slammed the door open and hit me in the face. Me. >> One, two, three, four counts. Battery on Leo. >> Get out of my truck. >> Get out of my truck. >> Did you get hurt at all? >> The law here. >> When maternal instinct reaches its extreme, the line between protection and overreaction becomes blurred. What seemed like a simple custody exchange unexpectedly turned tense as emotions, the law, and maternal instinct collided head on. >> My son was being That's what concerns me. >> September 4th, 2024, police received an emergency call from a Florida parking lot regarding a custody exchange. The situation quickly escalated as the mother tried to retrieve the child amid confusion. At the scene, the father and his girlfriend began recounting the entire incident. Anyways, we were swapping kids and uh the damn girl my ex old lady slammed the door open and hit me in the face me grabbing my wheel and her friend come over and unlock my door and snatched my son out the seat and then they took off. >> Who's the And what what vehicle did they take off? >> That's my ex. My I have a kid with her. >> Okay. What vehicle did they take off in? >> Silver Toyota Tacoma. >> We live. >> Do you know where they live or where they might be heading to? >> I drove like 8 hours today figuring out where he's at. We've then I just left the pool house over there. >> I'm the father. child. Okay. >> And she has him come inside the vehicle and snatch him while she was >> We have a video of it. She in my damn mouth, my feet. My truck was in reverse. I was pulling out. She my door open. She thought that, you know, I've been trying to serve. I can show you all the I want to see if we can catch them. Would they go to >> All I have is >> We have so many addresses of houses we've stopped at today. >> Whose car is that? Is that hers or I think that's her friend has black hair. >> Leanne Marie West. That's the friend's name. I think it might be her truck. >> Yeah, she has a truck, >> but I can't see the tag number. I thought it's too >> Show them the video. You took them out of our county. Get out of my truck now. Get out of my truck. Jessica, get it on video. >> Get out of my truck, Jessica. >> Get out of my truck. Help me. Please >> get out of my truck. Please. Please. >> Get out of my truck. Get out of my truck. Get out. Get out. She said, "Get up, baby. I'm not hitting you. Get out of my >> Take him. Take him. Take him. Watch out. >> You're scaring him. >> Supposed to be a sample flaw. You want to look them up on the side? Is >> there anything else on the truck that looks like it's identifiable? Any stickers or anything you saw on it? I didn't see it on on it when I was leaving. >> I mean, it looks like a newer. It's got that front black bunker in the front. >> The father further shared concerns about the mother's unstable living situation and the risks of the child in her care. >> You guys were just doing a child exchange for the weekend. >> Yeah. Well, no, it wasn't for the weekend. I've been out of the courthouse. I just left the courthouse this morning. We're in Lake City Court, which is about 5 hours. Jessica, she left county, left Gainesville with Junior. She has no vehicle. She has no home, no job, no way to support him. my county the in the core house we've been trying to serve her for the last you know 3 weeks she's done in dodging she was in Fort Myers CSO they've been trying to serve her keeps coming back unservable so they said meet up with her once you have possession of fatalities cuz we legally have 50/50 custody we just got out of court a couple of weeks ago for she's trying to get a restraining order not but anyways what she's trying to do is keep the kid from you know we're trying to go to court and get custody you know and all that well I told her we kind of you know came up with a game plan where we were going to you know act like I was going to I've already got a few back. >> I'm looking at it now. Thank you. >> But once she gave me and I put him in my truck and everything, as soon as she laid eyes on her, it was cuz she doesn't want me to have one. I didn't tell her that. As soon as she seen that she was in the truck, next thing you know, she was trying to rip Junior out. Then Leanne opened the door and snatched her. So that I mean, that's pretty much it. >> Okay. >> But Leanne is not biologically related to him anyway. She's not part of any child custody agreement. And I mean if we can start a DCF case cuz no matter what our plan >> they're going to be called. Our plan was was >> show me that video one more time. >> Does that look like it? >> Call DCF right away with like the wheels and stuff. They've already got >> Yeah, that's it. >> That's it. Yeah. I wish they got it, but they're on their way back anyway. >> She wanted to meet here and not at the house and we didn't have an address. >> They're at the W house now. We're going to go over there and make contact with them. Then once another deputy comes, then I'll come back and I'll get formal statements from everybody here and then we'll let you know how everything goes. Right. Just hang tight for us. >> Shortly after, police spoke with a mother and child. >> Where's the baby? Just want to make sure they're okay. Hey, bub. You can leave them there. That's fine. Move out of the way. What's going on, buddy? >> My daddy. >> What's that? Yeah, daddy's over there. He's okay. I was just with him. That's why I'm here to make sure you're okay. Are you okay? >> All right. Are you doing okay? Did you get hurt at all? >> Yeah. >> Who hurt you? [Music] This is just me. >> Who did? >> Daddy. >> The lady's here. >> Yeah. >> Did daddy hurt you? >> Yeah. >> Daddy did too. Are you sure? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Hang tight for me, Bubba. >> My son needs me. >> No. Do you need EMS come check you out or anything? >> I would like it on record that I'm up. >> Yeah. I mean, I mean, in prison. >> No. I mean, I'm not seriously injured. >> I looked at the baby. The baby's >> baby's okay. Yeah. Okay, >> you're not under arrest yet. We got a video we got to go back and watch again, but it's my understanding you don't have any relation to that child. >> What we're going to do for now is I'm going to have you just have a seat in the car. So, it it's nothing's done yet. We're going to get >> We will in a second. >> You're detained for right now. >> She's not getting arrested. She's detained. So, >> got anything on you? >> I'm going to go over there and grab the same if you want to put them in there with them. The mother's close friend faced legal attention and she herself was unlikely to avoid responsibility. This led the father to express his intention to possibly pursue legal measures against both. The baby's okay. That's the first thing I made sure. Noitches, no, they're not hurt or anything. We got them there. We've been going for she's been ducking and dodging LCSO private servers and nobody can find her. She literally jumped town from Gainesville where she lived out with her mom and she's doing whatever she can to get away and not be found. So that's that's also concerning to us too because from what the way this acting now that that looks to me like somebody that's going to disappear from the face of the >> That's what's I left our courthouse this morning. I've talked to all our deputy supervisors, deputy clerks and everything. We're all working on this together to get Jessica to court. She's like hiding. So and I've already told her we're going to try to, you know, proceed in court. But then we all came up with this other plan. Talk to her. Be nice to her. see if you can, you know, manipulate her to come to you. Once she gives you Junior, now he's in your possession. And we both both legally have 50/50 custody. We have no child custody agreement. And um so that's what we did. She got out. She handed me Junior. I said, "I love you. He loves daddy." And I brought him over the truck in the truck. As soon as her friend seen Julia, that's when all this crazy. >> So, let me go ahead and get the statement rolling now. Do you swear to affirm the statement you're about to give is the whole truth and nothing but the truth? >> What happened today? So, she was dropping Junior off to you. >> To me, right? I jump in the truck. Well, as soon as the back door opened, her friend seen that Julia was in there and as soon as they seen Julia here, it was a no-go. They were like, "No, this ain't happening." I jumped in my truck and then Jessica's running at me. We've got it on video and all that. And that's when she jumped in my truck and, you know, started me all kinds of crazy. My truck was in reverse, too. So, I was doing my best to keep her out. Julia's pregnant. I have Junior in the back with a child and um so eventually I put the truck in in um park and I forcefully moved her out of the truck. By that time, Leanne come over to our driver door, unlocked my truck, come to the back door. >> Who is Leanne in reference to anybody here? Is she related to anything to us at all? Jessica's best friend. >> So, it's just a friend. No relation to to Junior or anything like that? >> No relation at all. Leanne unlocks the door, goes around to the back door. Julia's holding Junior right there. She's got it on video, and Leanne snatches Junior out of the truck and went over and put her the window, put him back in in her truck. And that's when I was already up cuz I pulled Jessica out of my truck. And I tried to rap Junior, but I felt like it was too rough of a situation for him. And you know, so that way I let go and I figured we'll just figure it out when you guys got here. I just didn't want to pull on him too hard and scare him to hurt him. Should have never happened. >> Would you like to press charges on >> Absolutely. >> On Jessica? >> Absolutely. I'd like to press charges on Jessica for if I can press charges on Leanne for breaking into my truck when I told her not to, I'd love to press charges on her as well. >> Fantastic. >> This is pretty much She asked me, um, am I driving a dual lean? Yes. Almost there. Are you alone? She asked me if I was alone. I said, "Oh, do you really Jessica?" I wasn't going to tell her and I had Julia with you. I just took a picture of my front seat cuz really wasn't vaccinated to her. I didn't lie to her. Just making sure I'm always there. I said, "I'm here." And then when I was here up front, that's when they said, "Come out." All right, let me get some papers for you. >> On the other side, police took a statement from the mother's friend. However, the accounts from both sides contain several inconsistencies. >> Hello. >> Hi. I don't like to look at my conversation. Oh, I was just letting I was over there. So, I have to let him know. >> This conversation's in here. >> Well, he's in training, so we have to break a lot of things down so he understands why we do certain things. It doesn't mean it's going to be good. It doesn't mean it's going to be bad. It's just we have to break certain things down. All right. Now, that I'm going to try to do is I'm going to ask you if you'd like to provide a statement in reference to what happened today. >> So, if you're willing to do so, we'll go ahead and do so. Time now is 7:48 p.m. Today's date is September 4th, 2024. Are you under the influence of any or alcohol? No, >> sir. >> All right. Do you know the meaning of perjury? Yeah. >> All right. I'll explain to you. Not that many people know. That's okay. So, perjury can be committed by telling lies or admitting the truth while under oath. Basically, don't lie. >> Here in the state of Florida, it's a crime. Do you understand what I told you about perjury? >> So, prior to me taking this statement, I'm going to press you under oath. You could please Well, I mean, >> figuratively, right? Yeah. There you go. Do you swear to affirm the statement you're about to give us the whole truth to nothing but the truth? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. What happened today? >> I was at work. My friend said her baby daddy said he >> What's your friend? Jessica Miles said her baby daddy, Robert Wel, wanted to meet up and hang out with the baby Robert Jr. I said, "Okay, that's fine. I get off at 4:00. I have to pick up my daughter Harland, drop her off, and then I will take you to said meeting, >> right?" Where did she tell you the meeting was going to be at? >> Right here at that hotel um holiday. >> So, it was at the hotel that you guys were going to meet. >> It was like 5:30ish. We head this way or something. We pull into the parking lot. He's parked in the front of the parking lot. He gets out of the truck and he's walking towards the hotel. I said, "I'm not parking in the front. I'm going to park in the back." Cuz I don't like that guy. It's always been a rocky road with him. >> She gets out. Everything's fine. He pulls the truck around. He said, "I'm I'm going to wait a second. Like, I'm not just going to leave. I'm going to make sure you're okay." She hands hands Robert Robert Jr. takes Robert Jr., places him in the back seat, and I'm still sitting in my truck. And I watch his girlfriend sit up from the back seat, and I said, "Jessica, his girlfriend's with him." She said, "No, that's not happening. You're not stealing my kid. I'm still in my truck." She says, "Lean, please grab my stuff off the ground." I grabbed her stuff off the ground. And then she says, "Lean, please try and help me grab Junior. Please help me grab Junior." And that is when I did grab Junior. Cuz the mother asked me to please grab her son from somebody. >> Yes. >> You unlocked the door? >> Yes, sir. >> You took Junior? >> Yes, sir. I grabbed Junior and I placed Junior in my truck. Uh, Robert had gotten out of his truck at that point and was trying to grab Junior out of my truck. I still had I kind of still had him in my arms at that point. And I was kind of hugging him, trying to make sure he doesn't grab him. They're both like right in front of me, like where you are, trying to grab him. And I was just holding him cuz I'm scared. He's trying to grab my arms. Jessica falls. I put Junior in my truck. Jessica said, "Please lock the doors. Please call 911." They're saying, "Please call 911." And then I I left because I wanted to leave the scene before I didn't want to be around him. We were going to try and find somewhere to meet the officers. >> The presence of the father's girlfriend added further tension to the situation. She at no point told you that this was a custody exchange. >> No, it it wasn't a custody exchange. It was Robert wants to hang out with with his son. He wants to meet up with his son. They were supposed to spend time together. He never once said that there was another person with them. >> Well, what difference would that make if there's another person? >> I don't know what why did she come with you? How about if he felt some type of way? >> She doesn't have a vehicle. I don't have a ride here. >> So, why why would she feel some type of way of him having somebody with him present for that? The girl that he was with is his supposedly ex-girlfriend. He had told her that we're we're not together anymore. I want to try and make things work with you. I want to see my son. He on the conversation of them on the way here, there's pictures. He said, "No, I'm by myself. There's nobody with me." >> Right. But what difference would that make? >> I I don't know. That's just what we were under the impression was is that he was by himself. It was just supposed to be the two of them, >> right? >> Mom and dad. >> So, were you aware that the court has been trying to serve her legal paperwork in regards to child custody and all these type of things? I found out about it a week ago when she had moved back down here and her mom had called her and said the papers were trying to be served. Her mom told the cops that she had moved and then we haven't heard anything from it since. >> Okay. >> In this case, the father appeared to hold the upper hand both in behavior and legal standing. As a result, the mother had to face responsibility. >> Here's what we have to do. All right. There's a statute in Florida. I don't want to charge anybody with shows a different type of intent. You and your friend are both going to get charged with what's called interference with child custody. Since you guys don't have any parenting agreement in place, you each have equal right to the child. And at the moment when this all kind of popped off, he had custody of your child. So, you're going to go to jail for interference with child custody. And she she'll do the same. Okay. >> So, what else? >> Well, he'll take him for you to jail for us. >> You actually entered his truck. You had no reason to enter his truck. >> He was my child. >> No, he was not. >> He's a biological father. >> He doesn't have custody. >> It doesn't You don't have a parenting. He has equal rights to the child as you do. That's what This is all the technical side of the law. >> To have my kids. That's That's what concerns me. >> Then why would you bring him here to >> He doesn't know how to take care of him by himself is my my thing. I'm not saying he's going to, you know, kid or anything crazy like that. He does not that. He's got two girls that live in Lee County and the mother will not let him see them because he does not take care of them. >> There is nothing legally I I can prevent him from taking the child in this room. He's the biological father father and there's no court order saying that he cannot have custody. >> I just don't understand like how he can come and literally try to my child and that's I'm in I'm in handcuff. >> He hasn't seen him in months. Do you know how terrified my son's going to be when you give him to him? >> When you guys have that kind of stuff, you got to go to court. However, despite repeated explanations from the police, she still did not fully recognize the seriousness of her actions. >> I I can't. No, you get you get the paperwork that you've been dodging that he didn't do. I haven't been dodging. They just came to my mom's a week ago. I haven't >> Then you go to court. Stop interrupting me. How am I going to answer your question? >> I'm upset. You guys are taking me away from my son right now. >> You got to go to court. This whole thing is a civil issue, but it got escalated to the point where you entered his truck and try to climb over him as he's reversing and then you >> my child. >> He's in custody of his own child. He can't his own child when you will alerts for kids that are with their own parent that have been. And you know what the stipulation is? They have no custody of the kid. >> He has legal written custody. Where can you biological father? >> What do you mean? There is nothing that shows that you can't have that he can't have his kid and you can't have the kid cuz there's nothing in regards to a custody thing. So what does that default to 50/50 custody between the mother and the father? You let the kid go with you gave the kid to him and he was in the backseat of his truck. I didn't put him in. >> You instructed Stop talking. You instructed your friend open and get my kid >> that was being not being put. >> My son was being >> She unlocked the door. I don't know. She was holding my son down. Do you know how terrifying that is? >> That was not on the video. It was a back. >> She was videoing it. What do you mean? Who took the video if she wasn't popped out in the back seat? >> She wasn't holding the kid. >> You couldn't see my kid, could you? >> I can. >> Where's the video? Can I see it? >> You'll see it in court. You clearly don't understand, which makes me think you don't understand it. >> Can I see it? What happened? No, I can't. >> It's going to go with the kid and then you're going to give the child seat to him. >> What kind of question is that? He's not a safe person for my child. >> Can I give him the child's seat that is in that vehicle to him? >> And if I say no, then what? Then I can't take it. >> Takes myself in the car seat. >> You'll have to figure out something else >> and that'll be on you. >> I'll have to figure something else out. I don't know what that's going to be. >> I'm not trying to be friends. >> No, you're clearly not understanding anything. >> I'm not I don't I don't know how. >> When negotiation proved ineffective, police had to take measured steps to ensure the child's safety. >> Whose car seat is that? >> Mine is on the passenger side. Hers is on the driver's side. >> Okay. >> Passenger side is my daughter's car seat. >> Okay. So, the the other one's hers. Will you be okay of me retrieving that property that's not yours from your vehicle to secure the child's life when he gets secured in his father's vehicle? She's clearly not grasping what we're saying. So, at that point, we're done talking. We're running in circles. I'm not speaking Spanish to her. Speaking coherent English that will literally transcribe perfectly on accent. She's not understanding it. So, at that point, don't let them. We're done. We're done. I already Sergeant already explained it to her. Not getting I explained it to her. not getting it, questioning everything. We're done. Like, never let these people do the same thing. We're done. Cuz at that point, we're just prolonging everything. >> Yeah. So, >> the mother was taken to the station where police continue to provide clear information about the relevant legal procedures. >> What kind of set everything off? I don't understand. You saw her and you got mad. >> No, he threw my son in the truck when we were supposed to go in the hotel and hang out. >> He manipulated me. We dropped out. I can only blame myself. So then that's something that you need to tell the court. That's not something where you tell me where I can't act on it cuz it's civil. The court can all of this would have been avoided if you would have gone through the court. All of this that you're telling me, which I'm not I'm going to take you. That's like his word. I'm taking I believe you. I'm going to say I believe you cuz I can't prove otherwise. Right. Same with what he's telling me. I have to go with what you guys tell me. You got to tell people. >> So do I just go down with 12 or go? >> Yeah. I recommend getting a lawyer. Get you a lawyer that will uh that's in charge with this type of stuff and they can get you in the right get you to do the exact right paperwork and all that stuff. >> The mother was charged with interference with custody of a minor in battery. Under Florida law, the maximum penalties can include up to 6 years in prison or probation along with a fine of up to $6,000. Before a clear custody ruling is made, parental rights are considered equal. Therefore, disputes must be resolved in court to protect the child and minimize legal risks. If the struggle in the parking lot was just the tip of the iceberg, what police discovered behind the locked door of a Florida apartment revealed a potentially risky environment, not only for the child, but for the community. >> That apartment no child should ever be even close to living in something like that. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. >> On May 20th, 2024, Lake County, Florida police received a welfare check request after a father had been unable to contact the child's mother for several days. Concerned something might be wrong, they went to the apartment where the mother and her one-year-old were living. However, all attempts at knocking went unanswered. Facing an urgent concern, police had to open the door and what they found surprised everyone. >> Hello. I'm dead. I want my baby. I'm trying to check on my baby and she's not >> She's not responding, man. She's yelling. I need to see if my baby's okay. >> What is she yelling? >> Get out >> to you or the kid? >> No, not the kid. I don't know if the kid is there. That's what I'm trying to see. >> So, you're just wanting a well-being check on the kid? >> Yes. I want to make sure. >> Will you stay down here first? >> Hey Crystal, it's Corporal Her Lake County Sheriff's Office. We're just here to make sure that the baby's okay. That's it. Once we verify the baby's okay, then we're going to leave. Okay, Crystal, can you please just come to the door? We legit just want to make sure the baby's all right. That's it. And then we're leaving. >> Is she talking to you through the window? Crystal changed a lot. Crystal Crystal, there >> nose permits only one way in. Just I can keep an eye on that. >> Police sought help from neighbors and the truth revealed through their accounts made the situation even more concerning. >> So we trying to evict Matthew and Dallas. >> Okay. The two that are there. >> Yeah. So the one that is in there, she changed the locks and she's on Alpha. So when the deputy came in to um evict her, she's not on the paper. >> So it's actually her residence. So it's nothing that they couldn't like >> Okay. Do you know if she's left? When's the last time you guys have been out there? >> Um, two days ago. >> Two days ago because she like barricaded herself with a bunch of like furniture of the door. >> Yeah. So, we had to like remove all that. >> You guys had moved all that? >> Yeah, we we we to >> Okay. Cuz it looks like there's a whole bunch of more stuff pushed up against the door. >> She's doing that. Yeah. >> So, we're here to do a well-being check on the child that's up there. I guess there's a one-year-old. >> Yes. And it's another Jeffrey that he's always here because >> Garcia. >> Yeah, I think so. We've been trying to like get in the apartment because they having issues on the second uh floor. The residents um they having issue with leaking. So we think that's her opening all the um like like water level like >> So we're going to go in doing a exigent search for the child to make sure that the child's okay. >> At this point I don't know if she's actually in there because the door was unlocked. All the stuff was pushed up against the door. No one's answering. We don't hear the baby. We don't hear her. But we're going to go up there just to do a verification. Mhm. I don't know if um somebody said that the older kid, I think it's like 10 years old, >> he left already. >> He left >> according to the other deputy. >> Yep. >> He left and nobody knows where he where he's at. >> Okay. >> But um if the door is unlocked, if you need to like break any doors, um you have the um you guys can. >> Okay. All right. Well, it doesn't look like we're going to have to do any of that cuz we already opened the door and looked inside just to see if it was unlocked. We haven't gone in yet. We're waiting for him to fill out the affidavit and then we're going to go in and just verify and check. But it kind of looks like >> she's gone. >> She's gone. I mean, it's pretty much empty in there. There's no couches or anything, but like all the broken bed stuff and everything is just pushed up against >> she went she went and broke everything and put like barricade herself that she was trying to protect um >> Okay. Unable to delay, police entered the apartment to ensure safety. At that moment, the mother used a spray on officers, forcing them to use safety equipment to manage the situation. One of the officers who came into contact with the spray experienced mild irritation due to the sensitive nature. Some body cam footage was later reviewed and edited by authorities before release. [Music] I got a little bit space, bro. We got a little bit of space. A little bit at a level. >> Slide Slide this bottom down. What? It's jammed in there. >> I don't like it. >> You got to come with it. >> I'm not officer. Go ahead. >> We need this. I'm sure at this point it just smells like bleach. >> I'm going to need at least two more. >> You go downstairs. You good? In the chaotic moment, it seemed all officers were actively working to regain control. Yet, they persisted calmly. >> I went in my throat. Stay with her. You may bang her head on the partition. [Applause] Hey, ask the [ __ ] some kind of >> My throat's burning. Oh, great. They don't want to coat to us. >> Hey, >> where's the [ __ ] bleach? Damn it. >> One, two, three, four counts battery on Leo. One count, child. >> [ __ ] I can't see. Tommy, you want me to take her? >> No, I'm taking it. >> I'm going to take it. >> I just I really cannot see though. >> Water. >> Yeah, you got some more. Thank you. >> These are like gentle. >> That's why I can't sit down. Sit on the curb. Sit on the seat. Sit on something. >> I got to go back in there >> for what? She took one of my this cup. >> Mike, you got a dry napkin. >> 40 34 58. [Applause] After a series of challenging interactions, the mother continued to insist that she had done nothing wrong. >> Okay, I'm going down. >> 3450 late. She's 10:15. >> Okay, officer. You pinging me down the stairs. You pissing me down the stairs. Officer, look what they did. I didn't do nothing wrong. All I'm doing is telling Jesus save. Jesus saved. Y'all doing me wrong. Y'all see this? Y'all doing me wrong. Look, they took my kids. They made my kids run away. Now look, they take me in handcuffs. Dallas, you was all London. >> Shut the hell up. >> Okay. God is good. >> They hurt the dog. The cops hurt the dog. >> What you trying to take? Officer, >> make sure you ain't got nothing in your pocket. >> I don't got nothing in my pocket. Nothing in my pocket, officer. >> So, what is this? >> Oh, okay. >> Exactly. Shut the hell up and let me do my job. >> No problem. This is what you wanted, Dallas. You see you took all my kids off. >> I pulled one out. >> Stop moving. >> I'm not moving, officer. And you and you moving me and telling me stop moving. Officer, I'm not trying to do nothing, officer. >> The subsequent search was conducted by a female officer to follow safety protocols. We'll be able to move that right now. >> Officer, please forgive me. I was just trying to protect my >> I'm going to pat you down. No problem. >> You going to stand right here or lean on the car? Do you have anything on you that's going to me? >> Only batteries and lighters. No ma'am. >> Okay. Are they on your person? >> No. He took them out. >> Okay. So, there's nothing hidden, nothing. No needles. Nothing. >> What's in your ear? Is that just your ear earring? >> Okay. Can you do spread your legs? You don't think you don't have to go that far. You can close me a little bit. Here we go. Thank you. >> You wearing a bra? >> No. Oh, yes. >> Okay. Is it a wire bra? >> No. No, ma'am. >> Is there any chemical on you? Anything that's going to hurt me in that fashion from what they are telling you? >> All right. I'm going on your No problem. Okay. >> No problem. >> So, just to let you know that you're all on body cam, so everything you said is going to be recorded and to all be you. So, just I'm just reminding you of that fact. Okay. >> No problem. >> No more necklaces. >> No, ma'am. >> All right. We're going to step to my car. >> No problem. >> She's right over here. >> Can you please grab the water? >> Yeah. Can you grab the water? >> Yeah. Can you please You got to get to the car first, officer. All I need is water. >> Despite the tense situation, officers remained calm and professional. In the vehicle, the mother began to show signs of realizing her mistakes. >> Is there a reason that you need water? >> Yes. I'm really thirsty, ma'am. >> Is that it? Yes. >> Is there no other reason to put it for me, officer? >> Yeah, we got to get in the car. >> Please forgive me. I forgive y'all. Please forgive me. >> You don't take any medication that requires >> No. No. No medication. No. Nope. No medication. >> All right. Put your seat belt on. >> Actually, not your fault. Please give me some water. Officer some water. >> Please. I apologize. I'm so sorry. I love my kids. >> No worry. >> Sorry, ma'am. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry you have to come and do this. So sorry. >> Thank you so much, ma'am. >> Is this a water bottle from your house? >> No, I don't know. >> Somebody offered >> I don't know. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. >> You're going to have an opportunity to talk to the judge. Okay, >> no problem. Can you give me a little bit more? I don't take no medication, nothing. Thank you so much. Can you just leave that water bottle right there? No, it can't be in the cab, but I'm going to put in the front. >> No problem. Thank you so much. >> All right. There's a drop here. Just careful when you're stepping out. Step up. Go to that door. Shortly after, the father and his girlfriend arrived to pick up the child. They couldn't hide their concern over the apartment's conditions and expressed appreciation to the police. >> Hey, how's that baby doing, man? >> She's good right now. >> She's good. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Sorry. That encouraged you guys, man. >> I'm glad you got your child. >> Yes, sir. I'm glad, too. Thank you. >> All right. Yes, sir. >> That that apartment, no child should ever be even close to living in something like that. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. All right. I'm glad that you called us. I'm glad we were able to help you out and get the baby out of that situation cuz that was not good at all. Thank you very much. >> Yes, sir. Just stick around for us a little bit. RCIB is actually coming because of all the events that have occurred and what we've witnessed in there. She's going to be charged with some form of child um as well as a battery on all of us. >> No problem. >> All right. Thank you guys. >> All right. So, I guess you used to live here, but you moved out four or five months ago. Is that right? And when you left, the house was in pretty good order. >> Yes. Me? Yes. It was straight. Everything was good. It was nothing like this. No windows, nothing like that. >> Yeah. Okay. And what is the child custody situation? >> She has, but I'm uh Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. [Applause] >> So, you you take care of her only. Is there any court paperwork as far as custody goes? >> No. >> The mother was charged and booked into Lake County jail with two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and child. Under Florida law, she could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison or probation along with fines up to $15,000. However, court records show her bail was set at $11,000. Do you think the court's ruling was truly fair? Share your perspective in the comments below. Welcome to New Mexico, where adults make mistakes, but a 5-year-old ends up suffering the consequences. >> Our bed is high, high off the floor. Okay, he rolled off because he went looking for me. >> October 29th, 2023. A phone call in the middle of the night. A 5-year-old child was discovered in distress at an apartment near Wyoming and Central in Albuquerque, revealing a troubling secret. The child has since recovered, but the mother and her boyfriend remain unaccounted for. [Music] >> We'll go if you want to hang it tight in the car and then we'll come back and get you. >> Hello, police department. >> What's going on? because they're so we're here to check on a kid, man. >> A kid? >> Yeah. >> What number is this? What's your name? >> Felipe. >> Felipe, how you doing, Felipe? I'm >> doing good. Just got off work, sir. >> Okay. >> Who lives with you? >> My mom. >> Your mom? >> Yeah. She's in the hospital right now. She had a minor stroke. >> Did she? I'm sorry to hear that, bro. >> Just yesterday. Last night, actually. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Who else was with you? Just your mom? >> My mom's in the hospital. >> But is that the only person? >> No, it's just me by myself. So, like the officer said, so we got a phone call that there's a kid that lives there inside here. This this apartment. >> Well, it's me and my girlfriend. >> Okay. Where's your girlfriend at now? You mind if we come in? >> Give me a second. Yeah. I'll turn on the light. I'll leave the door open. >> All right. Hi. How you doing? >> What's up? >> So, I'm officer, Mr. D3. This is my partner, uh, Officer Kena. Precious Kalena. So, basically, well, wait. The reason why you're here is cuz we got a call that there's a kid in this apartment. >> My son? >> Yeah, your son. that you didn't look well. So that's why we're here to check on him. >> Yeah, he fell off the bed the other night. So he's kind of over there. >> You mind if we check on him? >> I'll bring him right up. >> Let Let me be frank with you, okay? Let me be blunt cuz he's kind of sugar coating it. We got a lot about the house, okay? So we're going to need to go in and check on the house to see where he sleeps. We're going to need to see if there's food, running water. We're going to need to see if there's hot water. >> That's everything. >> So like I mentioned, we're going to have to go inside regardless. Okay. >> So we don't know that >> it's not my house. It's in our house. Yeah. Yeah. >> It doesn't matter, man. We're going to have to check on the kid one way or another, bro. So, you can make this harder or you can make it easy, dude. It's We're not And like I said, I'm not >> You guys We're here for the baby. >> I know. I'm not I'm not making it harder. Open. >> And like a repeated excuse, the adults once again blamed the bed rather than admitting their own carelessness. [Music] >> Turn the lights. Uh >> these lights that that one's outside light. So, the light's working. >> Yeah, the light's working, man. I just have a mock because my bill's so high. Yeah. >> Do me a favor, my man. Have a seat right here. >> Okay. I just don't want you to sit on that table. You know what I mean? No weapons on you. >> I'm going to sweat. >> Cool, brother. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Yeah. Like, he sits on the bed with us. >> The other morning when I went to work, he wrote about >> What's your son's name? >> Rosa. >> Can I see him really quickly? >> Yeah, of course. Like I said, he's crazy. He jumps. >> Come here, buddy. >> As soon as it happens, >> what's your name, >> man? [Applause] Come on, buddy. [Music] >> Is this mom? Who's this? >> No, it's too >> What happened, buddy? >> Hey, my name's Adrian. What's your name? What's your name? Ross. >> Ross. That's a cool name. Can you tell me what happened? >> Is your daddy here right now? >> I tough at work. >> He's at work. Oh, man. You're tough, dude. Did you know that? >> Yeah. >> You're so strong. I think you're tougher than I am. You know that? So, I'm going to tell you what. Look, the firefighters are here to look at you, dude. That's pretty cool, huh? >> Yeah. They're going to They're here to check you out. I'm going to go help my friends. Okay. >> Back at that house, the mother lost control, accusing the police of taking her child. She raised her voice, caused a disturbance, and turned the entire scene into chaos. >> You push me up, bro. >> Hey. Hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. >> I got bit, dude. My dog me, dude. >> You want to take my kids when I work and take care of him by myself? Don't talk. You want to talk? >> No. She put hands on me. >> I can't understand you. You're screaming at me. >> [ __ ] punching. >> Sheing put hands on me. I'm crushing. >> That is fine. That is fine. I don't care. >> You took my son. You put on his face. >> Yeah, he fell out the bed. I already took him to the urgent care. >> All right. Look at me, dude. >> It's not us. >> [ __ ] baby. done. >> My only baby. >> Let go. >> Let go. Let go, baby. Let go. Let go. Put the Put the dog inside. >> Come on, Roxy. >> Hey, what's your name? >> You don't need to know my name. >> I do need to know your name. >> You took my son. I don't want to talk to you. >> You don't want to talk to me. >> I want my son. You son of a >> You're not going to have your son back. >> You want to pet me? I will fight for him again. >> You're not going to fight anyone. >> You want to pet me? [ __ ] you and the [ __ ] baby daddy. I know who called you. I know who called you cuz he's a piece of He don't even support his son. I rap him. >> No, he's not going anywhere. He's my man and we're staying together. That's our son right there. We're the ones that have been taking care of him, bro. His dad, Jo Martinez, don't do a thing. >> I raped him. I would do that, but my dad >> heing him. Ask my son. >> Hey, calm down. >> No, you took my son. His dad him, bro. >> That's why I stopped you from seeing him. >> So then talk to me about it. >> You just took my kid. You just told me I'm not getting it back. Calm down and I will talk to you. >> My son, bro. >> Then calm down and I will talk to you. >> Hey M. >> The bed was once again used as the excuse. But this time it came with another partner, the father. She accused him of being unreliable, but because of pride and because I don't like cops, she chose to stay silent and hide what was happening. And now she turned her anger toward the police. [ __ ] [ __ ] [Music] >> Take a minute. Hey, I will talk. Okay, then talk to me about it. Talk to me about it. >> You just told me to talk. I'm not getting my kid back. Why would I need to talk to you now? What is it going to happen? What's it going to matter? >> Let me talk. I took the kid because he has bruising on his face. Hey, >> because he's fell off the bed. I already took him to the urgent care. to me. Hey, calm down. Hey, what's your name? >> I'm not giving you my name, bro. I don't even trust you. You guys have my kids. >> Felipe, what's your name? >> Felipe. >> What? What's your name? Seriously, what's your name? >> It's Natalie. >> Natalie, I'm getting >> I want my son. I don't even give a >> [ __ ] Felipe. Natalie, please. >> I want my son. That's all I want. I want to press charges on his dad for him. I want you start for >> I'm going to wreck that right here again. Tell her to take the bats off and step me down. >> Come here. >> I want my son dog. Do you not get that? >> I understand that. >> But do you see how now you're telling me that somebody hit him? Somebody hit him. That kid, right? >> Yeah. His dad. He's been telling me for weeks that his dad him. That's like the fourth time he's came home with his dog. >> Then why don't you talk to me? >> I don't like cops. I hate you. >> You're going to keep seeing us. If you want to see your kid again, what you guys did, bro. >> You just took my dog. That's my son. >> I already lost a little girl to death to 14 years ago, bro. And now you just took my kid. >> Natalie, well, talk to me. The way you're acting is not going to help your cause. >> Does that make sense? >> Natalie, >> what the do you want, dog? >> Do you want to see your son again? >> Yes. >> Why talk to me? Why is he like that? >> Cuz he rolls off the bed. When he's rolls over, he looks for me. He's a mama's boy. I went to work. My man was watching him. >> Stop lying to me. >> I'm not lying to you. I put that on my watch. >> He has two eyes. How is that? >> Because our bed is high, dog. >> I'm not saying you did it. >> Look, I'm going to tell you right now. I'm >> not saying that you did it. >> Okay, listen. Our bed is high. High off theing floor. Okay. He rolled off because he went looking for me. >> You see, I got tired. Plus, I got a >> Hello. What do you think happened when you get tired? You He jumps off. He's an active kid. He jumps off couches. He plays with the dog. He plays with his friends. His dad is Gilbert Martinez. He's a piece of [ __ ] Little man. Look. You want to see my wrist? >> Look what he did to my wrist, dog. >> Well, let's talk about it. >> You want to take my kid from me when I'm not the one, dog? His dad does. >> Then came a long monologue. The father was unkind. She was struggling. The family was in crisis. A storm of emotions, no evidence, no confirmation. Feelings should never come before a child's safety. I'm not going to talk to you. Why the me again? I put them on everything. I wrecked them. They ain't taking me nowhere. I want my son. That's all I want. >> I don't want to. I'm talking to you right here. Why do I got to step your face? >> Your voice. >> I want my kid. You ain't going to get me to calm down. I want my son. Take his daddy to jail. Because he's the one that fractured my wrist and the his son. >> Hey, talk to me about it. I want to know. Ask his son. >> His son already told him multiple times. He hates him. When he gets mad, he acts like a psycho [ __ ] child. He yells and screams. He called my dad to him. >> Yes. Because he can't handle his anger. >> He could being hot and he'll take his day out on his son yelling and screaming at him. >> Where does he live? >> He lives over there from his friend Mile's house. Doesn't even [ __ ] have his own plates. >> When was the last time you were >> He text me today. He texted me today talking about he I shouldn't be leaving him with my man. Why? >> When did you get your son back? >> I got him last week. >> Last week? >> Yeah, that he always tried to take my son. He don't have no rights to my son. He ain't even on the birth. That's how much of a he is. He denied his son. But now he wants to say he has concerns of my son with him. >> Do you watch him do it? >> I'm not there. If I'm not let him go spend the night with his dad. >> So when did you when did you get your son back again? >> I got him two weeks ago. He had on his ears. I took him. >> Yes. his he said his daddy. My sister has pictures cuz he had on his forehead cuz he said he a coffee table but it looked like he got multiple times. You want me to call my sister Shenica so she can [ __ ] show you the pictures? >> We can do that later but I want to talk to you. >> No, I want my son dog. >> That's a long way from now. Okay. >> Then why the do you want to continue talking? If you're not going to give my son, there's no important talking anymore because I'm going to take your badge and that for putting hands on me. >> You are his mother. >> Yes. I'm the one that takes care of my mommy and daddy cuz that dad don't do nothing here. >> I took him to UNM. That's where I always take him. >> Okay. When did you take him? >> Yesterday when he fell off the bed. >> How did that go? What did they tell you? >> They said it was going to be a lot of because he where he cuz he hit the wall. Not to mention he's got his daddy telling him that monsters are real somewhere. He has he freaks out and he throws himself. >> No, I don't. >> He's oning computer. I can't pull it up. >> Yeah, >> that's crazy. >> Yeah, cuz they don't do paper. >> They don't. Who went with you? >> My dad. >> Your dad? Where's your dad? >> He's not. >> Do you have his number? I can call him. >> I do not. >> You don't have his number? >> My mom's just got out the hospital this morning. Afternoon. Want her number? >> I'm sorry to hear that. >> Yeah, she had a slight minor heartache last night. His mom had a slight stroke last night. So, I have a lot of going on. And now you just took my kid. You want me to calm the down? There is no call me down, dog. >> Natalie, can I ask you a question? What? Hey, my name's Officer Montoya. So, why don't you guys call So, >> I don't call pigs because every time I called you when everything Wait, wait, hold on. No. Every time I've called you guys, I went to jail. When my baby daddy fractured my wrist the first time, I went to jail. >> I don't know who you're barking at like that. I'm not going to call somebody when I go to jail. Why the would I do that if I'm going to go to jail? You [ __ ] punk. >> We're done. We're done. >> [ __ ] [ __ ] I got that. You guys are going to lose 5 years. >> Come here. >> Of course, the man living with a mother wasn't innocent either. >> Come here. >> Leave on the inside. [Applause] >> I'm not I'm just not trying to be a smart, bro. I just Well, I'm just trying to get the story. >> What's your name, bro? >> M. >> Yeah. Felipe Felipe F3. >> What's your last name? >> Valencia. >> Valencia. >> Yeah. Hey, am I being accus What's up? Tell Tell me what's going on. Talk to me. >> Because you live here. >> Yes. >> You might have been a witness to whatever happened. >> That's why we want to talk to you. >> I go to work at night. I take care of my mother. >> Okay. Well, I don't I don't You know what I mean? I'm not saying that you know >> Yeah. I got my landlord to me out. >> Well, listen. Talk to me and we can help you out. >> All right, let me try to calm her down. >> No, no, no. What's your date of birth? >> Let me calm her down, dude. >> I'm going to get this information. >> You got to talk to Natalie. >> What do you mean, bro? >> I'm not your brother. >> I'm not doing nothing. Bro, >> after 10:30, >> put your hands together like you're clapping now. Put both hands together like you're talking. Do not move. >> I'm not moving, dude. Look, I got my hands on. >> Hey, bro. So, you're being detained right now. All right. >> I'm not doing nothing. >> I appreciate that, bro. Turn that hand inward. So, it's a this way. >> I can't. >> You can't turn it? >> Yeah. >> There you go. >> Is simply saying, "I love this boy enough for her boyfriend to avoid responsibility." >> Do me a favor real quick. Separate your feet. I'm just going to make sure you don't have any weapons or anything. Anything that can poke me or stab me? That's just your phone. >> That little boy, bro. >> I know that little boy, bro. >> I hear you, man. So, why didn't you guys Why didn't I >> Yeah, I'm here. He came back from his dad, bro. He was And I don't know why she ain't saying the truth, dude. >> And bro, like that boy, he's innocent. >> You know what I mean? >> All right, bro. >> The police stayed calm and followed procedure. And the mother, she reacted as if she were being unfairly judged in the middle of a crowd. A real parent would focus on protecting their child, not on acing their voice or making >> Natalie. Natalie, there's a 101 at my >> Come here. Shut up. >> You don't talk to me. >> [ __ ] Take out the bathroom. Step to me. >> Come here. >> No. >> Took my son. >> Don't touch me. >> Get out here. >> You have no right to touch. Get out here. >> Hey, Natalie. We can help. >> I don't want to talk to you. I don't have to stay with me. >> Where dog? >> Where's the dog? Come here. >> Don't worry about it, dog. >> Stay the away from me cuz I won't press charges. That's harass me. That's just my fault. >> Come here, Natalie. >> No, I don't trust you. >> You're making a charges for yourself. >> Rapist, >> come here. >> No, >> I want to talk to you. >> I don't want to talk to you no more. I don't have to. You can talk to my attorneys now. >> What should we do with him? >> You're going to talk to my attorney. You do not touch me. Okay, come here. >> No, I don't want to. I don't feel safe with you guys. >> Why don't you feel safe with us? >> Because you guys are raping me. >> Everything's being recorded. >> I don't give a you recording. >> Come here. >> No. >> Come near me again. I swear to God, I will. >> It's not worth it. >> Then stay the away from me. [ __ ] out of my house. >> Come here. Let's go see your son. You want to go see your son? >> You think I'm [ __ ] dumb? >> No, I don't. >> You think I'm dumb? >> Natalie. >> Hey. What are you doing? Stop. Hey, >> get in my other phone and you guys want to steal that one. >> Hatley, stop. >> Don't come in here. >> I don't come near me. >> Don't touch me. >> I will take >> Don't touch me. >> Don't touch me. What the [ __ ] >> I'm trying to watch my >> You're fighting my arm. >> You guys are [ __ ] >> You're hurting my Stop fighting. >> It's crushing already. >> Well, stop fighting. Go outside. >> You're making me fall. You're too excited. My salt, morons. Ow. I'm walking. >> Then walk. Walk. Stop. Walk. Hey, stop. Let me stop right here. Are you just kidding? >> I am. You just >> walk like a grown woman. >> I'm drawing you. Step on to my foot. >> Walk. >> The 32-year-old mother and her 35-year-old boyfriend have been charged with child and attempting to influence a witness. Under NM stat section 30-6-1 and section 30-24-3, they could face 5 to 10 years in prison or fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. They are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center without bond as ordered during the pre-trial detention hearing. >> Go. It's rock. All right. You have any weapons on you? >> No, I don't have nothing on me. >> I have a lighter in my pocket. Ow. That's rock. Ow. Ow. >> I don't know. Oh my. >> Stop moving. >> It's cuz I stepped on a rock and it really hurt. Thank you. >> I asked him a second to do the same thing, but they didn't do it. >> Now you're acting like an adult. Good. >> I watch this. >> You guys good? >> What's up? >> Oh, yeah. Hey. >> Hi. >> Um, what's up? >> How you doing? >> I think they're just going to go. >> They're going to UNMH. >> Uh, are we going to? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Let me head out the door. >> Do you have to stay here? Cuz they're going to take him to UNH. >> Children who are face significant risks from minor setbacks to serious ones. But the deeper damage lies within anxiety, fear, and emotional challenges that may take years to overcome. When emotions override reason, the consequences extend beyond the individual and impact the community. From a chaotic parking lot to a quiet apartment full of risks, one truth is clear. Custody cannot be decided by impulse or extremes. It requires fair legal judgment, responsible parents, and above all, the child's absolute safety. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don't miss our next analysis. See you tomorrow. [Music]