in difficult situations caused by those they trust. Police arrive, bringing a sense of safety to children and to adults struggling in life. As for those who ignore the law, they will eventually be held responsible. On a freezing winter night in Illinois, police were trying to locate the child's mother after a young boy was found wandering outside on a cold night. >> You were in the parking lot with with the flame on the building. Does that sound right? >> Mhm. >> Okay. That's the last time you saw mommy when you were awake. >> Mhm. >> Okay. On February 25th, 2023, around 2:00 a.m., while most people were asleep, a 6-year-old boy appeared at a local 7-Eleven in Decal. Reports suggested the boy may have remained unattended in the vehicle longer than intended. Officers quickly arrived, spoke with the child, and confirmed he was safe and in good condition. >> Do you know where he lives? No, >> he's going to show me, but I want He said he wants to warm up first. >> Yeah, I think you can do it. >> What's that? one from here from me. >> Well, >> I I would say I would What if he's allergic to something here? >> Oh, >> yeah. >> How's it going? >> Sorry. >> Oh, it's okay. >> You're not allergic to nothing. >> You sure? >> Yeah. Are you sure, buddy? Cuz a lot of people are mine. >> Okay. I'll come back. from the black. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Do SRO's have contact or access to their stuff at home or >> I'm not sure. I may have to use you cuz you got a car seat. >> We need a car seat. >> You know, do SRO's have access to their stuff at home? >> They do. Oh, what school you go to, brother? >> I'll leave the southside. >> Let me close the door. I'll turn you down for you. Okay. The only problem I have with putting him in the back seat of your squad is I want him up front to show me where he lives. But I don't want to have him up front. We'll figure this out. >> What's he saying? He woke up in uh his mom's car. You guys said he came from that way. Can you head that way and see if there's a car door that's open? He woke up in mom's car and he was alone. The car was turned off. >> The next steps to locate the boy's mother were launched shortly after with help from the child himself. >> Maybe mom's name sound. >> Oh my god. >> Okay. >> I'll be right behind you. >> You say you go to Lincoln. Okay. You know what? Go ahead and I'll ride with you. >> Yeah, that's right. All right, buddy. >> I think we're going to we're going to go to zone one. >> Zone one. >> Yeah, we're just going to go across the street. >> Are we going to go this way, bud? >> All right, buddy. We're going to need your help. You got to look out the windows and tell us which way to go. Okay. Do you live over here in these apartment buildings here? >> No. Go in there. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> You're looking Oh, my mom's car's heart. So, >> let's try to remember where you where mom's car is at. >> It's at that with the song on it. >> It's over there by uh by the store with the fire sign on it. >> Do you know what color Karma's uh what color mom's car is? >> Silver. >> Silver. Okay. He says it's a truck. That's what he knows it as. >> Okay. >> How about this one here? This one's not mom's, is it? >> It is. >> This one's mom's. That's mom's car. >> Although the mother had not yet been found, officers remained patient, listening, observing, and guiding the boy carefully while considering both his safety and emotional well-being. It was It was locked. This front door was This doesn't look familiar. >> My apartment >> in that building right behind us >> here. I'll tell you what. Pull up the uh screen. >> Okay. Ah, there we go. Hi. >> Hi. >> He's saying this doesn't look familiar. It said it's across the street >> over there. >> The flight came back here, though. the plate. >> Oh, >> she's in house as she comes back here. >> Now, what apartment? >> You said your door number is 104, >> but it's not here. >> We got a call through at 104 on 28th of January. >> There's a different one >> on Spir that says 858. Yeah. >> So, let's go to 858. >> Um, I'll walk over there. >> Okay. >> All right, D. I'll be right back. Okay, bud. What's up, buddy? >> Hero. >> Which which window? This? This one? >> Oh, are you cold? >> Thank you. >> Yep. No problem, buddy. >> Based on the child's limited descriptions, police appeared to have identified the mother's apartment, but she had still not shown up. >> Hey, long time no see. Sorry. We got a a little kid here and we're looking for his mom and she used to live in 102. That's why I was knocking. >> Where where's he live at? >> Across the street. >> Okay, we're going over there. We're trying to make contact with mom. Last house was right there. So that's why I was knocking. >> Yeah, he's like 6 years old. >> Is the the building to your left? Did Is it Is that where mom stays? >> No. >> No. Is the building to your right where mom stays? Is that your home? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> Oh, she lives over there, but just in that apartment. She lives in that apartment over there. >> Uhhuh. >> In the in the big building to our left. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Then you think your door number is 104? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> I just found my apartment. >> I just found your apartment. >> Mhm. >> What's that? >> I'm giving someone a call. You want to go? >> I don't know where she lives. >> You going where she lives? Okay. >> Last thing I know is across street. >> Okay. That's where her registration comes back to saw us that they don't live there. He said he lives across the street. >> Well, that's what the guy that lives in 102 said. >> Yeah. >> He's the guy in the wheelchair that he said that she lives across the street, so he thought it was this building. >> No, no, he he's right. He's fine to come here. >> I got to give him to Shay. You guys are trying to call her right now. >> All right. Do you have a phone number just in case I can't get a hold of her? In case you can't find her right now, I need to have a phone number. Can I get that from you guys? >> During this time, officers continued to ensure the child was safe and comfortable inside the patrol car. >> You know, you can get possessed by candy. >> Possessed. >> Mhm. >> How so? >> Because if you like it too much and you smell it, you might like your eyes out. They'll like be >> It's your first time eating this week? >> Mhm. >> When is the last time you ate? >> I ate many times. But not this time. >> Okay. Many times, but not this time. >> Why would our car be over there? Was it warm? >> No. Almost makes you want to go over to look at the video at 7-Eleven and see how long it was. I don't know if we'd see it. >> I don't know that it reaches all the way across. >> Maybe Thursdays we would, but you're not supposed to get that camera off up out there at an intersection. >> Is Is Troy Is Troy your brother? >> Yeah, he's 17. He's 17. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Wait, how do you know that? >> I'm just I uh I I can I can look stuff up on my on my computer. I found brother in house there at 857102. When was the last time you saw mommy? >> I remember seeing her when I wasn't asleep. >> Okay. Do you remember where you were? You were in the parking lot with with the flame on the building. Does that sound right? >> Mhm. >> Okay. That's the last time you saw mommy when you were awake. >> Mhm. >> Okay. When the boy's mother was located, she appeared unaware that her child had exited the vehicle. >> What's going on? You >> okay? >> Yeah. You see, I just woke up. >> Damian said in a car that was turned off. >> What? What? >> You have a son, Damian? >> Damian, >> he was in my car. >> Yeah. >> What the >> Who was in your car last? >> I was. >> When was this? >> What? He was just >> But I could have sworn he was just in here. Call Uncle Frogg. >> They said they just talk to a man. We told him that we stay. They think he stay. >> Don't talk to my uncle. >> Yeah. We told them that he >> I thought he was. >> Let me get my code. >> We're We're bringing him right over here. He's just across the street. >> He at Uncle Froggy house. >> No, he's in our squad right now. >> He in your squad car? >> Come on. >> He's coming in. We're bringing him to you. >> Okay. Caring for multiple children can be challenging, but it should never be an excuse to place them in a situation that risks their health or safety. >> What kind of candy you got? Kit Kat. >> Yeah. >> Nope. >> When's the last time you were in your car? >> I was in my car. What time is it? It's what? >> 3. >> Yeah. Almost 3 in the morning. >> Quarter to 3. >> The last time I was in my car, I came back from Walmart. That was like 10. >> Yeah. My uncle came over here. me. >> Was he with you? >> Yes. We went to a fun night and I went to go get something to eat and then we went to Walmart and I came back. Where you been at? >> It was in my >> You fell asleep or something? >> Yeah. >> I could have sworn he came in with the other kids. I pulled everything out the car, pulled one of my kids out the bag. I don't even not back here at 10:00. >> Yeah. And I pulled up right here and let all my kids out. If he was sleeping in my car. >> Which car is this? >> It's a Dodge Journey. That >> the one that parked across the way >> at the quick start. That's my car. >> So you pulled up, dropped all the kids off here. >> Yeah. And then I went and parked our car. Me and my daughter parked the car and we walked up over here and I went to in the back and went to sleep. >> Okay. Yeah. He was at 7-Eleven for about 10 minutes before they called us. >> Yeah. He walked past He said he woke up. He was all He was cold. >> This is who was in the car with you. So your this is my daughter >> who was sitting next to her in the car. >> I don't know. I got stuff all in my car. Y'all, it was I had my three little kids in the back and she was in the front seat. >> Okay. >> But y'all can ask her if she was just knocked out. >> You saw him walk in with you? >> Yeah. He was in a crowd and we were coming back from the school. >> Coming back from the school? >> Yeah. Cuz we went to school festival. >> Okay. And where'd you go after that? >> Uh here. >> Where before we came here? >> Oh, no. We went to Walmart. >> Okay. >> And then we came. >> Do you remember seeing him get out of the car? >> What? >> Tim, we're not even. >> Due to this brief lapse in attention, authorities stated that the case would be reviewed under local laws to determine any necessary legal steps. >> We're going to have to check the uh cameras. I I believe that there's going to be some surveillance cameras that >> Yeah, they're will reach all the way over there. 7-Eleven. But you're you don't remember him coming in? >> I don't remember seeing him myself come in. I just assumed that all my kids was in that house because I've never knocked them all out the car before. So, and then by me running in and out with the stuff, I just assumed that he got out the car. I didn't know he was still asleep in my car. >> We all was in the house. My uncle even came over here. I had no idea. Everybody when I asked where the boys were, everybody said they was in the house asleep already. So, >> all right. Um, I don't know what the outcome of this is going to be. There's a potential that you could be charged with the health of a child, meaning that he's been sleeping in the back of a van possibly for the past 5 hours. >> In the backseat of my car, my back of my trunk has boxes, these moving boxes in the back of my trunk. >> Okay, I get that. >> I'm I'm just >> I'm just saying that that's a potential. Okay, I do have to notify DCFS of what happened tonight, but they'll probably be in touch with you. This is a good address for you right now. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. I'll be in touch with you. All right. >> All right. Thank you for bringing my boy. >> No problem. >> Mhm. >> All right. Thanks, sir. >> Police continued coordinating with relevant agencies to complete the necessary procedures. >> Her car is right here. >> That car? >> Yeah, the car that he came out of. Parked right here. I'm not going to be able to see it. Do you want me to come back and pay for that Kit Kat? I don't know. I Are you sure? >> I just I want to pay because he was crying. >> Are you sure? >> So, yeah, I'm sure because I want to buy for him because he was crying. So then you reminded me, oh, don't give anything which is allergic to. >> Yeah. Yeah. I thank you. >> Thank you. >> Sean, do you want to leave all your property with her? You're going to be in and out in like 10 minutes. Completely up to you. I got to search you when you get in here. You really don't need anything. You want to just leave your co with her then? Again, you're going to be in >> April 14th, 9:00 in the morning over in Sigmore is where you need to go. This is what you were charged with. That's yours. I need two signatures from you stating that you are going to comply with the stipulations of bond. Can't leave the state of Illinois without permission to the court. You got to give written notice to the clerk of the court of any change of address within 24 hours of such change and you can't break any more laws while you're out on bond. If you do do that, they could revoke your bond and you can be charged with violation of bail. Okay. I don't have any record. I don't have anything related to traffic. I don't have any cases with DCFS. I've never had a problem. I have nine kids and I've always had my children. For my son to not get out the car and get under a blanket and me to see other coats in the house is ridiculous. To say that I saw the look on his face, any child in that situation would have had a look of panic in their face. But to say I felt something for that to charge me and I have never been convicted of anything is redundant to me. Really stupid because now things are going to get harder. And if he really cared about my kid and how the situation went, why put me a charge when I've never even been in trouble. >> Do you want to read what the complaint says? >> I don't even care. At this point, I have no choice at this point. >> The mother was charged with childment. Under Illinois law, she could face up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. Thanks to the quick response and compassion of the officers, the child remains safe. It's a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences. Adults are meant to be a source of safety for children. But this little boy was seen gently reassuring his mother after a difficult situation. >> It's okay. It's okay. It's nothing. >> Come on. >> It's okay. >> On March 27th, 2025, a 5-year-old was seen in a parked car on a chilly day, prompting concern from bystanders. Witnesses noticed the child appearing upset inside the car and contacted police right away. Officers quickly arrived, gathered information from the witness, and ensured the child's safety. >> You said he's been out here for about 45 minutes. >> I've been here. My client's appointment is at 6:30, and I got here about 10 minutes late. You've been here since >> no one in there, kid. >> Okay. I'm just asking for it. >> Go in and find out if it's anyone here. He's chilling out here, but he's been in the screen crying. >> Okay. >> So, that's like freaked me out. >> Somebody shut the alarm off. So, >> it did go off at one point. >> It did. He tried to open the door. >> Okay. Would you obviously like our number one priority is to get the kid. Would you mind like hanging around so we can gather more information from you? >> Absolutely. Will. >> Okay. >> I will stay as long as you need me to. >> I appreciate you, ma'am. >> Is this your car? Do you know whose car this is? >> 88. >> Okay. Seems like maybe they've got it figured out. Do we have it figured out? >> No, there's a dance. >> The dance studio. >> It's closed. >> Cannot find what I need. >> I've seen somebody quite a few times pass with a dog, but nobody has nobody came up and >> it's Yeah, it's probably from one of a kind is what >> Okay. I don't know if you >> Where's your Where's your mommy at? Can you unlock the door? No. Unlock the door for me. Can you unlock the door? >> Mommy's in there. He's pointing over here. >> Okay. Can you unlock the door? Can you open it? >> That's what happened last time. >> Where's Where's mommy at? >> In there. >> She's in there. >> Mhm. >> The mother arrived shortly after and authorities began reviewing the situation according to local law. >> You need me to come sit with him or >> No. >> Okay. >> Is this your child? >> Yeah. What are you doing? Okay. What? I'm going to need to put Put the keys down. Off right now. You're going >> Why? >> That's not how that works. It's okay. >> It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. It's nothing. >> Come on. >> And even who is not stealing me? Who is my mom? >> I wish she's your mom. >> But I do got to go potty. >> You have to go potty. >> Mhm. >> Okay. That's why the weed is in. >> Um, what about my son though? >> We're gonna make sure Where were you when your son was in the car for 45 minutes? >> I've been checking on him. I wasn't in there for 45 minutes. >> Are you okay? >> Well, okay. >> To determine exactly how long the child had been left alone, police worked with other agencies, ensuring fairness for everyone involved. while documenting the incident. >> She came in for an interview. >> Okay. >> Or to enroll. I had no idea that >> it's been a since she's been back to the car. >> She came in and asked for an interview. >> Did you wash your hands? >> Yep. >> Okay, perfect. >> And uh the manager said she'd be right with her. So, she said, "Okay, I got to get something out of my car for maybe 20 minutes or so." Came back in and I took her back to her interview. >> That's where she came out of was an interview. >> Yeah. The two doors down is our office area. We only checked as far as the classroom area. I didn't even dawn at me. She'd be that one. >> Would you be willing to fill out if I need you to witness? Okay. Thank you. I'll be back. You said it was like over an hour or an hour. >> Her appointment was at 6:30 and we got here about 10 minutes late. So about 6:40 is when we got here and this vehicle was already here. >> Okay. >> I took my client in, walked her to the station, and I sat my butt in the car. >> You saw no one come out? >> Nobody came out. Though the mother claimed she was watching from nearby, authorities explained that leaving a child alone, even briefly, can be unsafe. >> Are you okay back there? You want Are you too hot, cold? Nothing. >> I'm fine. I'm just watching my son. >> No. >> Okay. Okay. So, since you're in the back of our prisoner in cuffs, I'm going to read you something and I'm going to ask you some questions. Okay. >> Mhm. >> I I get that you were going in for an interview. >> I actually wasn't even going in for an interview. >> Me and my son just drove by. We just left the pet store. I was like, "Oh, yeah. Gerber always wanted to go here. So the lady was like, "Can you fill out the application?" >> Coming from the pet store, Pet >> No, the pet like right next door. >> I got you. I got you. >> So we came here and then I came in and asked if they had any openings for esthetician school. And the lady was like, "Actually, the manager is here. Here's a form." She's like, "Can you fill that out for me, please?" I was like, "Yeah." So I came outside and I was like, "Sane, do you want to go in?" He said, "No." So I filled out the form with him in the car. I like, "Do you want to go in?" He's like, "No, go inside." and she was hogging. We just started yapping. >> Okay. The with the manager in the back. >> Mhm. >> I heard the car go off. Checked on him. But between then, I didn't come out because I could always see him. >> Whenever I was inside, there's literally a sitting area. Like, how long were you in there total? >> Um I was probably in there for an hour. >> An hour. >> But the car alarm had went off. But there's two doors right there on the side and her office is right there. >> Peeking through the entire time while you're watching in the car. >> Yeah. There's the front area right there. And then there's two doors right there. And then at that end, it was literally a random trip of us coming over here. We didn't pay to do this. So I was like, I'm hungry. Me and the lady was just talking. I was like, my son is probably tired. You know, it's time to go. But me and her just was connecting. We were in I was in there for a while talking to her. >> But you were watching the whole time. >> Yeah. Obviously, I'm like, it's starting to get dark. We didn't even I didn't plan to do this. I'm like, it's time to go. When I came out, you guys were already here. But you know how you can feel the feeling like it's time to go. Like I was like, "Watch, it's probably something weird." >> Even the building manager expressed concern about like potential safety concerns while the mother appeared unconcerned as if it were nothing to worry about. >> Hi. Sorry to bother you. Do you have the manager's name who is interviewing her? Oh, that's she's still here. You want me to go get her? >> Oh, yeah. That would be helpful. You guys don't have any crayons, do you? >> Crayons? >> Yeah. >> No. >> Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate. You see all the doors we bring to the front are right out there. So you'll see your your cruiser. >> Okay. Where was she being interviewed? >> Right here. >> Right here. >> Yeah. None of us knew that she had a child. >> Wait. Right. Which is I'm not saying that's we're just trying to gather information for >> Yeah. So here's my card. My business card. >> At no point it came up that she had a kid. >> No. >> Okay. >> Cuz she could have brought him in. >> It seems like you guys are all, you know, supportive of, you know, that. I mean, I kind of felt bad for her that maybe she didn't feel like she could ask. >> Um, she told me he wanted to stay in there, which is, as a 5-year-old, you don't get to decide that. >> No, especially with all the child trafficking today. For God's sakes, when the car alarm went out off, I didn't even know then that she had a son out there. >> Okay. She heard her car alarm go off. >> Yeah, you could hear it in here in the >> Okay. So, what did she do when the car alarm went off? >> She got up. It went off twice. She got up, turned it off, and which happened. >> Did she walk out of here like to turn it off or was it like >> Yeah, she she leaned out the door like this. >> Okay. >> Out that door. >> Oh, out of the this store. Unfortunate situation all around. It >> It is a That breaks my heart, you know, uh that a child was in the car whether he wanted to or not. >> Inside the car, officers explained her rights and the upcoming legal process, emphasizing that she would still have the opportunity to present her side in court. >> What were you trying to give him to Eve? I gave him water. >> Okay. >> If he did want something to eat, can he have these crackers? >> Yeah. >> The peanut butter crackers. >> That's fine. >> That's fine. >> Okay. Do you want some news? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you are being charged for child >> because you left in the car for over an hour. He is going to be referred to child protective services. >> Uhhuh. >> So, they are taking him to better his, you know, experience. Do you have any relatives or family members that I could give their information to child protective services so he can stay? >> Yeah. >> So he doesn't because I'm not here trying to take your kid away and then have him go with some random family. I mean if he knows these people and you know >> Yeah. I know my parents. >> Okay. What's your parents' name? Is there anybody else that you can think of other than your parents? >> No, just call my parents. >> Well, I'm not going to call them right now. So So it'll be on CSB's end. I don't know how long he'll be there, but I'm guessing, you know, immediately tonight, they'll start making phone calls >> once everything gets submitted. And if he's if they >> Wait, so I'm confused. This is literally insane. Because my son wanted to sit in the car and I was watching him. I'm getting arrested. So, have you never got Yeah. So, have you never sat in the car when your parents went in the store? >> Not when I was five and the car's locked. >> Okay. >> That's what court's for. You're going to go through a whole court process and you you're you know allowed to you know have your side of the story and give them all that information that I mean this is just on our end. It'll be something you'll have to deal with. >> Yeah. You're the police officer. I'm listening to what you're saying and you heard my story. >> I don't want you to think I'm some you know a-hole that's trying to >> It seems like that because you're very rude to me. You didn't hear anything. Well, do you understand coming into that what I saw? We had people calling in about some kid crying and banging on the door and setting off car alarms and he's in a car that's off that's been in this parking lot for over an hour and nobody was seen. Do you understand why >> you said and no one was seen? >> Nobody at any point came out to the vehicle. >> I did come and I waved at him and I seen him and then I told the teacher, "Okay, well that's fine. That's fine. >> That's fine. It'll be something that you can tell the court." The child was temporarily placed under the care of child protective services with the grandparents contacted to ensure a safe environment. >> Can he come over here though? >> No, he's in there. He's chilling. He's fine. He's perfectly fine. Better than being in a vehicle. So, >> okay. Can we turn off the light in my car? >> Yeah, I can do that for you. >> So, where is Sunny going right now? I seen that red car. >> What? He's going with CSB right now. So, they're going to have custody of your kid. I gave them your parents info. So, they're gonna be calling them to see if they would want to take custody. And I don't know how long that process will take. Obviously, I'd rather him go with your parents cuz he knows them instead of somebody else. >> Mhm. So, they're taking him to that uh like that place on Arlington. >> Yeah, it's off of Arlington. >> Okay. >> All right, Sunny. >> You're going to go with my friend here. Okay. Okay. >> It's Everything's going to be okay. All right. All right. Fist bump. Have a good night. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. I gave her all the information like your parents, whatever. So, she'll probably be calling them tonight. >> Is it possible for me to get some chopstick in my purse? Yeah, >> you have some in your purse. Okay. >> Yeah. >> It's going to have to go back once you're done. >> Okay. >> Thank you so much. >> Cuz I won't be able to keep that while I We'll We'll take that back or in there for you. You just can't keep your vape just because it's >> your nails are pretty good. >> Thank you. >> You just get them done >> in the beginning of the month. I don't want to get your uh bracelets caught up. Double lock it so it doesn't tighten up. >> The mother was charged with child instrument. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison or probation, along with a fine of up to $5,000. Experts emphasize that experiences like these can impact a child's sense of safety and trust, underscoring the importance of attentive care. The child was visibly upset, and this time the situation had clearly gone beyond a simple mistake. >> I don't want to get a shot. >> You're probably not going to get a shot. Okay, we can make that happen. Okay. On the night of March 5th, 2024, police in Indian River County responded to a report of a vehicle that had gone off the road into a nearby waterway, reportedly due to loss of control. Inside was a 5-year-old girl. Neither of them was wearing a seat belt, and there was no child safety seat. Details that raised additional safety concerns. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and assisted those inside. >> Hey, how is the child, >> ma'am? How's the baby? How's the child? >> My husband got her out of the car. She's saying her leg. I was trying to lay her down in the bed. >> All right, we're coming. >> Yeah, she's stuck in the mud. >> 226. We're going to have a 5-year-old child complaining of leg. She's on Oza road itself. >> She said her hips really bad. >> We got a female driver complaining of hip pain. She's out of the vehicle. We're going to try to get her out the ditch. Demba, >> I'm stuck in a damn car. >> Ma'am, what the do you want me to do? >> Ma'am, relax. Yeah, we have help coming. Okay, >> here. My hip. Oh my god. My hips. My hip. My hip. >> Next unit pulling up. We need some light. We're trying to get out of the mud. >> Light. >> Yeah. Light. >> We can't see. Sorry. We're trying to get out of the mud. She's uh halfway in the mud right now in the ditch. >> 147. >> All right. Here. I'll pull you over. Ready? Here. We're lock. Ready? >> I got you. We're pulling her, >> man. Put your phone away so we can get you out of this dead. >> Please just take my phone. Go ahead. Every daddy, I don't care about it. He's just worried about my son. My daughter, please. >> Listen. Listen. Your daughter, she's she's up there. She's breathing. She's talking. What's your name? >> Alra, look at my lips, please. >> Roger, look at me. I need you to take a breath, dear. Take a deep breath for me. Okay. >> Oh my god. >> Take a deep breath. >> So bad. >> There's nobody else. All right. >> I cleared it as soon as I got here. >> Okay. Your hip. Let's just Let's just lay down. Just sit down here, man. Okay. Sit here. >> Oh my god. No. So much worse. >> I want you to move. >> Oh my god. >> Got to relax. >> We're good. I don't want anymore. >> I'll have EMS properly pull her up. Can you check on a 5-year-old in the car? She's in the back of the SUV. >> Thanks, >> my baby. >> Amid the tense situation, officers comforted and reassured the little girl to help ease her distress. >> Do you have the 5-year-old? >> I have her daughter here. Her leg is >> Okay. She was in that car. >> Yeah. My husband took her out of the car. Her right leg is swelled up and it's dislocated. >> Okay. Let me see. >> So, she needs to be >> Hey, mama. We have help coming. Okay. What hurts? My leg hurts. The ambulance are coming. Okay. >> I don't want to get a shot. >> You're probably not going to get a shot. Okay, we can make that happen. Okay, just hang out for a minute and they'll be here. Anywhere else? >> Then my mommy crashed. >> Yeah, your mommy was in a crash. She's okay. Okay. Anything else? >> No. >> What's your name? How old are you? >> I'm four. >> You're four? >> No, I'm five. >> You're five. Okay. Where is it? Up here or down here? Just your your thigh. Okay. Anywhere else? >> My thigh right here. >> Right there. Okay. Anywhere else? >> No, just here. >> Okay. You see the ambulance? They're here for you. Okay. And then your mommy's coming up now. What do you want me to tell them? Just no shot. >> No shock. >> No shock. Okay. >> At the same time, they supported the mother, helped her stay calm, demonstrating the importance of patience and dedication in emergency response. >> I'm taking uh before you leave, can you can you get your info? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Here. Listen. Listen. Here. I'm here with you. Okay. >> Oh, I'm fine. It's just I don't understand why my baby like I was just trying to get home. Please just make sure she's okay. >> She's okay. I prom Look at me. I promise. I need you to relax for me now. Okay. >> Well, my hips. >> Look at me. Take a deep breath. Slow your breathing. Look at me. Look. >> In and out. I need you to calm. >> Okay. >> I know your daughter's okay. I promise you. I know. I hear you. Just take a deep breath for me. Look. In and out. There you go. In. >> Oh my god. It hurt so bad. My hips. Please. Your your left hip, right? >> Left hip. No, >> my right. >> Do you remember what happened? Do you remember what happened? >> Yes, I do remember. I was literally trying to drive. I went a turning and my car went all the way into the >> Well, listen. Your daughter's with a deputy and she's okay. >> Is she okay? >> She's I promise she's okay. I promise. But I need you to be strong for her, right? >> Because if she hears you like this, she's going to get upset, right? Right. You don't Let's keep her calm, too. Right. You want her to be calm and you to be calm, right? All right. I know. I can't feel my hips. Please. >> The ambulance is pulling up. Okay. >> No. Hold on. I got to stand up for one second. Okay. I'm right here. I'm not leaving you. Okay. >> Don't leave me. Please don't leave. >> I'm not leaving. I'm here. I'm here. Listen. I got to give them Look, you can hold my hand. Okay. Here. >> Stay right here. >> Turn them off. Please turn them off. >> It's Don't move too much. >> Yeah. Have them come here first. The ambulance. >> Ambulance. Come there. >> Yeah. Hey yo, you're good. They're coming. You're good. They're coming. Okay. >> Is that my baby? >> Your baby's fine. I promise your baby's fine. I don't want to pull her up anymore. She's plenty of extreme hip and leg. >> Is that my baby? Is that my baby crying? >> No. There's an ambulance. >> Let me tell them. Okay. >> No, the vehicle's still in the ditch. This female here was in the ditch. She's This 5-year-old. >> Check out this 5-year-old real quick, please. >> Hey, she was in the car that was in the ditch. >> She was? >> Yeah, that is in the ditch. >> Knock you down here. A sea collar. You're good. Stay right here, mama. Look at me. I know it hurts. >> I need a seat collar and not backwards. Slide that there. We need straps on that. There's no way we can use that without straps. All right. Collar. And I need the foam padding for that. >> You're doing good. I know. I know. I know. I know. Stay still for me. So, lower back and hip. She can feel her toes, but it's 10 out of 10. He built it in, >> but it's 10 out of 10 right now. But she's also having down in this pelvic region, and it's a little of pel right now. feel any instability with >> I don't feel any instability alone. >> Once the situation was mostly under control, police gathered additional information from witnesses. The coordinated response among all parties helped the case move forward smoothly. >> I was just turning off 60 on the 82nd. Okay. >> And I uh >> Yes, they're working on her now and then this 5-year-old here. I'm coming down 65 95 >> and uh I get in the right lane to turn down 82nd. Yeah. And I noticed it was weird. The light was green. >> Go ahead. Sorry. And she was stopped at the light. >> Go to talk. >> Hey, listen. >> You're on state road 60. >> State road 60. I'm coming up to the light at 82nd. I get in the right lane to make a right. She was stopped in the right straight lane. Right. So I don't want you falling asleep. I'm sorry. Good. >> Yep. No westbound traffic 74th. No eastbound traffic from 82nd. >> You got 72. >> Beautiful. Thank you. >> 82nd. You're making a right hand turn. >> I'll get in the right lane to go make the right turn. I pass her right but the light had turned green. Someone comes up behind her maybe honks at her. She dumps the gas pedal almost >> rear ends you. >> No. Sideswipes me as I'm making the right turn on 82nd and she's like, "Oh, I see her. I didn't even know there was a kid in the car." And then she's goes ahead of me and just takes off. I'm going 55, right? I mean, I don't know speed, but I'm going, you know, that's normally when I'm traveling down, she's gone, leaving me behind and I'm thinking like as far as she goes, I see I see oncoming lights to the right of her tail lights and I'm like, that's getting sketchy, bro. She >> like she's driving into oncoming traffic. >> I couldn't tell cuz she's gotten that far that quick. >> Then I see her just disappear eventually and I'm thinking like I know the flashing red over here and I'm like thinking like maybe she made the turn, but she was going really fast to slow down and make that turn. I didn't see her brake lights before the turn. So what happened was she blew the stop sign. >> She must have she must have did not slow down enough for this turn cuz I didn't see brake lights. Like I said, she was I think she was already sleeping at that light. >> You know what I mean? She was if you guys check out you guys. >> No, just so I'm clear. >> No, I told I make this right turn and I was even You asked I'm like praying for this lady. I'm like, "Oh my gosh, this lady needs to pray. She starts praying." They're coming to help you. Okay. They're helping your mommy first. Okay. Your mommy's uh down there. They're helping her. Can I get you something? Huh? What do you want? >> I don't know. You want to pet my dog? That's all that's all I can I got a doggy. You want to see my doggy? >> Okay. If you give me a minute, I'll let you pet my doggy. Okay. They're going to come help you for your leg. Okay. >> That's all you. >> Yeah. So, I've turned I make my right I mean my left turn here and I see the smoke >> and I was worst thing. I was like did it catch fire? Like but it was the all the every airbag had gone off as you could see. So, and I hear the kid screaming so I just go down and get the kid out right away. >> You have your ID? It'll be easier for me. She's got >> You have your ID? >> Yeah. Where were you sitting in the car? >> Passenger seat. You saw the car's driving pattern. Hold up. >> According to the investigation and available evidence, the incident appeared to result from a series of decisions made by the driver. >> Where's my baby? Where's my baby? Where's my baby? Where's my baby? >> Baby daddy. >> I didn't even freaking see that. >> My giant white. They're asking us to try to get a hold of dad. >> Yeah, just talk to dad. Beautiful. This is dad's car. He lives off of Oslo. The chief said he's trying to figure out where they're going to take the child first. Wreaking of alcohol. The driver. >> Yeah. She was >> overwhelming. >> She was >> she was uhing at the medics. >> Yeah. So, as soon as I know where the investigation, >> where's she going? The driver. >> They're going to airlift directly to Longwood, but I'm going to pursue the DUI investigation. >> Cool. Maybe some follow-up questions as to what you saw. We responded here. reference a crash in the ditch. We get here, there was a 5-year-old involved in the crash. Upon speaking to some witnesses, we find out that ultimately the driver was driving too fast, didn't have enough time to stop at the stop sign, and ended up in the ditch. Deputy Ru, the first deputy on scene, was able to get the 5-year-old out of the car, and uh while speaking to the driver, could smell an overwhelming odor of alcohol coming off her breath. So, both the driver and her daughter are going to uh hospitals right now. They're being assessed by medical staff to see what hospital that's going to be and uh and then Deputy Ruiz is going to follow up with a DUI investigation on the driver. >> Tasks were quickly assigned to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the mother. >> She's going to be a pediatric alert. They're going to fly her to the pediatric >> Orlando. And where's mom going to Lwood? >> Brown. >> Correct. Uh no. >> Mom's flying to Lawnwood. Correct. And daughter's flying to Orlando. >> Correct. He needs to let the dad know that that's where the their daughter's going. I will facilitate that. Yes, sir. >> Yep. So, we just got an update. The uh the 5-year-old is going to be flown out to Orlando Pediatric Hospital. The mother's going to be also flown out to Lawnwood, which is the hospital to the south in St. Lucy County. Say again. You know, any >> No, no update on the extent of as of now. The 5-year-old's being flown out to Arnold Palmer in Orlando here in Florida for a broken femur, which is a pretty bad for a 5-year-old. So, we're going to be following up and Deputy Rose is going to be doing his investigation from here. So, so it's still an active scene. >> The mother was charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury and DUI with a minor in the vehicle. Under Florida law, she faces up to 5 years and 9 months in prison and a fine of about $7,000. Using seat belts and child safety seats, especially in risky conditions, is vital to protect children. Even small lapses in attention can have lasting effects on a child's sense of security. Imagine being a child without proper care. Who would step in to help? In Florida, that answer came through a community's response. Do you >> your partner? >> No. >> You think? >> No. That happens in there. >> On May 29th, 2024, Fort St. Lucy police received a call reporting unsafe living conditions for a child at a home. The case highlighted the importance of child protection and parental responsibility. When officers arrived, they discovered conditions that required immediate attention. >> Okay. I'm from the Department of Children and Family. So, I'm here regarding um some safety allegations regarding your kids. I already met with mom. I haven't had a chance to go over it with her yet either. Um I was more concerned just seeing the conditions that the kids are in. So, that's why I stepped out. >> But that just [ __ ] >> Okay. Do you want me to read you the allegations? >> Yeah. I want to know what's going on cuz we have no idea what's going on. >> Okay. Why do you think I'm here? >> I don't know. Because we're about to get a car. We're about We're just now getting our things together. My parents have just visited. They just came from Alaska and they're coming back. We're getting a new car. We're getting everything good. Everything's been going good. He hasn't been back. I I recognized him. >> Why was he here before? >> Uh they would be fighting with us a lot. They don't really like me. And >> why? >> I I don't know. But it's their daughter. You got to It's their sister. You know what I mean? It's just that kind of confrontation. I have some disabilities that they don't understand or uh CBP or another. >> Okay. So, I'm going to speak to everybody in the home. I also saw that there's cameras, so I am going to check that. >> That's fine. >> Okay. You haven't been out front smoking marijuana? >> No. >> Never since being in Florida. >> No, I had had CBD and then cuz I can't get marijuana here. >> It's not legal. And I don't have any of my old friends when I used to live here. Like I have kids now. I don't do anything like that. >> Okay. You want to do a screen for me? >> That's fine. I >> Okay. Let me know when you need to go cuz I'll I'll have a screen for you. >> That's fine. >> So, let me know when you need to go. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, I'm going to read you the >> I just been asleep. I'm back six. So, I'm sorry. I had a bit of That's fine. >> You want me to read it to him? >> Oh, sure. >> When asked about the situation, the father explained that his actions were intended to protect his child. >> Father has mother multiple times in front of their children. The mother suffered a black eye on two separate occasions due to this. The mother is fear for fearful of the father. Both the mother and the father are doing things in the home in front of the children. The mother and father both use marijuana and a synthetic marijuana. There are pictures of the mother smoking online. The parents spend all of their money on these and do not have any money to provide clothing, food or diapers for their children when they are using. The parents do not feed the children. So the aunt goes or the aunt in the home will bottle feed the ch will be locked in a closet behind for behind 14 child gates. when they want to put him down for a nap. The home is messy and smells like smells of dog. Neither of the parents work and they have no car for transportation. That's the allegation. >> Okay, for one, that's them. They fight. He's been his wife in front of his kids. His kids don't go to school. >> So, we're not worried about the alig like what you're telling us about them. We're worried about you. >> We're going to talk to one at a time. Okay. >> No, that's not true because every morning I wake up, I'll tell you my schedule. I have not felt the best today. I don't feel good at all. I had a 98.8 fever last night. I just not in the weather. I wake up, me and my son go out, he gets a shower every morning. Every morning we go out here, he gets fed. And in the morning, he gets cereal. Sometimes he gets some muffins. Sometimes he gets eggs, bacon, sausage, and all that. And I do that personally. My dog her yogurt and some baby food and some eggs, bread, different things like that. She can't have solids like that. She's just not ready for all that yet, like chips or stuff like that. Me and her have a very unique teamwork skills. When it comes to all the kids, what we do in here is we put the chairs up in the kitchen. We also have all sorts of safety on all the cabinets. So, run around the house all day long. The only time that he goes into his closet area is for bedtime when we're going because we've had incidents where he grabbed things and drop it on our head while we're sleeping. You know, cuz he's a baby. He's a kid. He's going to do things. >> He also quickly denied any accusations related to family dispute. >> You guys, well, not you guys, but the cops. If people keep falsifying call and you guys come. Now I'm in a situation where the cops said if it keeps happening, which it is, I can start pressing civil lawsuits because I already got during a falsified call because this has happened so much. Somebody keeps lying and bringing up stories were already dealt with in New Mexico. >> When do you want to talk about the photo? >> I don't know. >> Do you hate your partner? >> No. You >> No, that happens in there. I'm asking I don't want to know about >> I don't you never I'm not asking I you are you serious >> I'll be right with you is not me [ __ ] it's an allegation she'sing saying it like she has a picture like I have allegations >> are you I want to see this picture cuz I never I have a disability and she's supposed to be. >> So, we have to talk to each person separately. So, >> and my daughter, we'll come talk to you next. >> We'll come and get you. Just want to [ __ ] lie to me. >> We're not lying. >> Despite his explanation, the way the child's space was restricted raised concerns about comfort and overall wellbeing. >> That wasn't me that put him in there while I was sleeping. He wasn't in there when I went to bed. So, I don't know what the's going on. She does that when things when people are around and it was also nap time. So that probably could have been a thing cuz my kids do have a nap time during the day and they scream and they cry because they want to go lay down. That's a baby for you. >> So you're saying them into the >> I had to because she he wasn't in the room when I went to bed. >> Sick. Who else was in the house? >> I don't know. I have day quil and night quil to show you that I've been taking that cuz I do not feel good. Sir, I am sorry that you guys are called cuz I'm sick. >> What time did you go to bed or take a nap? >> I don't know what time it is right now. >> So, it is 4:46. >> So, I went around 1:30 2:00. So, 2 hours. I'm sorry for taking a nap cuz I'm sick. >> How many kids were inside the house when you took a nap? >> Uh, their kids plus mine or just mine? >> Your kids? >> So, it was all four of them >> out in the house or >> Yeah, cuz she said, "Feel better. Take a nap. Feel better." and she gave me a kiss and then she was out and about in here doing her thing. I'm sorry. I don't feel good and this sun is not helping me right now cuz I've had a fever. This is just I'm sorry. I just I can't >> How long have you had the gates up in your closet? >> That right there maybe 2 weeks now. It's only just to keep them in at night. That's all it's for. >> And why would be it right now? >> That's for nap time, too. We don't want him being because I opened his uh crib. I cut his crib to where he could come out of his crib. So he's allowed to come out of his crib. I don't want him confined in just this crib. So >> his crib is also in the closet. >> No, it sure. I have a photo of it. >> Yeah, it's in there so that >> it's a room for him so he doesn't get upset that he's just in a crib. So if you just throw him in a crib, it's maybe that big. That's a cage there. It was just him. He gets out of it regardless. There is no >> so he gets out of the crib. So that's why you put the baby gates all the way high. >> No, that that was just there just so he can lay down. But I take all that down when he's out of it. All that does is just stay up 24 freaking seven. Yeah, it's a hassle taking it down. Don't get me wrong, but all it is is just >> going to say that as well. >> I don't know what they're going to say because they don't give us any any room to do anything. They're allowed to yell at me abuse our kids. Shortly after, the mother also gave her statement. However, both parents accounts painted a picture of a happy family. >> Like, who told her or told you that she can't eat food? >> Uh, not him. The other two adults in there are going to have >> Who told you or dad that she can't eat food? >> The doctors in New Mexico, she had she on it. We tried mashed potatoes. She on it. We tried Go-Gurt, yogurt, all of it. She on it. Absolutely all of it. My mother actually knows about it, too. We've tried multiple ones and she's on them. >> Is that your mom on the phone? >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I speak to her? >> Mom, the lady wants to know if she could speak with you here. >> So, I'm going to just >> Do you mind if we just talk to her alone? >> I know. Hold on. >> Okay. Again, I don't want to ask I mean DCF's here as well. So I don't want to ask questions that she might have to reiterate. >> She doesn't walk, talk or nothing. It's part of her disability of course >> and the punching black eyes and all of that is from New Mexico case back in New Mexico and it was already cleared up the smoking and >> well we'll have you tell her that as well. >> We'll tell her that as well though. >> And also New Mexico you're allowed to smoke. Again, I don't know the laws. New Mexico, but >> New Mexico. I was never around again. It's those two ones are from the New Mexico. >> I got sweating. >> You guys from here? >> Who? >> DCF. I don't know anything about it. We just know DCF came here. We don't know anything about reporting. >> We go where DCF they call. We have to >> go. >> That's a sergeant. >> The phone is messing. It's not the dog. mother of the parents work and they have no carpet institution. So has he punched you? >> Has heed you? >> Never. >> He's never you never >> no family members would produce a picture of on your face. >> Not that I know about. >> Okay. >> Well, the you said that you know the happened in New Mexico, you know, and that was clearations. The allegations were from New Mexico. >> We had DCF come to the house because of that and they checked me and I was perfectly fine. They said all I look is exhausted and I was not sleeping. I had two two newborns at the same time. So, are you fearful of him? >> No. >> Although they stated that earlier allegations in New Mexico had been resolved, their current actions in Florida still prompted questions about the child's welfare. >> I will secure this real. >> One sec, babe. >> You smoke marijuana? Are you willing to do a drug screen? >> Okay. Let me know when you need to go to the washroom. >> You don't smoke marijuana? >> Used to. >> When's the last time you used it? >> Few months ago. >> So, it won't show up on the road. I don't know. I just barely had a baby, been stressed, had some for about less than a month. My son was just barely born. >> Okay. So, when's the last time you used marijuana? >> Oh, 2 weeks ago. >> 2 weeks, 3 weeks? When? >> I I don't know. >> Okay. >> I swear to God, yesterday was Wednesday. >> Okay. And then does he smoke marijuana? >> He used chewing in Mexico. >> He's never smoked here. >> Maybe. Yeah. >> Okay. When's the last time he smoked to your knowledge? Don't ask him. No, I got >> When's the last time he smoked to your knowledge? >> That's not my piece. >> Was it a month? Was it two months? >> Probably I >> probably a week. I don't know. >> Was it marijuana? >> THCA. >> THCA. It's a dormant until smoke. >> Where does he get that from? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? Where do you get yours from? >> I don't leave. >> So, who brings it to you? again. Again, it's just questions. >> Hang on, babe. They're asking me about the >> I'm talking to him. >> Yeah, they're asking. >> It's dinner time. I got to feed her. That's why she's mad. >> My dad's there. He can handle it. >> I'm woken up to it. >> So, who brings you marijuana? >> Hey, who brings Who gets the marijuana for us? >> Who gets the marijuana? When's the last time you did? They're asking. I don't >> Yeah, that's what it was. Delta 8. I was trying to see what it was. >> Okay. I couldn't think what it was called. >> The mother described the children's daily care routines, special dietary requirements, and individual health considerations. >> Okay. So, do you get food stamps for the kids? >> Yes. >> And what do you do with those food stamps? >> Buy food for the kids. >> Okay. Do you um social security? >> Yes. >> And what do you do with that money? >> We buy diapers. um wipes, clothes for them. >> When does she get her social security every month? >> I just started getting it. It's random at this point. >> We got it a couple days ago. >> And what did you buy? >> I paid my phone bill so I could get their appointments done and all of that, internet so we could have TV for everybody really. >> Okay. And um you said you have no pediatrician for any of them. >> They're going to the one in Hillmore. It's called Prime Care. >> You looked it up. That's what it's called? >> No. pediatric pediatric crime care. >> Pediatric crime care. >> I will be requesting those medical records and they do sell them to us and I don't need your consent for that. So, I need you to take those kids. You understand me? >> I will. >> When would you plan on taking them? >> I'll do it this week if I can get them in. If I'm bringing in all four, they're going to delay me like a week, a couple weeks cuz it's four. >> You can take care of them. >> Your baby needs to grow. Your baby is not to the doctor since >> I know. I'm getting him in this. I'm going to see if I can throw him in some days. >> Newborn, right? >> No. >> Oh, >> okay. >> I don't know. It's hot out here. That's why I'm like, >> dude, that door being open actually does something. >> Not yet. >> Have you feed your kids? >> I hope we don't have a storm. >> It's just so damn hot. David then we'll be out of power. >> Florida baby food. That's all we ever told. >> Oh, I heard him say Dad said he listed a whole bunch of things that he gets. >> Bananas, apples, strawberries, all those. >> None of those. >> So, you only give her baby food and t-shirt, >> yogurt. Few things that she will eat. She is a very picky girl. She agreed with her husband's explanation, but the way protective barriers were arranged unintentionally limited the children's space and independence. >> Your kids, >> hey, how old are you? >> Do you think that >> my daughter doesn't wake up at the same time? >> That's not what I'm asking. You think that that's >> that she only feeds them every month? >> Those two. >> She's not home 90% a day. I work until 7:30. 9:00 till 7:30 not being >> in the closet behind all the baby can easily climb out of it easily and we watch him. We don't leave him in there by himself. We're watching him every time. We take them down. We put those up for nap time. >> I know what everybody say you take down the gates. >> Those come down is what you're telling me. I'm not asking that. Is everybody else in the home take it down when it's not? >> I'm not asking you that. Is that what everybody else in the home is going to say that you take that down? >> Probably. Nobody goes in my room. Nobody knows. >> We have proof that you know in that closet with those baby gates and that that's fairly high. I I would not think about >> Don't leave him in there by himself. >> Someone's always in there. >> Yeah, he was sleeping. >> He probably just woke up. I've been in there like six different times. But do you in the living room with you instead of being trapped inside of a closet with baby? >> He probably just woke up when I went in there. >> Okay. >> He tells me, "Hey, he's awake." >> None of us feel good. All of us are sick. >> You like that trampoline? >> What time did you put him in there at >> 121? Nona is his nap. He eats a snack probably. >> I gave him a hot dog earlier. Actually, I gave him a couple hot dogs and some mashed potatoes for lunch. >> Why do you put >> Why do you have baby gates locking him in the closet? >> So he grabs him all out. That is the only reason he's out. He destroys everything. We only put him in there for nap time and just >> Oh, you put him in there for sleep? >> Yes. Even though their explanations sounded reasonable, both parents still faced legal responsibility behind your back. >> Okay. Thank you. >> What am I doing? >> I'll tell you in just a second. Woke up. Come on. >> My car is fine. [Music] Do you have anything in your pockets that's going to poke me? Stick near me? >> No, I only have my phone. >> You only have your phone? Where's your phone? And do you have slides inside your car or inside the house that I could get you? >> We're going to come in and talk to you in a second. >> Huh? Hold on. >> It's all good. I'll leave that inside the house. All right. >> Don't put that on top of my car. >> Don't. >> No, cuz I lost the wallet. >> All right. Anything else inside your legs? No. All right. Just let you know if you do have something on you, it is an enhancement of the trailer. All right. Beside your chain, is there anything necklaces or body persons on you and your hearings? >> All right, go ahead and sit in. I'll tell you your charges. All right. You're being arrested for one count of child. Okay. >> Not able to be in that crib like that. She is locked up with belts and everything like that. That is very inhumane. >> That wasn't me though. That was my >> You allowed it. You're sleeping. You You said it's been up for 2 weeks and you had a chance to take it down. You should have going to be living like this. I didn't put him in here though. >> You're still the You're still the biological father. It's been up for 2 weeks. >> You guys are falsifying. >> Okay. You could tell that to the state attorney because right now that is in >> the mother seemed more emotionally affected during the process. >> I have my babies. >> Come in. Come out here now. Put your hands behind your back. >> Wait, what? >> Why the charges? >> The charges. >> Where's my baby? >> Can I know what the charges are? >> Yes. In a second. >> What is going on? >> I'm sorry. I'm I know. I'll help you. Roll your hand. >> Put them like you're praying. >> Like you're praying. It'll be more comfortable. >> I'll bail. I got money. I'll bail you out. Okay. >> No. No. You're first. Sorry. >> Mom's come first. >> All right. >> I'll saw you in a second when we get down to the car. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> I have no one to watch my children. >> That's why DCF is here. >> All right. Do you have anything on your waistband or anything like that? No. >> All right. Right now you're being charged with one count child that is inhumane on kid should ever live like that. That >> is wrong as wrong gets for how you that child inside. They're not able to see. No light get out of the high chair. >> That doesn't mean you lock the baby in there with belts and makeshift of a gate so high where a baby can't see out. As a mother, >> it gets taken down >> with me having nieces and everything like that. That is disgusting to me. Okay. The the closet is a 2 and 1/2 by 8. Literally the tiniest thing I've ever seen. And you're putting up a baby gate that high. I get like a little one or something. But >> we could fix it. >> I had to stand on a seat to what? >> We could fix that. So >> what was he getting charged with? >> Same thing. Child, he's biological father that he had contribute to it. And it's up to state on how they want to proceed because as you know, the premature baby has not seen the St. St. Lucy County Jail has not seen a doctor since birth. Yep. >> The father and mother were charged with childment and child. Under Florida law, each could face up to 10 years in prison or probation along with a fine of up to $10,000. Every child deserves a safe and caring environment. It's a reminder that families, communities, and authorities must work together to protect their future. A seemingly ordinary morning suddenly turned tense when a family found themselves dealing with a father who appeared to be losing emotional control. >> But the van actually bumped into mom. Did she fall on the ground or >> She fell on the ground? >> She did. Okay. >> In the grass. >> Okay. >> On February 4th, 2023, authorities received an urgent call reporting that a mother and her young son had been affected by a serious family incident involving the father. Officers promptly responded to the scene where the mother was waiting to explain what had happened. >> Is the husband inside? >> No, he lost and he deleted the video of him running me over in the driveway this morning. As you can see, the tire marks and you can see he hit my car after he made right in front of my son. So, I was on the phone with ADT to get him logged out of my account and recovered the video and he stole my computer, my laptop that I do my schoolwork from. I mean, there's no need to get all the kids out of the house or anything like that right now if he's not here. >> He ran me over in front of my son. >> I understand. You wanted to bring your son out here, correct? >> Well, I wanted him to tell you what happened. >> I'll speak to him in just a minute. How old is your son? >> Six. >> Okay, we'll do this inside so that way we don't freak him out. But I mean, >> he knows what's happening. He just he just told him he asked him when he came home, "Why'd you run my mom over?" And he told because I wanted to take your mom out of this world. And you don't have access to that camera footage anymore? >> No, he deleted it. Well, I have it from my phone, but he deleted it and I was in the process of trying to get it recovered on the phone with ADT, but it's something I think I have to do from my computer. So, he was listening. >> Are you okay? I mean, do you need a ambulance? Okay, that's fine. He was going to take him to breakfast and um he had him get in the van and then he went in the van and he was getting N E D L E S with his S P O O N with M E T H in it out of the van. And so I went over to the van and told him it's not safe to be in the van right now. You need to get out. And then >> are you okay with me just asking him a couple of questions? >> What did you see, buddy? >> Despite fear and confusion, the child gradually shared what he had witnessed. Well, he told me something and he said before he run her over, he kind of hit her but before she >> How did he kind of hit her? >> He the front of it. Only the front of it her. >> Okay. >> What? >> The front of the car? Okay. >> The van. >> Okay. So, you saw him him use the van at your mom? >> Yeah, but he changed his mind the first second. >> Okay. But the van actually bumped into mom. Did she fall on the ground or >> She fell on the ground? >> She did? Okay. >> In the grass. >> Okay. Was that the only time that you saw your mom getting by him? >> Well, he never run him her over a little bit. >> Just bumped into her? >> Yeah. The other times were the hits >> with like a fist like he was fighting her >> like once he got in jail for breaking her phone and leaving. >> Okay. When you say that you saw her when you saw her getting hit, did that happen just a little while ago >> at morning? >> Okay. this morning. And was that with a car or was that with like a hand? >> You need to tell this man what happened right before he hopped in the van and hit me with it. >> Put you to the ground on the concrete and was and open. >> Was he on top of >> the needle cup? Do you want me to go get the new cup? >> No, I don't I don't want you to get that right now. Got some Pokémon cards. >> Yeah. >> The mother provided details about her husband's behavior and mentioned his history of previous legal issues, reflecting ongoing tension within the family. When he took that stuff out, I told my son that it wasn't safe for him to be in the van with daddy right now and that he needed to get out. So, he got out and I was recording him throwing the stuff away because he's trying to tell everyone that I'm unfit mother and he had to pull him to the ground by the trash barrels. I was screaming. He got upset with him and said, "Why are you hitting my mom?" He yelled at him to get back in the van. He got in his van and started to back out of the driveway. As you can see, the tire backed out, >> slammed on the brakes, he threw it in drive, and he mashed the gas. He hit me and my car and hurled me about 5 ft into the dirt. Okay. >> Okay. >> Are you Are you >> I mean, I'm pretty sore. >> I'm just looking at you for You're obviously got some bumps and Do you need an ambulance? >> No. >> When did this happen? What time of the day? probably um 10 a.m. >> Okay. So, it's been a few hours. So, you would know by now if you were serious, >> right? Okay. >> And so, he's got a long rap sheet with domestic. So, I chose not to call the police because a he's probably going to go up creek for quite some time and that doesn't resolve anything because his real problem is >> police carefully documented observable evidence at the scene related to the mother and child, disturbed grass, traces on the body, and a recovered recording device suggested that the incident may have been deliberate. Let me ask you one question. Um, and it's going to be a very generic question. He was coming at you with the van. Were you in fear that he was going to run for my life? Yes. Yes. Okay. >> Yes. Completely. >> You want to talk for a second? >> Yeah. What we're going to do is we're going to talk over a couple things. I can see >> I can't believe he stopped and didn't literally run me over completely. I really can't honestly believe that he had that restraint in him. >> I'm sorry. Let me just back up one second. When the whole incident was happening with the van, where was all this? So >> inside the van at the time that >> No, he was standing right at the table. >> No, I moved him. That's why he hit me with the van because I had you not moved, he probably would have the action that he was doing. >> I was at the front of the car >> for you when you saw your mom get hit with the van. >> I ended up in the dirt with >> So you were right there when the whole when the van moved forward. Your mom >> you might be right. How close was he down? >> And how close were you to the van when she got hit like and then he went at an angle and he hit the car and went that way? Probably what 4 ft away from the van as he was doing this. >> I don't know. I I turned around. It all happened so quickly honestly. I >> Is the bruising and redness that you have on your leg always there? No. So >> No. and he so I have six screws in this shoulder and this shoulder my scrapes on my elbow >> and that is fresh >> that's all fresh and my shoulder is killing me in my neck >> would you be able to do us a favor if you could take the little ones inside go check yourself as far as areas that we can't see and see if there's any bruising or >> that work while we chat and then we'll make contact with you >> sidebar sidear >> a neighbor also provided a statement consistent with a mother's account adding credibility to the invest investigation. >> Hi, ma'am. Um, so what happened? >> The only thing I know is that she banged on our door and asked and was screaming for help and she said that he ran over her with his car. >> Did you guys call 911? >> No. I asked her if she wanted me to. No, she looked all right. I'm a nurse. So, >> okay. >> She looked like she was shaking, you know. But >> do you guys have any camera footage that would face that way or anything like that? >> No. Yeah. >> So, the only thing that we can really say is that she came over and >> the red red and you got a little bit on your ankle. >> Yep. >> And uh >> and then this one's starting to come in right here. The bruising >> actually. Yeah. If cuz I I do have my body camera going so that >> And then the scratches I got like a couple of >> And what are the scratches from? >> I feel like it's from >> probably debris or >> Oh, no. Before that, when he brought me to the ground, he was trying to get my phone out of my hands cuz I was videotaping. Let me ask you a question about the surveillance footage. You said there was actually footage of him of the van in or of the incident where he actually hit you with the car. >> Yeah, he deleted him. >> The only two people with access are you and him. Correct. >> He's not even supposed to have access. I'm not sure why he does. >> Okay. >> And she appeared to be very shaken. She had her phone in her hand. She called she had someone else on the phone. She had me look at her back and it was red. She had redness on her legs. for her toenail. Can't remember which foot like had been run over and smashed and was bleeding. >> Okay. Did she have dirt on her as well? >> I can't remember if she had dirt on her. >> Okay. But it but it was pretty evident that based off of it looked like something did just happened. >> Yeah, something happened. She was visibly shaken. >> Okay. >> The little boy was shaking as well. >> Was either one of your big toes? >> I don't believe so. No, I stubbed my toe the other day. >> So, that wouldn't be related. >> No. >> Okay. The only reason why I'm saying is the neighbor mentioned it and I just wanted to make sure that that wasn't something >> Did they witness it or >> they did not witness it? They just kind of caught the aftermath when she went over there asking for help. >> What stopped you from calling us sooner? >> Because he's got a rap sheet from domestic battery. You know, I don't feel like him going to prison is the answer when the problem is the substance >> after he tried to run you over. >> He's got problems. He's not the same person. Not to mention the fact that I'm a stay-at-home mom. You know, I put the deposit down in the house, but our mortgage is $1,800 even. >> No, I I completely understand. What was the tipping factor that made you think, I I do need to call at this point? >> He came home and did this. Let me show you. >> We came back after this incident. >> Yes, he just left. Literally, he came home and he he did this. >> The father was suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance, which may have contributed to his unstable behavior. and he did this and he ripped this the control panel off the wall and he grabbed my laptop and he took off. I'm a I'm a pre-law student. I'm going to school for government without the system. >> Did he Did he do that to prevent you from being able to >> video that he deleted? >> Did you see the video of him hitting you >> prior to him deleting it? >> Were you able to watch the video is what he asked? >> Were you able to see the video of him >> was missing? I went on to find it. How soon after the incident did you go and look? >> I I didn't dawn on me till like an hour after. >> Okay. >> So, you never actually saw the video? >> No, but there was one missing. You couldn't see him leaving. You could see his van in the driveway. And then all of a sudden, the next video there was no van. And then the next video after that, the van was there. So, he clearly deleted a couple videos. I was on the phone with ADT. and all the videos that should be there that ADT has been working up until this point perfectly fine >> except for when he goes and relapses and goes on his little benders. In order to prevent me from seeing when and what time in the morning he's coming in and out, he'll delete, you know, a couple videos and stuff, but other than that, yes, it's working fine. >> That was me on the phone with ADT trying to get the video. >> So, he heard me say, "Is this something I can do for my laptop?" and he >> grabbed the laptop >> and that's all things you're going to need to include. He's going to be taking a fairly long statement about a lot of different things. So, I'll let you guys have some uh time to talk about that. If you need anything else, I'll be in the general area just seeing if he'll come back >> just in case. Yeah, >> I love him so much, but I don't understand why. I just don't get it. He's lost our son before to DCF. They came and tested him and Michaela, and they found meth in their system. And he tells me that it wasn't because of the drugs. It was because he was dating a girl that started fights with him and would scream and draw attention to it. So, the drugs aren't the problem. It was the fact that I said, "Well, she was probably sick of your kind of like I am. I mean, what?" I wake up this morning and find him half on the couch in the playroom, half on it. You know, this is crazy. You're doing with your helper. I said, "You're both feeding off each other." I said, "This is not okay." I said, "A normal person would not use one substance to come off of another substance. they would go and they would get the help they need. Said, "You make your own schedule." I said, "That's just an excuse." I said, "You need to find a new helper and you need to go back to AA or I can't do this anymore. We need to separate." I said, "I can't have this around my kids. You're we're supposed to be breaking the chain in the cycle and your dad just passed away. This could be you." He's calling this person and that person and um then he calls someone from AA finally and he's going to go out to breakfast with him. And so I said, "You know, you really need to um I said, "You really need to should probably just go with Sean and talk to him without our son cuz he wanted to bring our son." I see him go in the van and start taking stuff out of the cup holder. After my son is already in the van, I noticed he had like a a big gold cup and something else and he was trying to kind of hide something in his hand and he went over to the trash. >> This trash can right here. >> Yep. I went and I looked in it and there was like a little um you know what a spork is and I picked up the spork and there was literally residue in it. >> The mother attempted to protect her child by recording the incident and recovering deleted files preserving important evidence. >> Is that in the trash can right now? >> I took it out cuz I was going to hold on to it cuz I want him to get help. >> So where is it? >> Heed me cuz I was recording it and took it and I did save the cap. I managed to He got the needle, he got the spoon, but he dropped the cap right here. >> Okay. So, the cup and everything that So, he took the cup and everything like that with him when he just left or where is the cup and everything? >> The the big old cup. So, he took I think he I have video of it and you could see clearly in the video him concealing it in his hand and then he puts it in his pocket. >> All right. So, now we're at the the important part. >> Out of the van. He was going back to the trash can. At that point, I think I put it back in the trash cuz I didn't want to walk around with it, you know. And um he went to go take it and I'm recording him and then he's yelling, "Get back in the van." Because I was recording him. He grabbed me. I started screaming and he put me down on the ground right here. I was screaming help. He was trying to get my phone. So, he stopped and he let go of me because I'm not weak for a female and I wouldn't let go of the phone. He wasn't going to get it. and I was screaming. So, I don't think he wanted the neighbors to call cuz our son wouldn't get back in the van. He took it and put it in his pocket. And that's when he he put it in reverse. My dog Yoshi, my big goofy dumb dog, jumped in the van. So, he backed up, slammed on the brakes, he threw it in drive, and he mashed the gas and he came screaming at me. And I >> And that's where those tire tracks came from. And I think I might have been turning to run away or I was backing up. Yeah, I think pretty sure I was like trying to run away and and I I almost did. I almost did, but he got me in the leg and I >> Where were you when you got hit? >> I was probably like right here. >> Okay. And right behind you right there. And then he hit the side of you. Okay. >> I like flew backwards. I landed on my butt. >> Okay. Let me grab my phone real quick. I'll grab a couple pictures and then um I'll explain some stuff to you. Okay. Investigators uncovered additional details suggesting that the father's actions could result in legal consequences. >> He is not going to get any better. He's not he this is going to be a revolving door of this stuff continuously happening and today he could have you or your child today you guys dodged a huge bullet literally a a van. This could have gone so much worse. >> I know >> had he not and he's under the he's under the influence right now of meth. There's no telling where his mind is at. It's by the grace of God he stopped because this could have been a totally different case. >> Broken my neck. >> He could have done so many things. >> I have a mom. >> Exactly. It's not fair to those children to be subjected to this. I shouldn't have to come over here and get a statement from a six-year-old about what their dad did to their mom. It is not up to you and it's not up to me on what happens with him. It is up to a judge and they will make the determination on what they feel is fit. If he needs to get help with hisamine issues, then they'll help him with that. Given the charges that I'm about to put on him that you have no control over, this is serious. I mean, he's looking at a seconddegree felony. I mean, that's just shy ofing somebody. >> Yeah. It's attempted murder. >> I mean, it's pretty close. >> He says, "Oh, it's a crime of passion. I'll be in and out." >> No, he won't. >> You know what he said to me before? Oh, I can you and do I I go to jail for seven or 10 years cuz it would be a crime of passion. You're my wife. I'm like, are you kidding me? I've told my mom here. This is what happened. That's why the state of Florida doesn't let you dictate on whether or not we press charges, we just do it. You cannot allow this to continue. I am telling you this as a person. You cannot allow this to continue. Whatever happens after I get in my car and I leave here is whatever happened. I can only give you advice at this point. You cannot continue being a victim like this because he is doing a serious me because my son is my adopt. I adopted him. He's my stepson. His biom and Scott got him taken away cuz they were getting in fights and they got tested. I helped him get him back. I'm like, Scott, you can't subject to this. >> Officers explain the next steps to ensure safety for both the mother and her child. >> You got to get with family and you got to start coming up with something. >> Oh my god. >> Because we can't we can't do this again. It >> It's time to stop this. You're not going to have any say on what happens to them or anything like But I mean, this is this is too far. >> I know. >> This is too far. >> I freaking put a $22,000 payment down on this house. I bought the new AC. I bought the well system. I dumped all this money into it just hoping that it would be enough to >> Do you want to try to Do you want to try to talk to a victim's advocate? >> Okay. Is there a way do we get in contact with somebody in reference to having a victim advocate come out here or is that something she'll have to do on her own? I'm going to get a victim victim advocate out here to come talk to you. Okay. Let me um collect yourself. If you want to go inside and hang out for a little bit and hang out with the kids, you're more than welcome to do that. Let me go ahead and make this phone call and see if I can't get somebody out here real quick. Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> The father was charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily child abuse without bodily and tampering with evidence. Under Florida law, he could face a total penalty of up to 25 years in prison or probation along with a fine of $25,000. Everyone has the right to safety. Early intervention not only protects lives, but also safeguards the future of children. This case reminds society of its responsibility to prevent and address behavior in families. Sometimes adults cope with life's pressure by making unsafe choices and then those choices lead to unexpected consequences. >> I know. I want to know. >> I know I'm in trouble. >> On July 13th, 2024, police responded to a report of a traffic incident initially described as a possible been run. According to the report, a woman was suspected of operating a vehicle in an unsafe condition while a child was present. Officers arrived and approached the driver for safety checks. >> Isabella, who were you driving with us? >> I was driving by myself and my daughter. >> You're by yourself and your daughter? >> Yeah. I'm so sorry. >> I'm glad you're able to tell us the truth, though. That's much better than how we started out. >> I just want to give her a hug before I have to go. >> And where were you coming from? >> Bars. It's about identify the >> It's about two door two roads down. >> Sorry, I was >> two roads down the left on or on the right on Barnes. B A R N E S on Wley at W. >> What's the address? Do you know? >> I don't know. Wadley. >> And what what were you what were you doing there? >> I was hanging out with my sister. That's my sister's house. >> Was that your sister? >> Uh my sister >> in the green shirt. >> In the green shirt with my daughter. What were you doing there? >> I was going to say the night at her house with my other kids. >> What were you guys doing? >> We're just hanging out. Like she doesn't drink. She's a church girl and I was leaving to go pick up our food, pick up our dinner. >> Okay. >> That's why I left. >> So, did you have alcohol to drink? >> I did. She didn't. I drank before I drank when I got into her parking lot. She I got there before she got home. She had been to Spokane that day. >> So, you in you were in the parking lot drinking >> in her driveway? Yeah. >> The mother expressed concern for her daughter and acknowledged the situation. Officers noted observable signs consistent with diminished capacity to operate a vehicle safely. >> What time was that? >> What time is it now? >> It is 8:16. >> Uh, probably about 7:30. I had a shot and I had a beer before I left. So, beer probably about 7:00 and a shot about 7:30. >> How big was the beer? I >> just said quarters banquet 12 oz. I don't know what size. It >> said beer at 7. >> Yeah. And what was the shot of fireball? You >> said Kor's banquet. >> Yeah, Co's banquet. I might be willing to take a breathalyzer or anything. >> Okay. >> I just I really want to call my husband when we're done. >> Yeah, we can we can a couple hours away. >> We can I I just heard something down there. >> We can definitely facilitate that. >> And so, how regularly do you drink? >> I do have a drinking problem that I don't ever leave the house. Okay, I'm not trying to do anything like that with you. I'm just curious because you're telling me that your first drink was at 7:00. >> I Okay, if we're being honest, >> I I would love for you to be honest when you was >> I haven't drank in 3 days. >> Say that again. >> I haven't drank in 3 days. >> Okay. >> But before this, before this, I was drinking every day about five shots a day plus, you know, a few beers. Three or four beers. >> Okay. >> And then >> for how long? couple weeks. Five, six weeks. >> Because one one of my concerns is that your first drink was at 7:00. >> This is my first drink in a couple weeks. In 3 days. >> Okay. Your first drink was at 7:00 and then your second drink was at 7:30. And you seem significantly more intoxicated than a beer and a shot tells me. So, have you have you had more alcohol to drink today? >> No, I I earlier. >> Okay. >> I started but I had a drink at 3. >> Okay. But I started about I ended about 4. >> Okay. >> And then I ended until about 7 when I left. >> Okay. >> Despite being visibly upset, she attempted to contact her husband to arrange care for her daughter. >> What did you drink at 3? >> Shots of fireball. >> How many? >> What time? >> At three. Yeah. >> How about four? Uh, two or three. >> My daughter for a second. >> We'll we'll get all we'll get all that taken care of. >> You're crying for me. I mean, it's a pretty pretty scary situation as you can probably >> I know. I'm sorry. I know. I just I need help. >> So, you had two to three shots of fireball at 3:00. Did you have anything else during that time? >> No. >> No. And I had a cruise right before I left at 7 or 6:30. >> Have you had anything to drink since stopping your vehicle? >> No. >> No. You haven't had any other alcohol since your vehicle stopped? No. Would you be willing to perform some voluntary flex? >> All right. Do >> I have to keep my slippers off? >> Did you need to talk to your >> Can I get my slippers off first? I had to keep them on. >> No, you can take them off if you want. Like your car you the house. I >> The car was coming on to me. I swear. I know. I wanted to spray his >> I know I'm in trouble and I want to call my husband to just hold my daughter. >> You You want to hop on the sidewalks? I want to say spray something. >> Anything else or monster or bring your baby or anything? >> I just want to help my baby. I just said. >> No, I know. >> All right, we're going to get out of here then. Okay. >> Yeah, she's okay. >> She seems to be okay. >> Yep. She's safe with your sister. >> Yeah, everything seems to be so sorry, guys. >> As part of standard procedure, officers conducted a field sobriety evaluation. >> And I just took a deep breath. >> Absolutely. Have you had any other medications, prescription or other? I don't do any drugs or any medication drinking. Do you have any physical conditions that would keep you from falling tip of my pin with your eyes, walk in a straight line, balancing on one foot? Through the through the duration of these tests, I'm going to be evaluating you not only how well you perform the test, but also how well you follow my instructions. I'm going to give you instructions before we start each test. And I do not want you to start the test until I tell you to start. Do you understand? Yes. You stand with your heels and toes together. Let's go a little bit more into the middle of the concrete. A little bit more flat. Heels and toes together. arms directly at your side and I want you to follow tip of my pen with your eyes and your eyes only and do not move your head. Do you understand? So right right where I'm clicking. >> Yep. >> You see this? >> Y >> right right there. >> Right where I'm clicking. Okay. So what's the color of the top? >> Uh black. >> Okay. >> According to the report, she had difficulty completing certain steps and a breath test later indicated a reading above the legal limit. She was then detained pending further investigation. my sister for a second. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just hang out right here real quick. I'll be I'll grab it real quick. All right. Have you ever done one of these before? Okay. So, big breath in and just keep blowing until you hear the click. See, it's three zeros. Big breath in. Blow. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. >> 253. >> Let's just go. Can I call my husband? >> We'll call him once we get to the station. Okay. >> My sister. All right, Isabella. So, let I'm going to place you in in custody for DUI. >> You need to be thinking about it. >> I know my kids. I know. I'm going to get help for them. I need help. Undo that place first. >> Uh, no. That actually goes over top. We'll be at the police station in a few minutes. So, watch your foot. [Music] >> I don't. >> The mother faced multiple serious charges driving under the influence, reckless injurement, and run attended property and making a false or misleading statement. Under Washington state law, she could face up to 3 years and two months in prison and fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. This incident serves as a reminder about responsibility on the road and highlights the risks that unsafe driving behavior can pose, especially when a child is involved. Each story like this reminds us that children rely on adults to stay safe. And even a brief lapse in judgment can place that trust at risk. Thanks to the swift response from police and the community, the children received help just in time. Still, every careless decision comes with its own legal and moral consequences. Where do you think the line lies between a simple mistake and true irresponsibility? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below. And if you found this story meaningful, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Your support helps us continue bringing more thoughtful stories your way. See you in the next video. [Music]