't want to go where they >> You're freaking your kids out. >> They don't want to go where they >> You're the one driving drunking kids in the car. >> You're putting their lives in jeopardy. I am not drunk. >> I need you to at least stop screaming and >> Excuse me. I'm not drunk. >> Okay, I can smell it on your breath. >> Great. Maybe I spilled it on my clothes. Maybe that's what that spilled. >> I've never drank and drove my kids. >> So, excuse me. >> You need to grow up and be here for your kids. We're trying to figure out the way. single mom. >> Okay, that's fine. >> And I do everything I can for them. >> Okay, we need to figure out a solution to bring them somewhere. >> And I don't mean tell me to shut up and be quiet when I'm trying >> and you're freaking them out >> because they're not going to go with Sarah. The woman that >> we call DCFS and the DCFS >> DCFS don't know that Sarah them, which is the foster mom who took them the last time. >> You're going to call DCFS if you're not going to find out. >> My mom is going to figure it out. >> No, go ahead and take a seat. I'm going to close the door. Take a seat for me. You want to close the door >> so I can't know what's going on with my mom. >> Okay, we'll let you know what she says >> cuz you just caused a whole more scene and I was talking to my mom, right? >> Okay, I'm going to put the couch back on you. >> I I don't even need them, bro. I'm not going nowhere. >> Come back. Take a step out here so I can put the couch back on you. Nope. You got to step out cuz you have to go behind you. >> Oh my god. Seriously, can I please find out? Can I please know what's going on with my mom? >> I'm trying to She pays my bills. >> Okay, take a seat. >> She pays my bills. I'm trying to ask if she could please go to my house. Okay. >> Why am I not allowed to know now? >> Because you were under arrest. >> To ease her deep sense of injustice, officers granted one last breath test, and the result was heavy enough to crush both her pride and her illusion of innocence. >> I'm about to freak out. >> Kids are going to pee their pants. We need to figure out how to get her back to PD. >> What did my mom say? >> She's going to head down here. So, the kids are going to head down to the PD and and wait with somebody. She said she's going to head this way and take her about 2 hours. So, kids are going to wait at the PD with an officer most likely or or with a social worker or something until your mom can get. You want to step out for me? >> You ignoring me is asking. >> Go ahead and ignoring me is asking me to get you ignoring me. I was walking into my over conversation that you're supposed to protect. That's my right. It's my right to know. Why am I not seat belted in your vehicle? walk in there, >> right? >> So, you've you've been convicted of a DIY before, right? At least once. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, because of that, if you say you don't want to do any of these breath tests and you refuse them, your license gets suspended for 3 months. But if you do do it and you're over a 08, they get suspended for 1 year. Okay. Does that make sense? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> So, if I don't do it, >> if you don't do it, your license gets suspended for 3 years. >> 3 years. I thought you said 3 months. >> Nope. 3 years if you don't do it. If you do do it, If you do do it and you're over 008, it only gets suspended cuz I'm here. We have to wait 20 minutes. Okay. >> All right. It's on my leg. >> Okay. Okay. Do you want to step up here for me? So, not right now. I'm I'm going to hold this. Okay. All you're going to do is blow into this like you're blowing up a balloon. Okay. So, real hard until I tell you to stop. Just keep going. It'll make a beep when you're done to stop. Okay. So, just give me one second to get it going. Nope. I hold it. Just keep blowing. Blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow blow. Okay, you're good. You go ahead and take a seat. >> I can't know. >> No, you just got to take a seat. I'll show you. Okay, it gets printed off. So, just take a seat and I'll let you know what it is. Because your children were in the car, it's also going to be in the life of the child and it depends how many times you've gotten convicted of it. Have you gotten convicted of that at all? >> To endanger the life or health of a child? Okay. Once. >> We'll we'll figure it out and I'll let you know everything that goes on. I'm not going to leave you in the dark and anything. Okay. So, you can take a seat. So, all I have to do is work on paperwork and then I'll get you out of here. Okay. >> What was my >> It was.169. That's over twice the legal limit. Based on the evidence gathered, the mother Cynthia was formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including the life of a child, driving under the influence, DUI, failure to properly secure a child under eight, improper display of license plates, and illegal transportation of alcoholic liquor. Under Illinois law, she could faces up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 for these violations. When life feels overwhelming, choose a healthy way out, not alcohol. Just one reckless moment from an adult can leave a lifelong scar on a child's heart. The 911 call that shook the entire Flaggler Police Department. >> Like 91. What's the location emergency? >> I found a little boy in the road. >> Are you with the child now? >> Yes, I am. I walked up to the house that I believe he lives in. Front doors wide open. There's crap all over. >> There a vehicle in the driveway? >> Yes. On March 16th, 2025, Flaggler County deputies in Florida received an emergency report of a 2-year-old boy wandering in the street. They rushed to the scene and confronted the father, Ross. But instead of a clear explanation, they got a contradictory statement. This is my home, but I don't live here. >> Got out, walked away. Got out. >> Yeah, when I was in the bathroom. >> Is he okay? >> Yeah, he's fine. >> Were you out here earlier with him or not? Yeah, we just got up this morning and then his wife he's two and a half now. So he knows how to like unlock tours. So he just went out here. I was like, "Dang, dude." We don't even stay here. So >> you don't stay here. >> No. >> Where do you live? >> My parents house is where he >> Where is that? >> Up at the the hammock. >> So what are you doing here? >> We just stopped here this morning. >> Where is here? >> My house. >> Uh I've been here before. >> At the time I stayed Well, I stayed here by myself. >> Yeah. >> You exchanged your child here to your wife? >> Yeah. Your ex-wife? >> Yeah. >> Is she coming to pick him up today or >> No, tomorrow. Why didn't you How did Why didn't you come out the door that you went in when I saw you when I walked up? >> Going out this way to see what's going on. >> No, I think you knew what [snorts] was going on. >> I didn't know there was like a bunch of people here. I was just kind of assessing the situation back then. >> 2-year-old that was walking in the street and then you saw me standing in the driveway. >> I'm just Brother, I'm just outside and shut the door and then you won't open the door when I knocked 10 times. That >> we were outside the back. >> He came out the side over here because >> I don't want I don't want any trouble, guys. I appreciate everybody's help. There's really not a big deal issue. >> Do you have your ID on you? >> Yes. >> I just want to let everybody know that the baby's fine. I'm fine. Everything's fine. I don't want any issue. >> Well, you have an issue. >> And then what's his last name? >> Everything's going to be okay. >> What's his date of birth? >> Looks like mommy's going to get the best of us in court. >> Hey. Hey, buddy. Come here. >> Hey, come here. >> That's what happens when the dog gets by the neighbor and wife leaves with the baby. House goes to hell and then baby ends up making a scene. No points for daddy. We were about to go to his grandparents house. getting ready to get him dressed. I thought he was walking the street by himself. >> No, but to use the bathroom by myself. I just I didn't know he could open that front door. Like I didn't know he could open that deadbolt, dude. He can reach it now. >> Which house? You said this one, too. >> You have to realize I only saw him two weeks ago. I didn't know he could reach the damn deadbolt. He was just a 2-year-old 2 years ago, you know, and now he's like 2 and a half and he can like do anything. >> Do you have your license on you? >> Yeah, you can read my uh license number if you want. I won't get it for you. Then Ross started spinning his story to make himself look better, even blaming it on the kid's intelligence. >> Run me through what all what all transpired. Okay. >> Yeah. I got up. He had woken up. I had gotten up. He went to watch Coco Melon. So he's in there doing his ABCs. I go to the bathroom like, you know, cuz sometimes you got to take in the morning, you know. I went to go do that. Normally it's quick in and out. And he's watching his ABCs on the Coco Melon cartoon. And I guess he walked out here. He must have been out here not been too long. Somebody spotted him. And obviously when you see a toddler in the street, you're going to freak out and be like, "What the hell's going on here?" >> Do you know about the time that it was from the time that you last saw him until >> Right. Right when the neighbor Sharon came over and brought him in. So the neighbors, I don't know if it was her, she said some other neighbor called you guys. Otherwise, she knew who he is. She immediately brought him in the house. >> But do you know like the amount of time it was from the time you got into the bathroom cuz you weren't? >> He must have been out here just for a minute or two. >> Okay. I mean, has has this happened before? >> No. >> No. >> Well, he drives a little Jeep. I got that modified Jeep that I made for him. He's used to being around the neighborhood collecting golf balls, driving around his Jeep. So, he's probably too comfortable around this neighborhood this hour of the day on a Sunday. Shouldn't be out there at all. So, yeah, it's highly embarrassing. >> And you said the front door was locked. >> Yeah, it was dead bolted. Yeah, you could reach it. I guess I'm stunned that Mr. Escape artist here has managed to do that amount of time that he did. >> You were in the bathroom. >> Yeah. trying to think of. >> So when the neighbor came over and notified him, what were you doing? >> I was in the bedroom at that point because I had just went in there to find him, make sure he was still watching Coco Melon, she comes walking in the house and I'm like, "What's going on?" >> So you were already awake. >> Yeah. Cameras work. >> No, they don't. That one's just a dummy. And the other one's a dummy as well. And there was another one. I think it's falling down. I guess I'm glad my son's safe. He's in my arms. >> You want to just make sure that your son is safe? >> He's absolutely safe. He stays with his grandparents most of the time because I don't like this house. so old and rickety and water works, electric works, and all that. It's just 70s house. Just not a very conducive safety to a my kid, you know, like there's a pool in the back that's green because I can't afford to take care of it right now. >> Meanwhile, a neighbor spoke up revealing chilling secrets about the man next door. And surprisingly, their statements couldn't be more opposite. >> I guess she disappears. >> Y'all need to take that kid. >> Can you tell me what happened? >> About 20 minutes before we call, I saw the baby wandering around here. I figured Ross was in his driveway, you know. I just said, "Oh, Ross is out letting the kid walk around." You know, there's not much traffic. All of a sudden, I see these this car slowing down. Stop. Another one. I went, "Oh, God." And I went out there and sure enough, that baby was out. 20 minutes later, he's inside passed out cuz he's a horrible drunk. That house needs to be condemned. >> The baby was outside for 20 minutes on his own >> at least. >> But it probably was longer because that's when you came out. >> That's when I saw it. You know, I went out back and I talked to the lady. I said, "Y'all need to call the police." Came back in. I called the police. They called the police. I know y'all can't do anything, but I'm going to find his the mother. >> Has anyone ever reported to DCF? >> Not to my knowledge. >> No. This is the first time anything's happened like this. I know he's a drunk driver and I'm going to start calling on him every time something happened. I didn't call, but I know he drives drunk. I know y'all are going to let him off. I know your hands are tied, but I'm going to find the mothers and she needs to be aware. She needs to do something about not letting him have that kid. >> Well, there's probably something going on. >> And listen, Ross is full of dookie. He's He'll tell you anything. He lies. He's a gutter drunk. I know. My brother's a gutter gutter drunk. They're pitiful. They're pitiful. They can't be left with children who they got a pool in their backyard. It looks like >> Did you guys go in the home and find him passed out? >> That lady over there went over there. Okay. >> I would have just called y'all and let him sleep. The mother needs to know. >> She's going to have to know. This isn't something that we're just going to let him off with. This is her child, too. >> I don't hate Ross, but I see him staggering around in the afternoon drunk. His back is a fire hazard. His backyard. You need to walk red and look at that pool. That pool looks like a mud hole. I think you need to take the child to these teeth. We'll call them up. take the child. But we have a protocol situations. DCF has to be notified, okay, of anything like this. We're not just gonna turn a blind eye and just turn away and give him back. That's not how that >> happened. This is a chronic that man, he he's out of his mind. He knows nothing. He's going to lose everything. >> Back to [snorts] the main character, Ross kept playing the devoted dad until his real emotions started slipping through his body language. >> As local as now, she moved it to land, so we don't even see each other. I just pick him up to and from daycare. We're going to be okay. No one's going to take you away. >> So, you were in your >> I went to my bedroom I went to my bedroom from my bathroom not realizing that he was freaking outside. >> So, you weren't asleep or anything like that? >> No. >> And he was in his room watching Coco Melon. >> Yeah. >> So, how did he how did he get out? >> He opened the dead bolt somehow. >> The dead bolt? >> Yes. He can reach. >> Why is his dead bolt >> about right here? He reached up and got it. >> You said about right here. Yeah. >> And he's about right here. >> He can reach. He can reach. >> Is there a step or something? I don't know what he did. I deadbolt that door at night. Of course, father of a 2 and 1 half-year-old. You think I'm not going to leave the deadbolt on? The door doesn't even latch otherwise. >> He's never tried to open this deadbolt before. >> We're not here very often. We're not here often. He stayed most of the time at my parents house for this very reason. Cuz I have a pool that is unmaintained. Can't afford to maintain it. >> So, why are you guys here now? >> We spent the night here last night. It's my last night with my son. I wanted to just be with my son. I just wanted to be with my son. I'm sorry he got out of the street. I'm sorry the neighbors obviously flipped out. She would have >> Well, they're saying he's been out here for over 20 minutes. >> That's my >> I'm not I'm not aware of how long it was. I don't know what 20 minutes is to other people, but I don't think it was that long, but >> that's that's what they're saying. >> Well, I thought he was in his bedroom watching cocoa mill. It's okay, buddy. They're not going to take you away. Okay. It's going to be okay. I'm glad that my neighbors helped out, and I just want to move on and get the rest of my weekend with my son. I'm just a dad who misses his little boy, and I only get so much time with him. We went miniature golfing yesterday. I'll I'll I'll take you through some photos in my phone which will let you know that he's a welltaken care of little boy. >> That's not our concern right now. Like >> I understand he's not in a he doesn't live here. He's my son. I only see him part-time. If this turns into something else, I'm never going to see him again. And it's not because of any domestic issue or anything else. Her and her mother decided that they wanted to move to the land with my son and say goodbye to me, take this baby and run with him. And I get them luckily because Katie, his mother, is decent enough to still let me spend time with how can I screw this up in 3 days a month, 3 days every two every twice a month. I've somehow I'm somehow managed. >> And [snorts] from there, the timing of the incident became a riddle with too many versions. >> I asked you earlier how long it was. You said it could have been more than a minute. >> Only a few minutes. I didn't realize it was out here that long. I don't know what who said that. >> They said it's been over 20 minutes. Who knows how long he was really out here because that's just when she noticed him out here. I remember when he woke up. I like I said, I thought that he was in his bedroom watching Coca-Cola. And as long as the song is going cuz I don't even have internet. I used to be >> Has his pamper been changed? >> Uh last night right before bed. >> It's 9 It's after 9:00 a.m. >> He was going to be >> What time did he go to bed? >> 9:00 p.m. 9:30. >> What time did he wake up? >> Uh this morning about What time is it now? >> 9:20. >> About 8 8:15 8:30. >> After getting the green light from their superior, they moved in to check the child's shelter. And that's when Ross' expression began to change. >> What's the next step here? >> I don't know. We're just standing here. We're waiting for them to let us know. Okay. >> I'm not over there. So, >> all right. I'm ready to just carry on with my day at this point. >> It's not something easy to >> I know. I know. I know. I know. I understand. >> Based on the totality of the circumstances, do you mind if we just go inside, double check the welfare of the living situation? >> He does not live here. We were just stopped here last night and we ended up staying here. >> I know, but he's your child. You said you have him for a certain amount of days. I'm not okay with that because of the fact that I have a dog that's not well, smells bad, he's got an ear infection. >> Well, we're worried about your son, not your dog. >> Well, if a child is staying here, no matter if it's for a day or if it's for 6 months, there needs to be some sort of >> Right. We camp out in my truck. >> The child. >> You camp out in your truck most of the time. >> Like a lot of times with him, we just hang out in my truck. I try to spend as little time here as possible. I only meet my ex here to transfer the child on most occasions cuz it's midway. Well, because of everything that occurred, we need to check out the welfare of the home. >> I don't want anyone coming in the house right now. >> And why is that? >> Again, I've been staying with my parents. >> Okay. But last night, you stayed here with the child, >> right? And this is your res. >> We spent a few hours here between like 10:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. >> That's a long time. >> Does he have like a bed? >> Yeah. >> Can we confirm that? Just the living situation of him confirmed. >> I carried him in and he stayed in his room. >> Can we confirm that he has like a proper bed? >> Come on. Just one of you. >> Well, there's going to be two of us. >> Is that the door that he came out of? >> Well, I I I think it's locked now. You all were here. >> He's confirmed the dead. >> That's okay. >> Good boy. Flaggler deputies weren't ready for the nightmare inside. Piles of trash, mold, rotten food blocking paths, [music] a strong stench, and swarms of flies. In the child's room and bathroom, there were razors, prescription meds, alcohol, and animal, all within reach of a toddler. Even a skin and bone dog was locked in a cage like trash. That alone was enough for police to arrest the father. >> Looks like I'm in trouble. What's grandparents number? >> 9004. >> What am I being charged with? >> Grab two things before we if we have to leave. I'm being arrested. My medication and my hopefully my >> phone. I got to take it first. >> What is grandma's name? >> What's his grandma's name? >> Joyce. If I'm going to be in jail, I'll have to get out. Uh I have a a key to my work vehicle. Few things to worry about. >> That dog ever leave that cage? >> Yeah, he does. But like because he runs, he was in it. That's why we were here last night about and give him food. >> How far is your wife? Where's >> 47 miles away? >> But the grandparents live across >> 7 miles away. They're right up the road. They'll be happy to take them. >> We're going to walk over my car, right? >> Okay. Just can I grab my meds? >> No. >> Can I get my phone at least? >> Okay. You said you didn't know where it was. >> Yeah, I in the house. Probably in jail >> between here and bathroom. Let's go. >> Okay. We'll look for it. >> Okay. Why is everybody so mad? >> Why are we mad? >> Do you see what the inside of your house looks like? >> You think that's proper living situations for a child, >> man? Your 2-year-old son in the middle of a busy street by himself while you're while you're asleep as you're drunk. >> Good job. Good job, bud. How about some nooks? You need some nooks? Oh, good job, dude. >> Well, no, that's all. >> You have a rusty chainsaw outside. You have nothing but broken glass bottles. Your house is disgusting. Then you ask why I'm mad. >> Have a seat. Okay, buddy. I know he's going to be okay. Do you see if there's poison? >> Watch your head. >> There's There's no There's like no walking room in there. There's smell in there. There's flies in there. That house didn't just get like that over the past couple weeks. It had to have been like that when you were >> I told him I said, "Get that house cleaned up." And he goes, "Oh, I am. I am." He's got an excuse for everything. >> Right after, [snorts] police quickly reached out to the grandparents to hand over the child. >> Hi. >> Hi. Hi. Are you Joyce or >> Have you guys been informed what's going on right now? >> You want to hop out and talk to me? Do you want to put the dog away real quick? No. No one's hurt or nothing like that. No, I'll I'll talk to you out here. Is Ross your son? Your son? >> He's been arrested. I talked to the deputies over in Palm Coast. I guess he was found drunk sleeping at home while your grandson was wandering the streets by himself. >> Oh, you're kidding. >> So, your grandson's with deputies right now and Ross is going to jail most likely for a no charge. That being said, we don't want to give the grandchild over to DCF. Are you willing to come take custody of the child? >> Oh, yeah. >> Do you have the means to care for him? Do you have the means to care for the child in the meantime? Do you mind if I come inside? Just check it out. Just make sure it's good for the child and then and the child is correct. Okay. >> Oh, hey buddy. And I know this is pretty tough news, but uh we don't want them going with DCF either. You know what I mean? This is actually a deputy. I'm with them right now. So, all right. Do you want them head over there? Okay. They're on their way. I'm already walking inside the house. That's why I'm walking in. So, I'll have him over there in a sec. All right. Let me just check it out inside real quick. >> Ross Judy, 44, was arrested and held on charges including one felony count of child and a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. Under Florida law, he faces up to 6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. However, at his first hearing, the court set his bond at $4,000. Children's minds are fragile. Growing up in such an environment can lead to chronic anxiety, emotional disorders, loss of trust in adults, and worse, [music] learning to see suffering as normal. Through today's stories, from online risks and family disagreements to concerning behavior by acquaintances, we see that children's safety must always come first. Technology and close relationships can seem safe, but may carry hidden risks. Parents, relatives, and the community need to stay attentive, provide guidance, create a secure environment, and resolve conflicts with calm, clear communication and understanding. 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