WHAT? STOP. STOP. DON'T TOUCH ME. DON'T TOUCH ME. >> WHAT'S GOING ON? >> DON'T TOUCH ME. MY DAUGHTER IS IN THE CAR. SHE'S 9 years old. >> Get an ambulance here. >> You're good, sir. Get back up. >> No one starts the day expecting things to go wrong. But in moments of rush [music] and exhaustion, situations can spiral faster than anyone anticipates. >> I went 45 and a 35. >> You're going 54 and a 35. >> What the hell are you doing? Get on the ground. All right. >> Get on the ground. I'm playing with you. >> We're so sorry. We're our dad trying to sleep. >> This video captures times when adults react emotionally while the impact quietly rests on the shoulders of children. >> In our >> I'm not a criminal. >> So, we don't know anybody. >> So, the daughter, >> yes, >> I just met them once. I don't know them at all. And so >> this interaction between the mother and authorities highlights how staying calm can lead to clearer and more productive communication. On March 14th, 2024, officers stopped a vehicle after noticing it moving faster than the posted limit. The driver explained she had picked up her child early and was hurrying home for a furniture delivery. Worried the delivery team might leave if she arrived late. What might have remained a routine traffic stop became more complicated when cooperation broke down. >> You stay in your car. >> I miss my house. I need you to call me home. >> No ma ma'am. Ma'am, what's going on? Please give me a second. >> Ma'am, what? Stop. STOP. >> DON'T TOUCH ME. DON'T TOUCH ME. >> WHAT'S GOING ON? >> I NEED TO GET HOME. >> NO. NO. I'M HOME. DON'T TOUCH ME. MY DAUGHTER'S IN THE CAR. DO NOT TOUCH ME. I understand. WHY ARE YOU HELP ME? THIS IS MY HOUSE. I'M TRYING TO GET TO MY HOUSE. THEN GET OFF OF ME. [laughter] YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TOUCH ME RIGHT NOW. >> HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. STOP. >> HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TOUCH ME. >> HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. >> I KNOW YOU'RE GIVING ME A TICKET FOR SOMETHING AND I'm here. THE PROBLEM IS YOU'RE GETTING OUT OF YOUR CAR WHEN I'M MAKING THE TRAFFIC STOP. >> WHY? CALL JIM MCCONNELL. Call Jim Connell now. And call Jacob Morris. Sergeant Jacob Morris. I swear to God, you arrest me for trying to get my freaking furniture. We are going to have so many legal problems of yours. You have no idea. Go ahead, put me in handcuffs for no reason. In front of my 8-year-old kid, traumatize her while I'm trying to get to my home. Take your ticket and give these guys the information that they need so they don't leave so I can get mine together. Do you think for some reason in this development I would need to get out of my car to do something to you? >> No. >> No. Exactly. So then what is the theatrics for? >> Because I made a traffic stop. You got out of your car. You didn't listen to me. It's an official business. >> That's not resisting arrest. >> I'm not resisting arrest. Why are you arresting me? >> For what reason? >> This way. Ma'am, >> my daughter is in the car. Can I get her out of the car right now >> so she can get into her home? Because there is no other adult on the property. >> I got you. We're going to deal with that. >> Please. I can walk by myself. This is absolutely ridiculous. All >> right, all the way in, please. >> No, because my daughter is right there. She doesn't know what's going on. Do you have children? >> You should have thought about that point. >> Do you have children? I I told you to follow me so you could give ME THE TICKET. YOU'RE NOT TAKING me away from my daughter. >> Get in. Your mommy's okay. I know. >> It's okay, baby. Just stay in the car. >> Come here. You can come with me. Come on. >> Come on. Get in. >> No, she can't get in. >> She has to get in with me. What do you expect her to do? What do you expect her to do? What are you trying to prove? >> What's the address here? 4477 Crossings Trail, Lraine, Ohio 44053. >> You can get in the car, Deiani. >> Get in the car, Deiani. >> In front of 447. >> Go in the car, please. >> All the way in, ma'am. >> What is the purpose of me being all the way in? You can at least answer that question for me. >> You're under arrest. >> For what? >> I was making a traffic stop. You got out of your car. I told you to stop. You didn't stop. You continue to You continue to go. >> Yes. I said, "Give me one second." >> That's not how it works. Why does it have to be that just because I got out of my CAR TO GIVE INFORMATION to other people so I could come here and handle this TICKET WITH YOU? >> WHY DOES THAT HAVE TO BE AN ARREST? >> It was a ticket, but now it's an arrest >> for what? >> In the car. >> What am I supposed to do with my ticket? >> In the car. We're going to figure that out. >> Okay, then. So, do you think a mother a good mother IS GOING TO GET ANYTHING? >> NO, right now. You're not being a good mother. >> YOU UNDER YOUR UNDER YOUR PERMISSIONS. YOU THINK THAT MY SISTER IS A DISPATCHER FOR YOUR GUYS' dispatch department? Perfect. >> Her her boyfriend is a freaking cop and you're going to sit here and you're going to tell me all this bull. I understand how the system works. >> Yes, >> I do. And just because you say something is a law doesn't mean that that's the truth. >> Yes, it is. Get inside. >> No, it does not. Just because you're an officer of the law does not mean that what you say is a law. It doesn't work that way. >> Get in the car. >> It doesn't work that way. I'm not leaving my daughter. You are No, you are heavily mistaken. >> You are heavily mistaken. If you think that we're going to find her, you got to get in the car. >> No, that is not happening. We're going to drag you in. Absolutely not happening. That is not happening. I don't you you can charge me with whatever you want to charge me. That is not happening. I promise you. >> My button is on the top visor of my car. Please go in and deliver the the furniture cuz that's exactly what I'm here for. I'm getting arrested for this. So, if you could just >> you can get whatever you need to get. >> Thank you. >> No problem. This is >> So, the reason where you weren't stopping is because you had to get the the furniture done? >> Yes. Because they were going to leave. They called, but they called my husband. They didn't call me. SO, I WAS TRYING TO GET HOME. SO, I figured you could follow me here. I could take the ticket here. I understand I was speeding. I was on the phone with the lady balling my eyes out because it's been the most stressful process. >> Yes, it's going to get a lot more stressful. Unfortunately, >> I'll handle the legalities. I'm not worried about that. I know that I committed a crime. I went too fast. I I I stopped. >> That's a ticket. The ticket is nothing. The problem is the obstructing. >> You decided to put your hands on me. You decided >> absolutely did because of your actions. You acted like a child, like an idiot. You put your daughter in my daughter. What are we going to do? >> Because furniture was here. >> You're going to shoot us. I did not put her. I went 45 and a 35. >> You're going 54 and a 35. Then you didn't stop to the police. Then you tried to get away from the police. >> I did not try to get away from you. I knew you were coming to my home. I brought YOU TO MY HOUSE. I BROUGHT YOU TO my house. >> It doesn't matter. >> Exactly. So if you if I was coming home, wouldn't it make more sense for me to bring my child to where she's going to feel safe and comfortable and then I don't have to miss out on my furniture opportunities and I can have them deliver what they need to deliver and do what they got to do and I can take the ticket from you. In my mind, that made sense. >> Okay. Well, that did not make sense. So get a speeding ticket, Chelsea. Sure. Bring them to the house. You're going to pull over. You're going to be off the main road. Jagger's only a two- road street. So instead of impeding traffic on a main road, I thought, "Okay, I'll bring him in the development. He can follow me." I waved you in. I said, "Come on, follow me." I knew I was getting a ticket, right? >> I knew that. So I made it. >> And then you got out of the car. You >> didn't know it was to get out of your vehicle. >> When the police officer yelling, "Stop. You got to listen." >> When you're running away, who's running away from you? >> I was walking TO MY HOUSE. >> I DON'T KNOW YOU. >> EXACTLY. SO INSTEAD, SAY, "MA'AM, where are you going?" Instead, you're over here assuming THAT I'M WHAT AM I going to do? run in the suburbs and get a gun and like around shooting at furniture vans. Like that's stupid. >> You might. >> It's so stupid. First of all, no. First of all, no. Not at all. >> You can take care of your child. >> My husband's a UPS driver. He's currently working. He doesn't even know this is happening right now cuz I'm on the phone with them, the furniture company, trying to get my furniture delivered. We just moved into this house March 1st. >> This is absolutely ridiculous. I would really like to call someone. >> Nope. When you get to the jail, you get a phone call. >> This is absolutely absurd. This is insane. This is how you operate? Absolutely. >> Do you have questions for me? >> Do you need me to sign anything? >> All right. This is Kelly, my neighbor. That's your name, right? Kelly. >> Callie, sir. >> She can sign the paperwork for you. >> Can you sign for my furniture, please? >> Hi. Is Jim on duty today? >> Connell. >> All right. You want to step out for me? >> That would be great. >> I haven't had her down yet. After a series of uncooperative responses, she appeared unaware of how the situation had escalated and continued to believe the firm tone from officers was only about the initial traffic issue. >> Go ahead, pat me down. I'm wearing a skirt and a t-shirt. >> I'm not just relax. I just got hot. I I literally knew I was getting a speeding ticket. >> I knew I was getting a skiing ticket because it's absolutely ridiculous. He's on some kind of weird rookie power trip. >> Okay, have a seat and we'll >> I'm not getting in completely cuz my daughter is really scared. So, I'm going to stand and just right here. Is that okay? >> Yes. Just relax. My body is here. What is your name? >> Said Chelsea. Chelsea. Holly. >> Listen. >> And I'm not hiding information. >> Listen. Just listen. Just listen. Don't make this worse. >> I know. I'm not This is a simple speeding ticket or whatever. And let it let it be that. Don't turn it in. >> Out of the car and then yelled at me, and I said, "Hold on one second." And then he ran up on me, grabbed me, and put me up against the van. >> What would you do? And my 8-year-old is in the car. She has no idea what the hell's going on. >> In our job, though, when people jump out of cars, it's like, why are they doing this stuff? Most people, hear me out. Most people sit there and wait till we do our thing, send the moms away. I don't know what happened before. >> My scenario, the reason why I got the speeding ticket, okay, I was at work until 1:00. >> I left work to get my daughter because they gave me a window. Dewy's furniture gave me a window from 2:00 to 6:00 for my furniture to be delivered. So, I picked up my kid from school early and then I was planning on coming here being here so that way I could then be here to sign for my furniture. Okay. >> No problem. I get it. >> I'm on the way here. I get a call from my husband on 58. He said, "Babe, they're already there. they're going to leave if you don't get there soon. And I said, "Okay." I was like, "I'm going to be on Jäger. Tell them I'm going to be there in like less than 4 minutes." So, I went 45 and a 35. I knew I was going faster. I saw him. I didn't even bother. I knew I was going to get the ticket. I knew it. And that's fine. >> Did you Did he slow down? >> Did he turn your lights on way down there? >> No, he turned around down there. I saw him turn around. And I said, "Okay, turn on his lights." I guess >> right at the stop sign there. I crossed through the stop sign. I came up to the house. I waved I waved my hand out the window like, "Come, come on." I waved my hand out the window. I parked right there, put the car in park. I got out the car and I said, "One second." Okay. >> I started running towards the van. I didn't see the guys in the van, so I didn't know where they were at. So, I was getting ready to go to the back of the van. He said, "Ma'am, stop. Stop." And I said, "Okay, one second. Just give me one second." And he said, "You're under arrest." And then he put me up against the van. And then he put me in handcuffs. I said, "My daughter is in the car. What are you doing? Like, don't touch me. Why are you touching me? I don't understand. >> In our case, >> I'm not a criminal." Like, >> so we don't know anybody. >> So, the daughter, >> yes, >> I just met them once. I don't know them at all. And so I'm just I just heard some yelling. So >> while the child was being comforted by officers and residents, the disagreement over perspectives remained unsettled from the mother's point of view. >> We're going to make sure you're taken care of. >> What do you want? Can I help in some way? >> Yeah, I'll see if I can't get uh the father's number to see if we can get the father out here. >> Yeah, I think he's trying to get >> Perfect. Like I'm more than happy to have her come in and hang out. >> Awesome. As long as it's good with mom or the father, they got to make that decision. Perfect. I just, you know, I'm just worried about her a little bit. >> Oh, absolutely. >> So, >> and don't worry. No, no one's hurt. We just got to figure some stuff out. We're going to make sure we get a hold of your dad. That way, you're taken care of. Okay. But you're going to be fine. I promise. >> And you didn't do anything wrong. But look extra cute in that pink. What is that? A sweater or a hoodie? >> A purple. Pink. Per. I might be color blind. >> Pink. The pink. It has pink and purple in it. >> Well, you look beautiful in it, honey. >> You do. >> All right. Just hang tight >> and then we're going to figure everything out. You got to understand this. Hear me out. Hear me out. Hear me out. When we pull cars over, we don't know who's in that car. We don't know if we don't know if you go to church every day or you're a hardened criminal. >> But when people get out and run from the car, >> I'm not running. >> You said you ran up to the truck. >> I walked quickly to the truck running. >> Hear me out. >> God, there's cops for me. We don't know that. We don't know that you're here missing a Dwy's appointment. You know what I'm saying? >> Yes. But he didn't ask. He just started yelling at me and then he didn't want to listen to me. He didn't want to talk to me. Nothing. He didn't ask any questions. He just pushed me up against the van. They all saw it. Everybody saw it. I said, "Get your hands off me. Why are you arresting me? Get in the car, ma'am. You got to leave. I'm not leaving my 8-year-old daughter in my car with neighbors. We don't even know that we just moved in here on March 1st. We just moved in." >> So, here I'm here. I am trying to get furniture. And he's like, "This is an arrest now." Well, give me the ticket. Give me the ticket. Why the hell do I have to be arrested? Are we seriously wasting taxpayers dollars to have bull? Like, that's stupid. It's stupid. >> Again, it's stupid. >> I hear your side. >> It's stupid though. Agree with me or not? It's stupid to pull somebody over and get upset because of a miscommunication between an officer and a person and then to tell me that what you say is law because it comes out of your mouth. That's not how that works. >> That's not how that works. I'm not completely ignorant. >> But when people get out of cars and run from them, that's not normal either. >> I ran. It was a fast walk. >> But you said I ran up to the truck. We don't know what you're running. Are you running to get something? We don't know that. Why are you running? Do you have something that that >> Well, that's what he he said. He said, "Ma'am, what's wrong? What's wrong?" I said, "One second. Just one second. What's wrong?" And I said, "One second." I was trying to tell him like, "Give me give me one second so I can figure out where these guys are at because I didn't want him to feel like people were coming up on him either." You know, like here I got to let people know, hey guys, I'm about to get a speeding ticket. Give me a second so you're not weirded out. I don't want him to think I'm bringing him to something weird. He doesn't know me. That's why I said call Jim. >> But you're right. We don't you don't know him and he don't know you. That's the We don't know why. >> We People tell us lies every day. Oh, hang on a minute. I got to do this. I got to do that. And they don't. Okay. >> It's fine. Well, it's literally right there in your face. Like, you can see the Dewy's truck, right? You can see the Dewy's employees. >> No, I see all that exaggerating that. >> I see all that stuff. >> And I didn't know any of this. I didn't know that they were here. I didn't know that they would leave if I wasn't here at a certain time. Like, that doesn't make any sense. And no, I'm not going to the station. I'm not going to get arrested. That's not going to happen. >> Okay. Well, I'm going to tell you this. I don't know what's going to happen. But if you if he says you're under arrest and going to jail >> for what? >> I don't know. I'm just just hear me out. If that's what he says, okay, and you say, "I'm not going," then you're just going to compile your list of criminal charges, which is not >> But does it make any sense? Like, what person what person after having the conversation with me, after he finally put me in handcuffs, after he was able to understand what was going on, what person says, "Okay, ma'am, I'm going to continue to pursue your arrest because your reasons are valid because you got out of your vehicle. That's what we're that's what we're we're going to be paying for." >> He he's going to have to type a criminal report. That sounds so asinine. >> Then hear me out. It's all on video. It's It's all on video. So, I mean, I guess it'll be up to the judge if it gets to that point. >> What's your name? Chelsea. >> Can you answer that question for me, please? >> Nope. You're making matters worse >> because I'm upset with you. I'm upset with you. I'm upset with the way you spoke to me. That doesn't matter to me right now because you >> It's not unusual for members of the public and officials to find themselves at odds. When emotions and personal pressures clash with established rules, formal procedures often follow. Had the mother remained cooperative from the beginning, the situation likely would have been resolved more quickly. >> You jumped out the car. You walked away from me. I told you to stop multiple times. It doesn't matter. I'm in charge. I'm in control. I made the traffic stop. Listen, you're not going to meet very many officers nicer than I am. All right. Unfortunately, you're the first person I've had to chase down in a few years, and you're going to jail today. Obstructing official business, resisting arrest. >> Really? >> Yes. Really? >> That's what we're doing. >> Absolutely. Is your name Chelsea? >> Yes. >> Okay. Are you the owner of the car? >> Hi, Officer Andre. >> All right. What's What's the number for the father of the child? So, we try to get a hold of him, get him to come be with the child. Or is there someone else you want to come be with the child? >> Can Can you Can you call my husband, please? >> Yeah. >> I don't want you calling my husband. >> Okay. >> I know that he's the arresting officer. You can get the arrest. That's fine. I just feel like you don't know people. >> I do know people. >> No, because you're not speaking to me like a person. You're speaking to me like I am some sort of hardened criminal that's just been running around. >> Speaking to you like a child because you're acting like a child. >> Because I'm having emotions. That's how you speak to women because they have emotions. >> Was doing something like this. You would have to put them in your place. >> What What is his number for? >> I hope he feels accomplished as an officer. I hope that that's an accomplishing feeling to arrest a mother in front of her home in front of her daughter with no no possible reason. Like no possible reason. >> You have to understand this dear. >> I don't understand it. That's the hard part. But you're not listening though. >> I'm trying to, but it doesn't make sense. >> We can't arrest people for nothing. >> Right. So getting arrested because you violated several laws of the law obstructing official business, hindering his investigation. You can't just run and walk away from us when he says get back here on a lawful stop. You can't do that. People get out of the car and run from us all the time. And it's a crime. >> Okay. Okay. >> Okay. If I was running away, >> I I don't know what happened before I got here, >> which you guys can see, >> right? And it's going to be all on video. Okay. Okay. And they'll play that for the judge. >> I told him, "Don't touch me." I tried to pull away and he said, "I'm resisting arrest." I said, "What am I under arrest for? I can't understand why you would arrest me." >> But you just can't get out of a car and run away or walk away when he's telling you to stop. He has a lawful reason to stop you for your speed. Okay? That means you sit in your car, take your ticket or your warning, and go about your day. >> I'll own that. I'll own that because there was no reason that you needed to run up to the house if they're right still here. They're not going to leave. >> They don't know who I am either. So, I was trying to make sure that they wouldn't leave. And I didn't want to be in the middle of the traffic ticket while they're like, "Okay, time to get in the car." And then I do roll the window down. >> It could have been I think it could have been handled differently if you just sat there and then say, "Hey, can you can you tell them not to leave just yet or something simple like that?" >> It could have also been handled differently if he had the knowhow to conversate. >> Is it not normal in our job when we pull someone over for a simple speeding ticket for the person to get out of the car? Again, like I said, we don't know what you're running away from. >> That is true. That is true. I can understand that. I can understand. And then if he tells you to stop legally, you have to because you are he has a lawful reason to stop you to begin with. If he had no reason to stop you, then it would be a different story. However, the reason for the stop initially was the speed. >> I wish he talked to me the way you talked to me like a human being. I hate the fact that he's condescending. I hate the fact that he's arrogant. I hate the fact that he's standing there talking down to me like somehow because he's tall and white, he has all the privilege in the world. >> What What is your name? >> Stupid. Chelsea Holly. >> Chelsea. Okay. Hello. Was this Tai? >> Hey, this is Officer Pron from the Lorraine Police Department. >> You here to arrest me, too? >> No, no, no. I'm just here because he asked for someone else. No. >> Is Jim Connell on um duty today? >> No, he's not. >> Okay. >> Do you know him? >> Yeah. >> So, he's what's it called? A FedEx driver. >> UPS driver. >> And uh he's trying to he's got to take his truck. The arrival of another officer helped clarify communication, but the official process was already in motion. This moment shows how staying calm early can help prevent outcomes people don't intend. >> So, someone else can take it and then get back in it and then come here. So, there's unknowns exact time. Got you. Are you willing to transport her? Really doesn't like >> Yeah. Okay. I'm filling up the the sheets now. Like I said, I hate doing that, but you just >> No, no, I get it. >> Hold the water. I'm just mean. Mhm. >> will forever be the house that had all the exciting things happen. >> I mean, do you want to talk to me >> at this point? I need something to distract me from how ridiculous this whole situation is. >> You have children? >> I do not. But here's the thing. Are >> you married? >> I have a fiance, but we're not married. >> Oh. When are you guys going to have your wedding? >> It's to be determined. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> How long have you been engaged? >> That's embarrassing. >> We've been We've been together for about 20 years. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Then why bother going through with the wedding? You know, that's kind of what that was my thought, too. I mean, she's already the beneficiary of all my stuff. >> And technically, you're what? Um, after seven years, is it? Or nine? >> That's actually not a thing in Ohio anymore. >> Oh, no. >> Yeah. No, it used to be. It's not anymore. I thought it was. Our >> legal partners. >> I thought it was. >> I thought so, too. >> Yeah. At this point, really? I mean, both of our names are on the house. So, I mean, everything's basically already in place. So, >> but if you though, >> would she be on anything? >> She's still the beneficiary to all my stuff. >> Okay. So, >> and what about your deed to your home? Is it a >> Well, we're both on that. So, >> is it a survivorship >> deed? >> It's probably something I have to look into. >> I would. Yeah, cuz if you pass, then she'd still have to go through probate. >> That's >> which would not be good for you. >> Yeah. No, you're probably right. >> Stressful. >> So, I take it you're just now moving in here, huh? >> Yeah. Trying. >> Where'd you move? Where you coming from? >> Um, we had a house in Ayria for almost 9 years >> and then we moved from there. We built this. We started in our >> Oh, you built it? >> Good for you. Good for you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Expensive. >> Um, honestly, it was cheaper to build than it was to buy what was already on the market, >> you know. Yeah, that's what I've heard. >> Yeah, especially around here. It's You still get the tax abatement or whatever. >> The 15year tax abatement out here, which is nice. That was >> And they upgraded our countertops, which is also a nice place. >> Yeah, that's very nice. >> Well, good for you. >> Thank you. >> Hopefully, this is kind of just a little speed bump. I mean, I'm sure you'll have you'll have >> Did you pun intended? Well, [laughter] well, but you'll have a bond. So, I mean, you could get out today and then it'll be a court thing. They'll review all the tapes and body cam, you know, all that kind of thing. Radio traffic. >> You asked earlier why I was here. Basically, I just heard him say he needed some other units on the radio. I heard what sounded like someone kind of yell and then I guess there were some people out here. So, you know, we're not sure exactly what what the situation is. It's better just to have someone extra here in case cuz this is that's not what happened now. But we've been to these kind of things where things get out of hand, a crowd forms, people started wanting to fight, get rowdy, you know. >> Yeah. >> It's just it's just a precaution. >> That's fine. >> You see, I mean, him and me, we're not we're not out here trying to stir up anything. >> No, but your buddy got hot real fast. >> Yeah. And you know, I I I'm not even going to try and speak for him. I wasn't here, so I don't I only know, you know, what's been said. I didn't see anything. So, >> Well, you guys can all watch the camera footage. >> Yeah. Um, is she your child's name or they should >> She's going to probably say no. >> Okay, that's fine. Um if not, watch a child until they show up. Child likes me. >> Okay, you seem like a nice lady, but there are people out there that aren't so nice and all it takes is someone to get to that doorstep and let a pitbull out or to get to that doorstep and say, "Hey, you know, I have a my mailbox." Those are the kind of things that we have to be aware of. >> Yeah. >> So, when we tell people to stop, that's why you have to stop then and there. And if people don't stop, then we have to start wondering, you know, is my safety at risk? See what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> I think after you like hear the scenario that that like kind of changes how you decide to handle it. Like in the moment you say, "Oh, okay. This makes sense." Like I get it. She's standing here. She's willing to cooperate. But because I'm so hot over XYZ, I'm going to pursue taking it even further. Like that's the part that for me it's just like what what purpose does that serve? >> All right, Chelsea. >> What did Ty say? Oh, he's on his way, but it's going to be a while. >> I know, cuz he's a UPS driver. >> Yeah, he said he has to drop off the truck at the hub, get someone to >> The most delicate factor was that the young child witnessed everything. Thankfully, once she understood the seriousness of the situation, the mother cooperated to make sure the child was safe [music] and properly cared for. Cooperation, even later on, still makes a difference. >> Finish his route, so it's going to be a while. So, we can't wait. All right. So, I have to take you out to the county jail. >> I can't. They we can watch him or her, but we can't just sit here and wait for him to come. >> You do understand as a person what that's going to do to her. >> I'm not the arresting officer. >> Well, then can't you have the conversation with him? Like, I'm a good mom and I'm not going to put my kid through that. >> My boys don't even have the keys to get in the house. What are they going to do? >> Apparently, that ship sailed as far as >> So, how am I supposed to get in contact with them? >> They You can call from once you get out there. My boys are in school. >> You'll be able to call Ty. >> This is so crazy. >> But the sooner we get you out there, the sooner you're able to make bond and get home. >> I need to talk to my kid. >> This one here? >> Yeah. My daughter. >> You want to talk to right now? >> Yeah, 100%. Cuz she needs to hear from me what's going on. Not you guys. She has no idea who you guys are. Well, why would she sit here and be like, "Oh, I'm so comfortable. She just watched the man push me up against a truck and arrest me for getting out of a vehicle. She doesn't understand any of that. >> She doesn't get it." Okay. >> This is stupid. >> All right. What's her name? >> Diani. >> Diani. Come on over here, dear. >> Hi. >> How you doing, baby? Good. >> Can I have a hug? >> Why are you going to kick my >> Well, because mommy broke a law. >> I think just one. >> I don't know. He might try to me with multiple. We'll see. >> But they're going to have to take me. >> She'll be back. And then daddy's gonna come home. Okay. So, you're gonna have to stay here with this officer. Hopefully a nice officer. I don't want that officer with her. >> Can you stay? That would be great cuz I feel like you you you'd be in good hands, huh? >> Yeah, we'll take you. >> She has to get too. >> Okay. Well, that would be nice. Daddy will be home shortly. Here's mommy's um mommy's concern is her belongings are in the car and I don't want to leave my stuff in the car. So, can you get mommy's purse out, please, and keep it with you? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Can I am I allowed to give you my phone so I can at least have it at the >> You want it jail house so I can call somebody? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. I would take Do you have a wallet? You can take your purse and everything if that's what you feel comfortable. Is it Where's it at in the car? Front passenger seat. >> All right. I'll go grab it. >> Yeah. I'll stay here and hang out until your husband gets home. >> That would be great. >> That way if she wants to hang out on the porch with This is your neighbor, right? This lady here. >> Yeah. >> You wanted to stay with your neighbor kind of that. All right. Yeah. I'll wait out here until he gets here. >> That'll be fine. His name is Tyrell. He's going to be in a white Honda Civic. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. >> They don't know what to put in what rooms. >> Yeah. So, I just wanted to make sure you we were clear about it because I mean I wouldn't I don't think I'd want my daughter in the house with some strangers. So, is she staying with the neighbor or? >> No, >> no, no, >> no. She's going in. >> No, I I I brought her back out. Okay. You guys just keep an eye on her until dad gets here. >> Gotcha. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Annie, why aren't you going to put the bags down in the house? >> I thought you were going to get Maya and take him to go potty. That's what I thought you were doing. I don't want you in the house where they're bringing the furniture and stuff. First of all, we don't know them. >> I was just showing them where to put it. >> Okay. >> Dad's not going to be home. >> What did you show them? >> I told them to put them on like Make like make sure it's easy. Let's just put it in the living room and one of them if you want. >> No, that's not we that's not what we're paying them for. We're paying them to put it in our bedrooms. That's why you guys had to clear out your bedrooms. Better go back there and tell them no. Better say, "Listen, >> where do they need to put it?" I'll >> um The living room set goes in the living room. >> Bedroom's in the bedroom. >> The bedroom's in the bedroom. The master bedroom has a air mattress in it that just could be propped up on the wall somewhere. >> She gets the white bed set. >> The living room set goes in the I don't know what the little one told you. Apparently, she told you something different. Living room set in the living room. Bedroom set goes to the bedroom. Prop the air mattress up in the main. >> Officers efficiently completed the necessary steps on scene. Their priority remained the child's well-being until the father arrived. >> Master bedroom and put whatever I I don't know. >> Okay. >> Hey, can you get Maya and take him to go potty? Yeah. Thank you. Put the bags down. Well, put them in the house. >> I know. You guys You guys figured out. >> Put the bags your book bag in my purse. Put them in the house of Paul. They're getting a ride from his friend Sean. >> They get out. Desmond usually gets to school by 2:40. Paul usually gets out by 2:55 and they go to Clear Me. So, they should be here like a little after 3 probably. Um >> hopefully Tai's here by then. >> The problem is is Tyrell doesn't know any of this cuz I haven't had a chance to talk to him. So, >> he's going to wonder where his kids are. He he he knew you were getting arrested that much. He did know >> how >> I have no idea cuz he's like I'm trying to get home now. It's like when I called him he already knew to come home. >> So somebody must have said >> my glasses up just in the middle. >> All right. Where'd she go? >> Back inside. >> You're welcome to go in my home. >> Okay. Yeah. I I don't know. I just I wouldn't >> I would ask I don't want her to be >> on the carpet. No worries. >> That's the only thing. So, if you just stand in the front. >> All right. You're step sit in there. I'm going to put the seat belt on you, but you got to get in first. >> Okay. How do I adjust my wrist? >> They're not made. Step. You know what? Come on out. Let me just do this for you. I'm going to I'm going to take them off and just put them in the front. We just have to have you handcuffed. And our policy says in the back, but as long as you don't >> I'm not going to punch you or anything. >> I appreciate it. Here. I got to put them on you just cuz when I take you over there, you have to be secured. >> Better. That's what we're calling better. >> All right. Let me reach over to you and grab ahead. >> There's only phone mail. >> So, he's going to have to type a report on his version of what happened. Okay. So, that'll go to the judge in the prosecutor's office. >> Interesting. >> All right. Let me get you out of here. Like I said, you'll have a bond. You'll be able to get right out >> to make a written statement. No, I mean you stick the statements are >> I mean you can come act once you come once you get out you can come to the station to make a a like a complaint or something like that if that's what you so choose to do. But what'll happen is you'll have you'll get assigned a court date and if you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you and then they'll take care of all that stuff for you. Okay. >> Oh, I see. >> All right. Let me close the door and get out of here. >> Why there's no cars here? Well, that one's mine. And that one's the first officer who was here. >> Why is he still here? >> Um, I think he's doing some paperwork. He's got to write some stuff down still. >> Why does he still have to do paper? >> Um, well, because he has to write down everything that happened. All the stuff that happened before I got here. >> So, you can bring it to the peasant. >> Close. You're close. We do have to bring it to somebody else. Their names. They're called No, the prosecutor. They're the ones that work down at the court. >> So once he's done with that, then he's going to leave. And once your dad gets here, then we'll both leave. >> You can't step in the car with our shoes. >> Yeah. >> Tell you what, how about I wait here in the garage for you and then after you put them away, you want to come on back out. Wait for your dad. >> Yeah, I'll probably get some umbrella if you have to. >> Okay. I'll be waiting here for you. Okay. I got here after everything happened. Your wife asked me to stay here with her until you got home. Um, as far as any details about what what all went on, I that's going to be the officer to speak to. >> Um, like I said, I got here after everything >> kind of transpired, but uh, she walked the dogs. We made sure to stay off the carpet. >> Uh, that's basically all I got. Any other questions he's going to be the one to ask. >> How you doing? >> Doing good. >> No. So, just wait till they don't call me to pick her up. >> Yeah, she gets a phone call. So, I'm assuming she'll probably call you first. >> Uhhuh. Yeah, probably. >> You can always call up there and just say, "Hey, I'm looking for so and so. Have they been booked in yet? They'll be able to tell you. >> All right. Well, it was nice meeting you. >> Me, too. >> Nice meeting you, too. >> You guys nice meeting you. >> Nice meeting you. >> Good luck to you. >> All right. Thank you guys. >> All right. Take care. So, what they're going to do is they're going to they're going to bring you in here. I don't know if you've ever been here when been a long time or whatnot. >> I've never been here. >> They're going to do a female's going to come search you. >> Y >> then they're going to take you over to the scanner. >> The mother remained composed as she faced the situation so it could be handled according to procedure as smoothly as possible. Make sure you don't have anything hidden in where I didn't check. >> Yeah. >> You know, and then bring it back. >> Sounds like a good time. >> They're going through a shift change right now, so it might be a little bit >> couple extra minutes. >> Sounds like >> Just go ahead and stand by this window over here though for me, dear. >> This one? >> Yeah. Over here. Keep your head up. Do I have to do that now? >> No. No. They're going to once once the female uh correction officers come out here. >> Oh, that you belong to them. You know, they're going to be the ones that give you the instruction from here on out. >> Yeah, I can do that for you. Do you have a lot of cash in here? >> Um, I don't have any cash. My cash. >> The mother was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing official business. Under Ohio law, she could face penalties of up to 6 months in prison and a $1,500 fine. [music] In encounters with authorities, staying calm and following initial guidance not only helps protect an adult's rights, but can also lessen the emotional impact on children. >> Okay. >> Is that mom or aunt? That's not their mom. >> That's aunt. Our mom. That's amp. >> Our mom went to a fisheye. >> Yeah. >> Do what? >> These three children did nothing wrong. Yet, their situation led to police being called. On July 6th, 2024, officers received a report of three children, two 9-year-olds and one 5-year-old, standing alone outside a convenience store. A witness stated that the woman who had been with them drove away, leaving the [music] children confused and uneasy. Officers arrived quickly and spoke with the children's aunt, who gave several different explanations. Hello. What's going on? >> My sister. >> What's up? >> My sister left me with our kids. >> Not their >> So, I got upset with them because they're and I just had I had an the manager, the employees, they are very weak. >> Okay. Why did you come park over here? >> Because I don't have my license. >> Okay. And you left the kids over there? >> Yep. They're not my kids. >> Okay. I mean, what? >> They're my sister. >> So, where's the mother? >> I don't know. She doesn't have custody of them. They were here visiting and nobody has came. >> Okay. So, how did you get them? >> Cuz they were supposed to be with me to be able to visit their parent. >> Okay. So, you mean you agreed to watch them? >> No. >> Okay. Do you have an ID or something? >> So, what was your plan here? They just park over here and >> No, to park over here and walk back over there. Y'all got you guys like a little while ago. So, I got here fast cuz a white person called you traffic. >> I'm not talking to you, >> 200 block of Northwestern. >> What' you come for? >> Wisconsin played Adam Sam Adam 1322 >> and saying that I was going to slap people. Is that like which one did you >> just to confirm that's the blockatch? I was right down the street. >> Oh, that's >> has nothing to do with your skin color. It's probably in the feedback. >> The ID? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> They didn't car me for this. >> It's not my car. It's my baby daddy. >> How many kids did you have with you? >> Three. I'm going have to go back over there and get them. >> Okay. You think Don't you think that's a problem that you just kind of left them over there? >> Don't you think that it's a problem that their mother just left them? I left them right there. They're they're old enough to watch her cell. They're two 9year-olds and a 5-year-old. I said Ti's about to go park the car. I don't have my license. So, what you want to do about it? You ain't catch me in the car. >> Okay. So, if you would like to take me to jail, I will go and you can take them to CPS. >> Okay. Well, we're going to we're going to start here. Turn around and put your hands behind your back. You're detained at the minute. >> You got small little wrists. >> Yeah. I don't know how to, >> huh? >> I don't know how. Nothing will be checked. >> Would you like me to put your phone in your purse? >> Sure. >> Does this come off? >> Yeah. Take this like me to put it on my head. Good. >> Can I hit this black mile? >> Can I hit this blackb? >> No, not right now. If it was already lit, maybe. over by the coffee bar. >> Copy. >> You going part of the >> squad? Let's take a ride in the squad. 143. >> Are you trying to leave? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> For one second. Okay. >> Can you lower both my windows? >> At this point, the top priority was arranging proper [music] care for the children, as the person believed to be responsible did not appear able to fulfill that role at the time. 35 23 going back over there. All right. How's it going? Are you guys okay? >> Okay. Where's mom? >> Mom is at She's coming right by. She's going to stay at a hotel. >> Okay. >> Is that mom or aunt? >> That's not their mom. >> That's aunt. Our mom. >> That's aunt. >> Our mom went to a fish. >> Yeah. your what? >> Our mom went to a fish fry. >> They're in town for a fish fry. They're from Milwaukee. So, they were with their aunt and their aunt was supposed to be taking them to this fish fry to their mom and dad. >> But she wanted but she wanted to buy us a phone and all that stuff. >> Okay. Was aunt going to leave you guys here? >> No, she just wants to go get a hotel. >> She just scared us. Okay. >> Okay. >> One second. Okay, guys. So, kids are right there. Um, mom, I guess they the quick trip employee said that uh this is aunt aunt was going to bring them to some sort of fish fry in town and was going to go get a hotel and that's where mom's at. Does that sound familiar? >> Yeah. >> So, let them tell you the story. really quick to see if they can shed some light on anything. >> They're probably going to be more reasonable than she is. This is all 100%. >> Just give me one second. >> I got a store employee came outside to share more details, helping clarify what had happened earlier inside the store. This information helped officers better understand the situation. >> Okay. >> Did you call? >> Yeah, I'm the one who called. Okay. >> Um I was just going to say cuz I gave my number just but I don't know if we want to do the I was just cuz I didn't know the store number right away. Um, >> so what what happened inside the store? >> So we had so first she came the mom or the aunt um came in and she tried to she was checking out with the guy that's in front and she wanted a iPhone 15 charger and she was getting upset and she's like I just want people who know how to do their fing job. So she was getting upset with that. She left. Um I clocked out and stuff. I was getting my bag and then the other lady up front, she comes back. She goes, "Oh, someone's getting mad up front." So I went back in front and she was yelling and getting mad. Um the guy up there. She said, "Well, ask him. He was standing here." He said, "This is what my leader said." And she said, "Yes, that is what he said." You know, it was just a lot of back and forth and it just kept getting out of hand. And then um she said something about I have kids in the car. You know, this is you know, I don't whatever's taking so long. I don't know. Like I was just hearing like it was getting out of hand. And then um she said, "I'm going to leave my kids here." And the leader was like, "Now you're just causing the scene. I'm not sure what's going on here." Like and then she started yelling at a guest and that's when I stepped in. I said, "Ma'am, it's leave." Um we have pre-recorded video up front. You can hear all of this on camera. And then she kept saying stuff to other guests. I was on the phone with you guys. I wasn't sure what was all set after that. Um, then she came up here and got her kids out. Um, and then had them start going back inside. She didn't say anything more to >> Did she say anything before bringing the kids back inside or she just said, "I'm going to bring my kids inside." >> She said, "I'm going to leave my kids with you." And we said, "You cannot do that." >> Absolutely not. >> Yeah. She literally said, "We're going to leave your kids with you." We said, "You cannot do that." She had them lined on the front here. And then we weren't sure to go on and all of a sudden the kids came lined up inside and then she was holding the second door open there on the right hand side and then we thought she was coming back in. I said she's coming back in and all of a sudden she left but the kids stage got in her car right this spot right here and she zoomed off that way and the kid stayed and they started crying. >> Moments later near a patrol vehicle the aunt appeared to become emotionally overwhelmed prompting officers to step in to maintain safety and calm. Can you wake up for me? >> Get an ambulance here. >> Get an ambulance. >> If we get an ambulance, we just try to hang ourselves in the decks. >> Here. >> I copy. I'll work on getting you another. >> I copy. >> Wake up. Sit up. >> I got it. Move. Get off me. >> Sit up. Get off me. I got it. I got it. All right. I got to move this. Get up. Stop me. I'm going to get up. >> Get on the ground. >> All right. >> Get on the ground. Stop playing with you. >> All right. I said all right. Right. All right. >> Where is it? >> Where's you weird? >> Could you stop? Why are you drinking? I'm not resisting you. No, I'm not resisting. Don't move. >> I won't. You cracker ass racist. Your name is a Will N. Willis. I bet you I guarantee you somebody be at your crib tonight. 24 rescuing 22. >> I copy. >> Can you get off my legs? You're hurting me. >> No. >> Okay. If I can't spit on you, I guarantee you I'm on my daughter. >> I see you in a couple days on my daughter. Let go of my legs. Why you steady squeezing me? I'm not resistant. Let go of my mother ankles before I give you a reason to do this to me. On my baby. Release my ankles now before I start smashing my head on my ON MY DAUGHTER. IF YOU DO NOT LET GO OF MY LEGS, YOU'RE HURTING. You're hurting >> that way. >> Hey, any black person, if you're hearing me, I'M NOT RESISTING. THESE WHITE officers are doing this because they're white privilege. My name is >> My daughter's name is >> Cross. >> Next drink. Y'all drink on me on my baby. On my daughter on her left side. >> That's not my left. Yep. You're an idiot. >> Sit up. How many officers do it take to put a [ __ ] in a mother chair? You see this? You see this, right? Okay. My name. I'm not resistant. You want me to show you what resistant look like? Okay. Should I spit on one of them? All right. Watch. They going to pick me up like Watch. You f to see me. >> I'm going to be like we >> ready. What the >> waiting in the old fire department. >> Put your feet down in there. >> There you go. >> Somebody will see you. >> Oh my. >> Sorry, man. 28 >> 139 for a 911 hang on because you cannot screw down. >> It's going to be from rapid SOS for a location. >> What you looking at? On my way. I'm going to find out. >> The ant was charged with throwing bodily fluid at a law enforcement [music] officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer, and disorderly conduct. What do you think is the [music] most compassionate and fair takeaway from this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Some calls to police don't begin [music] with wrongdoing, but with a worrying silence behind a closed door. >> What's this? >> I don't know. Your phone. take his phone out. >> On July 7th, 2025, a dryer vent technician arrived at a home for a scheduled appointment. Instead of meeting the homeowner, he heard a child crying and calling for a parent inside with no adult responding. He tried texting, [music] calling, and knocking, but received no reply. So, he contacted police out of concern that someone inside might need assistance. When officers arrived, the only response still came from the child. >> Banging on the door. I had an appointment. I just communicated with her at 12:23. She responded back, but >> she's unresponsive coming to the door. I texted her. I called her. I rang the doorbell. >> Okay. All right. >> Weird. >> Guys, it's the sheriff's office. Can you come to the door? Hello? We'll check around back. >> Got gloves. >> I'll put them on. Hey guys, this is the sheriff's office. >> Hey, can you come to the Can you open this door? >> Our dad was creeping. We're so sorry. >> What? >> We're so sorry. Our dad trying to sleep. >> Can you open the front door, please? I just got a call from the management company. >> Hey bud, >> can you open sir? [laughter] >> Sir, can you open the door? >> Come here. Come on. >> Okay. cuz he is like very very >> when he gets Yeah. >> very drunk or high or something. All right. >> Okay. >> Um >> I'm on military. I'm passing the church right now. >> Okay. Well, we're all here and uh we'll be waiting on you. Okay. >> Okay. All right. I'm uh So, is he going to jail? >> Uh most likely. >> Okay. >> Um but we'll discuss further when you get here. Okay. >> All right. >> All right. Yes, ma'am. Officers reached the children's mother. She was at work and believed the children were still being supervised. >> I think that constitutes an emergency call out for DCF. >> It's going to take forever though. I don't know how to get a hold of him that way. Let me see. I'm going to call Teresa. I know she's off. Let's see if she has a direct contact. >> Now that the the mom's the wife's coming back, um she'll be here to watch the kids at least. >> I was wondering I'm like, he's coming out and he falls on the ground. Like, what the [ __ ] >> Yeah. Hey, I'm sorry to bother you. I know you're off, but I got a It's pretty serious. I have a um I go here. I guess this guy calls because he was here to do a service on the house or whatever. So, he calls us cuz he hears three children yelling for whoever a parent to wake up. So, we get here, nobody's answering the door. I can hear the kids yelling. So, I go to the back door. Kind of open the slider. couldn't wouldn't open all the well. Had them open the front door. I go to try to open it and dad comes up stumbling obviously either high or drunk on something. Tries to shut the door in my face. I no. And we go secure him. He almost fell on top of a child. A little 2-year-old if that. Um house is in disarray. It's disgusting. You got dog puke all over the goddamn place. So my point is I'm trying to call DCF for an emergency call out. I just I don't know if you know of a direct contact or anything. >> One of the deputies stepped aside to make a call briefing a colleague about the scene. He explained that a service worker had reported hearing children crying and upon arrival >> number what is her name? What's her last name? >> And the other one >> uh August. >> All right. And then I have your information and everything. So that's what I'm going to do. make sure he's good right now and then go from there. >> Okay. >> Um, they're not hurt or do you want them to check just in case for vitals or anything like that? I'm just checking. >> Okay. >> Can I talk to him? >> He's in no condition, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, he goes in He's not living here right now. He is on my lease, but he's not living here right now. >> Where does he actually live? >> Um, it's Orman by the Sea. >> Oh, he lives in Orman by the Sea >> with his parents. Yeah. >> Okay. Do you have that address? >> I do. What is that address? >> No, it's okay. I got it. All right. Just give me a few minutes. I'll come back to talk to you. Okay. I just got to make a couple phone calls. All right. >> All right. Yes, ma'am. >> Deputies spoke directly with the children's mother once she returned. >> Wake up. God forbid something happened to them, you know. >> Um I would probably get somebody else to start watching your kids. >> Um that way it doesn't come back fall on you. >> You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> Um don't be worried if DCF reaches out to you cuz you got to let them know. >> Yeah. Um, just explain to them that, you know, he was supposed to be watching the kids, you know. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. If we need anything, we'll let you know. >> Do you know how long we'll keep him >> at the house? At the hospital or in jail? >> He'll see. >> Nobody's going to bond. No. >> He'll see the judge in the morning. They'll give him uh a bond and then him if he bonds out or not. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. Well, thank you. I'm sorry. The deputies informed the mother that her children were safe but had been left without proper supervision. They explained the officer's concerns after finding the father impaired and the home. >> The father appeared in a severely impaired state, responding slowly and not fully aware of his surroundings. This suggested he was unable to ensure his child's safety at that time. >> You're good, sir. Get back up. Stand up. >> Yes, sir. Well, they say they can't hold a mom in here. Then we walk in and stand right here. Right up against this car. Turn around. >> You've been drinking. >> No. >> No. Did you take something or what? >> No. >> What's that? That's my kids. >> I understand that. But it seems like you you've been sleeping or what? What's going on? >> Do you know where the kid's mother's at? >> Yes. >> Yes, sir. >> What was that? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Do you know where where out in the house? Is she in the house? >> We just want to Did you How much have you had to drink? Have you drank anything? >> No. Now, how come you're falling down? Did you take any medication or anything? What's going on? We need to make sure that so you don't if we need to get you an ambulance or what? >> What's your name? >> Ty Vander. >> I don't think we'll be cleaning gutters today, sir. We got >> I'm going. >> Yes, sir. >> What's your name? >> Ty Vanderote. >> Ty Vandercoat. >> Vander Coat. >> Vander Coat. What'd you take, dude? >> Deputies moved in quickly, placing the man in handcuffs and escorting him toward the patrol car. As they supported his unsteady steps, officers asked direct questions to assess his condition. >> Got anything in your pockets? >> What's this? I don't know. >> Your phone's falling out. Who's this? >> Hey, >> we're going to pick it up. >> Have a seat. All right. >> I want you to keep pulling over. >> Have a seat. >> Hey, Todd. Do you want to be seen medically? >> No. Okay, I'm gonna let me have it. Hey. Hey, bro. Wait a second. I'm gonna have a nurse come out. Okay, you're gonna have to tell them that. All right, >> just give me one second. >> I'm going to go. All right, go butt first. Okay, >> butt first. After a medical evaluation, the father was found to have significant impairment, but still stable enough to face legal [music] responsibility. He was charged with child. Under Florida law, he can face penalties of up to 5 years in prison or probation and a $5,000 fine. Caring for children often begins with simple steps. Knowing who is with them and who can step in if the unexpected happens. A small plan, a backup contact, or a trusted person can make children feel much safer [music] and more secure. Be aware that behavior in public spaces can sometimes lead to concern and draw attention from authorities. >> Step on three. Ready? 1 2 3. There you go. >> Put shoes on. >> Yeah. >> Jesus Christ. >> On September 2nd, 2024, police received a call from a mother reporting concerning behavior by a man near her young son in a park restroom area. [music] Based on the description provided, officers quickly contacted a man who matched it. He appeared uncooperative at first and did not seem fully alert. >> One was like in the line of three cars. I thought that was it. >> Oh, there it is. He's getting out. Hello. >> Huh? >> I said hello. >> Hello. >> Hi. How are you today? >> Oh, good. >> What are you up to here? >> Nothing. >> Just hanging out in your in your Jeep or >> Okay. Do you happen to have an ID on you? >> Yeah. >> Well, I Where have you been since you've been down here? here. Have you been over there or >> No. Have you just been hanging out right here? Cuz there's really nothing here. >> It's like a trees and not much around here. >> Well, I don't know. Just my idea if you want it. >> So, we're That's what we're trying to figure out. We got a call. Some suspicious activity. They gave this description of the vehicle, so that's why we're down here. We're just trying to figure out what's going on. >> Suspicious activity. >> Did anything anything happen? No. >> Did anybody confront you? Did you confront anybody else? >> No. Okay. All right. >> So, you haven't you haven't talked to anybody while you've been down sitting down here? >> Pulled in here, went to the bathroom. And >> so, you have no idea what would be going on. What's suspicious? >> Could you interact with anyone in the bathroom? >> No. >> Jesus. >> You've been drinking? >> What? I've had a beer, too, but >> couple. Yeah, I can tell you're kind of wobbly there. >> Have you been driving? Yeah. >> How long have you been here? >> Uh, like 20 minutes, maybe. 15 20 minutes. >> Where are you coming from before that? >> I was at home. >> Well, you weren't at home cuz you live in Hayworth. >> Yeah. >> So, you Let me just make sure I'm following. Right. You live in Hworth, which is like 30 m, 25 miles from here. >> No, it's not that far. It's only about 12. >> Okay. So, 12 miles and you decide that of all places in the entire city of Bloomington, you want to come to the Forest Park bathroom. >> Oh my god. Where are we going with this? >> Well, I mean, what are you trying to get? >> Well, there's a couple different things, right? Like, we got a call of someone acting weird in a bathroom. You're visiting a bathroom and you're drunk. So, there's a couple different things. >> Weird in a bathroom. I'm acting weird in a bathroom. >> I mean, they gave your your physical description. They described your Jeep. You're still here, right? So, I mean, it would be reasonable to think that it's you, right? >> I guess, but I haven't had any contact with anybody. I don't understand. >> Well, I mean, I find it odd that you drove all the way from Hayward to come to the Forest Park bathroom. Like, that seems like an odd place to come for, you know, to go to the bathroom. >> My mom Where's your mom? Uh, on Jackson Street. >> On Jackson? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Is that where you were drinking at or were you drinking before that? >> Well, I had Yeah. I had a couple beers at her house and I come this way. Go down Morris Avenue straight out. >> What else did Where else did you drink at? >> It just at her house. I mean, >> so why didn't you use the bathroom? >> I understand. >> Why didn't you use the bathroom at your mom's house? >> Well, I didn't have to go when I was there. I just >> on Jackson. It's like right over there. >> It's 1700 block east. It's >> so the 1,700 >> probably a half mile or >> Well, I mean a mile away. >> You know, the the Hux as you're going back to Hayworth has a really nice bathroom. >> Hu? >> Yeah, >> that place is jacked up. Have you seen that place? All under construction. You can't you hardly even get in there. >> McDonald's, Circle K, you know, there's a litany of bathrooms you could use that weren't a park at this time of night. You know, just odd that you're here is what I'm getting at. But Morris Avenue isn't a It goes down to >> No, but you got to go back out and go back around. >> 1200 East, is it? And then it cuts over to 51. >> What the hell are you doing? Why are you shining that in my eyes? >> Well, that's not in your eyes. It's over there. I was looking at you. >> It's not. It's right in my >> That would be That would be in your eyes. This is over here. >> The sun's going down, man. We just like to see what we're looking at. So, Matt, how much have you had to drink tonight? >> I don't know. I've had a couple beers. I mean, what the hell? I'm not any other jacked up. >> What? No, I'm not. Good God. Could you get the goddamn lights out of my Is this how you act? >> Why are you trying to freaking provoke me? >> Is this how you act all the time, sir? >> No, I don't act. What do you mean act like this all the time? >> You can see where the You can see where the circle of my lights at. >> Freaking light in my eye. >> Again, the circle. >> No, you're not. This is in your face. Actually, that's on your chest. So, it's not even in your eyes. >> Okay, whatever. >> Matt, are you with anybody else or is it just you and the Jeep? No, just me. I mean, just >> No. No dogs, no kids, no >> no other friends or anything like that. >> Back up. Look in. Go ahead and look in. Search that motherucker. I don't get it. >> Okay. Let me pat you down real quick. Put your hands on top of your head. Put your hands on top of your head. Interlace your interlace your fingers. >> Okay. I'm going to pat you down, though. You said I can search your car. I'm not going to >> Are you driving my jack? >> Stop, man. Stop talking my junk, man. He's pet dude. >> Dude, take chill pill. >> Yeah, you give me consent to search your car. I'm not going to turn my back on you. Where are you? >> Go for it. >> Let's just step back here. All he does is drive. >> Jesus Christ. >> All right. Cool. Cool. Cool. >> Okay. >> Other than say that >> while the exact reason for his presence there had not yet been clarified. Officers were met with continued denials [music] when referencing the mother and child. >> Matt, I'm off the roof. I also I have a body camera. Okay. >> So, I'm off the roof. I have a body camera. Okay. Just let you know. All right. >> I could give you can film me all you want to. >> Okay. Well, that's great. So, Matt, I have a couple questions I need to ask you about what happened in the bathroom. Okay. >> Nothing happened in the bathroom. >> Okay. Did you go Did you use the bathroom at all today? >> I went in there and peed. >> Okay. Was there anyone else in the bathroom? >> No. >> Okay. So, you don't remember seeing a young boy sitting on the toilet or anything like that? >> Young boy said no. Okay. No. So why do I why do I have a young boy and his mother? >> A young boy and his mother. >> They called us because they said you walked in on him using >> talking about >> Okay. So they're saying that you walked in on him going to the bathroom and he's you left. Is any of that ringing a bell? >> Like if you walk into the bathroom and door wasn't locked and you see someone in there, that that's one thing. All right. Like there's nothing wrong with that. >> Do you Does that >> that didn't happen at all? You're not remembering any of that? No. >> Okay. So, you're just going with that never happened. Obviously, they're claiming something happened. You're denying anything happened whatsoever. I find it really hard to believe that a kid describes you. You have blue eyes, right? >> No. Green. >> Greenish. Yeah. Okay. Kid describing you directly to your exact description saying that you walked into the bathroom on him and some stuff happened. >> What happened? Well, you tell me. I wasn't here, man. I've already got his side of the story. I want to know your side of the story. >> I want to hear his side of the story. I don't >> Well, how about this? You tell me anything. You tell me yours and I'll explain on anybody on his So, I want to know the goddamn story. >> Okay. So, I'm being told that you walked in, there's a young boy sitting on the toilet. You started to back out and you shut the door. Okay. >> No, I mean I >> Did that happen or did it not happen? >> No, it didn't happen. I was then told that you went back into the bathroom and you began to approach the young boy, making him severely uncomfortable. >> No. >> Okay. >> I don't know. Have you been in that bathroom today? >> What freaking happened? >> Have you been in that bathroom today? >> I told you I was in there and went and peed in there earlier. >> Okay. You just randomly pulled over to Forest Park and utilized the latrine here. You went inside. There was no >> wrong side. Is that Is that wrong? >> No, I'm not saying it's wrong. >> Come in and use the public. It's bathroom. >> It's a little strange. >> Let me ask you this. Have you been drinking tonight? >> Oh my god. You already asked me that. >> I have. >> And I already told you that. Yeah. I've had like three beers. Yes. >> Three beers. >> Okay. >> I Yeah. >> What brought you to Bloomington? >> My mother lives here. >> Okay. >> She just had knee surgery. >> Okay. >> I came to see her. >> All right. I came here on my way home to go down Morris Avenue because it's easier than going down 51. >> Okay. >> It's a shot and it's easier and I >> and you went to the bathroom. >> Yes. >> And then you stay here for 10 minutes showed up. >> If Where are you going with this? >> So, Matthew, I find it strange. >> Why are you just Okay. What? >> I I find it strange that you're sitting in a park with no reason. You find it strange you guys are just interrogating me for no goddamn reason. >> No, that's false because we do have a reason to talk with you because right now you're a suspect of a crime. That's why I read the marine warning. Well, that little child is alarmed to serve by your act. >> That little child. No little child. I never saw a little child. >> Okay, >> it's not super hard. It's just like this. Observing that he did not appear fully aware, officers conducted [music] standard checks to assess his condition, moving the situation into the appropriate formal process. >> Maintain that position. Okay. So, you're going to follow my finger with your eyes and your eyes only. Do not move your head. You understand that? >> Yes. >> Do you have any questions before we begin this test? >> You're supposed to follow the tip of my finger like in the instruction out of the position. Just >> Are you sure you only had three? Cuz you're not doing very well. Well, this is like the easy test. So, I'm going to do it one more time. It looks just like this. Feet together, arms go to your sides. This is the position you're going to maintain while we conduct this test. Okay? So, get in that position. You're not in it. Put your feet There you go. Now, we're good. >> Okay. >> There you go. Now, follow this finger with your eyes and your eyes only. Do not move your head. >> You got to keep your head still though, buddy. All right, go ahead and blink a few times. >> Are you ready? >> I don't know what's coming up. >> Same thing. >> I don't know. >> Stomach or what? I don't I'm not sure what I'm ready for. >> We're going to move my finger a few more times. Complete the test. >> I mean, you just say, "Are you ready?" >> Yeah. I gave you a noticeable break so you could rest your eye. >> Bam. You know what I mean? >> I wouldn't do that again. That'll go really badly. >> You know what I'm saying? I wasn't I don't know what I'm expecting. >> Uh-huh. You do that again, that's going to go real bad. >> No, I know. I understand. Put your arms. >> Jesus Christ. I don't have anything in my back pocket >> kind of when I'm in when I'm, you know, confronted with >> with the possibility of committing a crime. Yeah. >> A crime. >> Yeah. Follow my finger. >> That's what I'm thinking. I've never seen an adult act like this. This is pretty impressive. >> Have you ever had a somebody shine a flashlight? You don't quit balling your face at me. >> God damn. >> Jesus Christ. >> Grow up. Stop acting like this so we can get through this test. >> Oh my god. >> Your face. Hold it. Just hold your face. >> Just ever. >> Okay. Obviously, you can't do this test. We're going to do the next test. So, come over here. >> Pretty bad. >> Pretty bad. I would agree. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being not intoxicated and 10 being the drunkest you've ever been, how intoxicated you feel you are right now? >> About three. I was free. Okay. Um, is there anything else that would be responsible for your poor performance >> other than alcohol consumption? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> All right. This time you're going to be under arrest. Behind your back. >> Jesus. >> Stop resisting. I'm resisting to the ground. >> Why are you doing this to me? >> I got this. >> Unbelievable, dude. >> Not unbelievable. What do you mean unbelievable? >> I said unbelievable. You >> said unbelievable. >> All right, stand up. Turn to your side. >> To your side. >> Tuck your knees to your chest. Knees to your chest. >> Set up on your >> Here you go. >> And stand up on three. Ready? One, two, three. There you go. >> Put shoes on. >> Yeah. >> Jesus Christ. >> Matt, have you ever been arrested before? >> No. Okay. >> I'll pull my car down here. I'll work on to shoot. >> Yep. >> Oh my god, man. I'm done over there. >> Oh, okay. >> I mean, I can drive down if you want me to, but >> Oh my god. What the hell? Work your hands for me. Thanks, M. Damn, man. Watch your head. >> Fine. Jesus. Oh my god, this is just ridiculous. >> Agreed. >> The man was charged with DUI, resisting a peace officer, and disorderly [music] conduct. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison. Public places come with shared responsibility. Keeping children within clear sight not only helps protect them, but also reduces situations that may raise concern for others. Behind the image of two children running across the street in Illinois lies more than just a legal story. It's a wakeup call about parental responsibility. >> You got the You got the what? >> I'm not in no violation, sir. >> I didn't ask. >> We just got the tub. I don't want to go to jail. >> On September 2nd, 2025, police received an emergency call about two small children were spotted near a busy roadway, prompting immediate assistance from nearby adults and police. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and approached the mother along with her one and two-year-old children. >> Why don't your kids have any clothes on them? >> Cuz she we they took them off. We just got out the sub. >> You got the You got the what? >> I'm not in no violation, sir. >> I didn't ask for. >> We just got out the tub. I don't want to go to jail. We just got out the tub. >> What's What's your name? >> More probation. >> Okay. Why don't your kids have clothes on them? >> We just got out the tub. We just heard the news about my mom. We just heard the news about my mom. >> You were giving them baths? >> Yes. >> Okay. What happened to their clothes, though? >> I just took them out and put them peppers on. >> Okay. >> Am I in trouble for that? Hang hang tight for me. Okay. Yeah, they seem to be okay. They're just going to have a closer >> and she's obviously she's she's blasted. This lady, the driver, picked him up from somewhere on Western right over here. Good Samaritan. She's heavily intoxicated, impaired. Kids don't have any clothes on. She put a diaper on one of the kids. The other kid doesn't have anything on. So, just trying to get to the bottom of that. >> Kids or >> They're both your kids, right, Lic? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. So a little lyric, how old are they? >> One and two. >> One and two. Okay. >> Yeah, feel free. >> The bright spot in this situation was the woman who noticed and stepped in to help. Sometimes the community becomes the key link in protecting children. >> Hey Wells, give me his phone. Uh can you can you give me can you point me in the right direction here? So, we're over here on Glendale and uh Wayne, and this lady gives a mother and her her one and 2-year-old kids a ride to this address from somewhere on West. Uh mother is heavily impaired. I don't know by what. The two kids at the time, they didn't have any clothes on. They were in the middle of the street over, but she has since put a diaper on one of them. And so, when I asked mom about it, she said, "Well, we just got them. We just got them. That's all the reason I have for why they don't have a board. And so I we're getting everybody's information, but I'm kind of wondering no criminal statue stands out to me, other than possibly if your kids running out on the road. No clothes. Are you following me so far? >> Okay. Are you counting 49ers? >> Yeah. She This lady in the in the car that's just being a good student. She didn't ask for anything. Just gave her eyes. She felt bad. So kids are still in this good Samaritan's apartment and mom is over at this house on the side of the road. >> However, children in the care of strangers without supervision still carries serious risks. Police had to report the case to higher authorities for proper handling. >> Go ahead and let me know what's going on and I'll set this up how I need to. >> Sure. So Haley called us because she gave the mother and the two children a ride from the other side of town just acting as a good Samaritan. Uh when she first made contact with the kid or the the little boy, she found the little boy naked in the middle of Southwestern, which is a a heavily trafficked road. And then she saw a mother, the baby girl, uh come out of a nearby residence. Uh she gave all three of them a ride over to where we are now. Neither child >> the home address. >> No, not to I think they were coming from home. So they were coming over here to to be with a a relative. >> Okay. So Okay. So where are they at right now? >> We are at the relative's house. We are not at their house. She gave them a ride over here. Neither child had any clothes on. They were both butt naked. I think after they got here, she said she put a diaper >> on the little boy. >> On the little boy. But when I pulled up, the female, the little baby girl was still naked. >> Still naked now. >> Still naked now. Okay. >> When you pulled up, the little female was still naked. Inside the home or outside? >> So, the two kids were in the vehicle, the good Samaritan's vehicle, Haley's vehicle. Haley, because she called us, she was waiting on the side of the road to talk to me. She still had the kids in her car. >> Okay. Okay. And then mother was in the relative's house here at 717 Wayne. My partner had you which you heard him say that she'd been in there for 8 minutes uh without any fear for her kids' safety. >> In the end, the mother also had to face legal responsibility. >> The health and life of your children. >> How? >> Don't stop resisting. >> How did I resist? >> How did I resist? CFS coming to take protective custody. >> Yeah, they're going to escalate it. >> How did I >> Hey, Kia, will you make sure she didn't got nothing stashed? >> They me. Please. No. Please explain to me how did I my kids? No. Explain to me now. >> Nobody's going to touch. >> I didn't do nothing. >> I didn't do nothing though. >> COME ON. >> Make sure she didn't do nothing. >> I didn't do nothing though. >> I didn't do nothing. >> You said I didn't do nothing with my kids. Am I right on search her real quick? Okay. >> We just got to pass. You got to make sure you don't have anything you shouldn't. Okay. >> I don't have nothing. >> Why are y'all doing me like that? I didn't do nothing to my kids. >> Stop trying to get my kids in front. No. >> The car. on yourself. >> I DIDN'T DO NOTHING. I WANT MY >> WELL, YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT NOW. GET IN THE CAR. >> GET IN THE CAR. >> Get in. >> I don't [laughter] care. >> Get in the car. Get in the car. >> I didn't DO NOTHING WRONG. >> GET IN THE CAR. >> Why are you paying to record this? And >> it's recording. GET YOUR FOOT IN THE CAR. WHAT DID I DO? Get your foot in there. Come on now. >> Incredible. >> She became emotional while explaining her side of the story, though the situation highlighted how quickly things can go wrong when supervision lapses. >> What did I do wrong? [screaming] >> Yes, ma'am. >> WHAT DID I DO WRONG? PLEASE TALK TO ME. >> LYRIC, YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN. He came back. [screaming] >> I didn't DO NOTHING. >> NO, CUZ Y'ALL DID IT. I didn't do nothing. >> You want to know? I'm going to tell you why. >> PLEASE LET ME OUT AND LET ME KNOW THEN. AND I'LL give you all rights to taste it. >> Nobody's taste you. You got to stop. You want to know why you're going to jail. You left your car with your children in. You want me to tell you? >> You want me to tell you? You want me to tell you? You got to stop. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> See people. Okay. Kids in a car with a complete stranger for any minute. Doesn't matter if she gave you a ride or not. What would have stopped her from taking off with your kids? >> I didn't know I'm wrong. >> That is definitely wrong. I know you love your kids, but you can't your kids at a cost. >> But when am I going to arrest you? >> The health and life of your children. That is the charge. >> But I'm going to get away from my kids for 8 years. >> You should have thought about that before did what you did. >> The mother was charged with child injurement and resisting arrest. Under Arizona law, she could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Behind the incident may lie unresolved personal pressures, but no matter the reason, a child's safety must always come first. What would you do if in the middle of the night, two young children were found unsupervised in a hallway while their mother couldn't be located? >> So, you already made the decision and you left knowing that there was no adult to your present to watch your kids, correct? >> Yes. On the night of April 10th, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida, police received an emergency call about two young girls unsupervised wandering the hallway of an apartment building. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and gathered information from witnesses and neighbors. >> My sister got the two babies in her house right now. The apartment with no signs of the mama. The neighbor came and told me say it's two little girls at a door. They crying and screaming money. And I came out to see what was going on. And I see the two little girls was standing at the door crying, but I was scared to go inside, you know, to see. But I see the camera was missing off her door and her car not out here. So, I don't know. I didn't go inside. I I I don't I don't know. My sister do got the two little girls, but we still don't see any signs of the mama. >> Do you usually see her? >> I see her in the daytime. >> The place has an open door. The kids came out of just hang out. West Palm Beach Police. >> West Palm Beach Police. [music] If you in here, >> how long has your neighbor been living here? >> I'm not sure. She been a minute, though. >> Been a minute? >> Yeah. Do >> you know roughly what car she may be driving? >> I think she got a Nissan something. Sent something. >> And she normally stays here with her and the kids. No other adults? >> Not that I know of. >> So, okay. You guys haven't uh heard anything that would cause her like to panic and run or anything >> cuz right now the two kids are in your apartment. >> Yeah. Got them. >> Hey man, I'm really sorry to wake you up like this. You don't stay in apartment or know anyone that stays in apartment? >> Yeah, someone stayed there. >> Do you know who she is? >> I don't know. I don't know her name, though. >> You don't know her name? >> No. >> You don't know where she went? Because her two kids were left at the home alone. >> No, I don't know. >> Yeah. And the kids got out. >> No, she she was right. Paul >> parked right in front of you. >> Yeah. She known Paul right in front of me. >> Do you know what time she left at? >> No. When I was when I came here, I kept there about an hour or so. >> And she wasn't here. >> She was here during the time before I went to sleep. The car was here. So, when you pulled here and parked, the car was here and then you kind of went to sleep and you didn't see her since then. >> Okay. You're not in trouble or nothing. Dad, I was going to sit there and say we're trying to find out where she's at, why she would leave her two kids behind. >> All right. Sure. Well, I appreciate it. Thank you. Okay. You're welcome. >> You have a good night, man. >> You, too. >> Not long after, the mother contacted the police herself. However, her explanation [music] drew considerable attention. >> Hello. >> Hello. Hi. Is this Mariah? >> Yes. >> Yes. We're waiting for you so that we can leave. Got the children. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. I went to go to the store and I just left for [laughter] like a couple of seconds. Okay. I haven't been gone long. >> Okay. No worries. We just got to go. >> I work I work from home. Yeah. I work from home. So everything I got to do I got to do after 9. No worries. >> So So I just wanted to clarify that like I was only gone for a second. Was they Did they walk out? >> They walked out and they walked out and the the neighbors called them. It's all good. We just uh got to make sure that they go to you so that we can you know leave. We can't cuz you know they're not there. >> I told my dad I told my dad um to come there just in case. Um >> how long are you going to be here though? >> I'm like 20 minutes. >> All right, cool. Thank you. We'll be here waiting. >> All right. Byebye. >> Byebye. >> When she returned, her account of the time she was away conflicted with what officers had already documented. >> Was right there at 10 11 but then my camera skip and then at 10:35. >> Hey, just uh 14. The mom's car has been gone since at least 10:35. >> Can you get a hold of her? She's about 15 20 minutes out and she's on the way >> now. Before we ask questions, >> yeah, that's my cousin. >> I'm It's um >> No, you're good. >> What's I I >> just just listen. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> I'll answer the question. All right. You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. Do you understand? >> Yes. And I >> You have the right I'm sorry. >> I'm going to read this and I'm going explain everything. All right. >> Okay. Don't take my kids, please. >> Just give me one second. Okay. >> You have the right You have the right to the presence of a lawyer to the court before you make any statement during push. >> Okay. Yes. >> Just let me get through this then we'll get to it. Okay. >> Okay. >> If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to the presence of a courting lawyer. Yes. >> Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Any statement can be made you law. Do you understand that? >> Yes. Any statement you make must be freely and voluntarily given. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> With that, with your rights in mind, do you want to talk to us? >> Yes. I work from 9:00 to 5:00. Okay. I just started a job. Okay. >> Not 9 to5. I work from oh 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. I needed to go just get groceries right quick and get some gas and do other stuff. I don't have time during the day. Even though they're at daycare, I only get 30 to 45 minutes of break time. >> What store did you go to? I >> went to Walmart. Got some gas. Cuz this one right here closed early. >> That's my auntie. One one second. >> I went to the one in front. You went to Walmart? >> I got gas before I got before I left. >> Around what time? >> 10:11. >> 10:11. >> Yes. Like it wasn't like long. >> The Walmart. You were at You were at 10. >> Yeah. >> 10:11. You were at Walmart. >> Yeah. But I got there. Yes. Yes. I had to go get gas. Got there real quick. What >> time did you get there? >> I don't know like 10ish. Like close to being 11. It It's right there. The gas station is right there. I wasn't going long. I was just out trying to handle some stuff. That's all I was trying to do. They were sleep. I have cameras in there. My other daughter, she's sick. She has a cold. It's cold out here. I wasn't trying to bring her out. I was being considerate. Don't Don't get me wrong. I was being considerate and I was being understanding. >> What time did you say you left? >> I got ready, got dressed, took a shower. Maybe like 10:50 cuz it was between 10:50. >> Between 10 and 11:00. It was between 10:00 and 11:00. >> You left here 10:50. >> Yeah, like 10:50, 10:40ish. Like somewhere around there. That's when you went to >> get gas. Then I took a shower and I went to to the store, went to Walmart, and then I went to go grab something to eat cuz I was already on the call. >> I think I went to McDonald's. >> Even knowing no one was home, she still chose to leave. It might have been due to urgent matters or stress and lack of support. But whatever the reason, the potential risks were significant. >> Start asking her a couple questions. Once she's done, then we'll go from there. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, in the meanwhile, if you want to hang out over there real quick. >> Okay. Thank you. My dad was supposed to come over, but he bailed on me like last minute. >> Was he there when you left? So, no, no one was there when you left. >> No, he was supposed to come, but he bailed on me last minute like he always does. >> So, even though he said he wasn't coming, you still >> Oh, I told my dad. I said, "Hey, like I'm going to be going to the store. I'll be right back." That's why I said my dad was coming. >> The question was, even though he wasn't >> even though he bailed on you, >> you still I needed groceries. I don't have barely any groceries. >> When uh we called, where were you at? >> When I called, I was on the highway. When my auntie called me, I was on the highway. I was heading back. >> Heading back from >> I'm heading back from where I was. I had after I had went to the store, got some food. I'm sorry. I went to go to drop off some food at my friend's house cuz he had asked for some food. So, I drop off some food and I said I was heading home. That's it. >> So, after McDonald's, you went to go drop off food. >> Yes. And that's it. >> I I have I have a question for you real quick. So, just for clarification purposes, you went to get food at McDonald's. You went to the Walmart to get groceries. >> No, I went to go get gas. My gas. Okay. >> I was already on Eve, so I went to go get some gas. I already planned on getting gas. I just never had gotten gas. I was supposed to get gas yesterday. >> So, you got gas and then you went to >> I went to Walmart to get >> Did you come back home and drop your groceries off or anything you purchased at Walmart? >> Yes, I think I No, no, I did not. I didn't. >> So, so there's no groceries inside your car from Walmart. So, you didn't purchase anything from Walmart? >> You said if I purchased anything? Yes, I did. I had got some food. Some >> So, that's in your car right now, though? >> It's a little bit of food. >> The groceries that you purchased that you had to go out to the store for? >> No. >> So, you didn't get groceries at Walmart? No, I was No, I was supposed to go to Walmart. I stopped at Walmart. Didn't go to Walmart. And I had got something to eat. I didn't get I was supposed to get groceries, but I didn't get groceries. >> You said you did. >> I was supposed to get groceries, but I didn't get groceries. I have the bag right here. I have the bag right here. >> McDonald's? >> Yes. I get my food. >> So, after you dropped off food at your friend's house, that's when you got a call from us and you started heading back. >> Yes. Mentally, I needed to get out cuz I was already stuck in the house for it was 10 hours. >> So, 10:40 to 12:40. 10:30 I left then. Yeah. So 10:40. >> So between 10 and 11 and then you arrived, but you only arrived because we called you. Correct. >> I was already coming back. >> I was already on my way back. When she called me, I said, "Auntie, I'm already on the way back." I kept the baby gate locked and I made sure everything was secured. I have my cameras. >> There was supposed to be a Ring camera right there. So that probably would have notified me that y'all was there. >> Given the risks involved, authorities ensured the children were placed in safe care while addressing the situation responsibly. Did they notify you when we were in there checking? >> No, it didn't. >> No. Okay. The other question I'm going to ask, I see that you're very prepared with everything like that. You said your dad, right, was supposed to come, >> but then he backed out last second. >> He's always backing out. >> But then you still decided that make sure I let him know like, "Hey, Dad, this is what I'm going to do." >> So, you already made the decision. You left knowing that there was no adult to your present to watch your kids. Correct. >> Yes. There was no way I would have had to do it in the morning because then it would have been another day going by. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. Now, uh, your kids don't have any fevers or anything. They just have the cough. >> Yeah, they said she didn't have a fever. >> So, two days sick, unknown fever, anything like that, but you haven't called and schedu that's what I did. That's what I did today. They They both have an appointment. >> What day? >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. At what time? >> 9 8:30. So, yeah, that's what I was supposed to be taking them tomorrow. That's literally it. And I was >> So, the car >> I do apologize for this, but you are being placed under arrest for >> Okay. >> Okay. >> How long will I be? You're going to go to the jail tonight. You can bond out uh in the morning. >> Okay. >> However, DCF will update your kids though. >> Today. When will I get them back? >> Whenever you go talk to DCF and they'll go do a a study, check to make sure that your house is okay. And they may, if your aunt is still here, when they get here, they may turn the the kids over to her. >> I mean, I've been in DCF and I'm not a bad mom. And I >> Please don't take this as we think you're a bad mom. It's just however that the time frames and everything that we have. >> Take your phone. >> Yeah, you can take everything you want. You can take your phone. You can take your watch. >> Can I talk to my kids, please? >> I want them to see your >> Okay. >> Um Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> I'll tell your aunts. Okay. >> Police continued [music] with standard procedures to ensure the children's long-term safety. >> She's going to go to jail for child. >> Okay. Okay. >> Hold on, sis. You can listen if you want to. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's fine. So, she's going to go to jail for child. The fact that you have a 2-year-old and younger home alone and that she has time between the early morning of daycare to the time it starts her work to go and run her errands. He is now using this time knowingly the kids without an adult present and the fact we know who knows what could have happened. They could have got something, swallowed something, whatever. So, um Okay. >> Okay. So, um so DCF is being is has been notified already. Would you be willing to take cussy of the kids tonight if the DCF's okay? >> Yeah, if you bring them. Yes, I can take them home. >> Okay. So, I'll make sure that we get your >> We're at um my dad's house. >> Your dad's house. The dad supposedly she's saying was supposed to watch. >> No, my dad, which is her granddad. [clears throat] Her grandfather. Oh, well, I apologize. You look very young. [laughter] >> So, [snorts] we're not allowing her to see the kids. I don't want the kids to see her like this. >> Yeah. >> Can I go over there? >> Yeah, you can go. You just can't go approach them because you can go to like right here. Yeah. >> When I get When I get found out tomorrow, when I see my Where do I go to see my kid? A bad mother. >> No, no, no. So, I I already told her what's going to happen. DCF is going to have contact with her. I'll make sure they reach out to her to help you out and and go from there. Okay. >> Well, I'll get them. >> Okay. So, >> so I'm just staying until tonight. >> Tonight until tomorrow morning until you post bond. Yeah. Keys to the car to the apartment and her purse with all her IDs and stuff. >> Thank you so much. >> Her her Apple Watch is in there, too. Okay. So, what she's going to do is she's going to make sure you got no contraband on you. And we leave here and we go to the county jail. Anything that they find contraband there within is a felony charge. >> I don't have anything. Trust me. I'm not a bad person, y'all. I don't got nothing. I don't I don't I don't of neglect. >> The mother now faces a charge of child. Under Florida law, this offense can carry up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a maximum fine of $5,000. However, looking beyond this case, many young parents need stronger support systems to avoid being pushed into risky choices. This is not only a family responsibility, it's a shared duty of the entire community. A 10-year-old girl was discovered in a concerning situation, prompting a careful response from local police. >> Have you ever seen our fight with her hands? >> On September 13th, 2024, Palm Beach County police responded to a troubling report involving a young girl. She was quickly taken to a safe place to ensure she received the care she needed. >> Rules in the house, anything you're not allowed to do. You're not allowed to close the door and that's it. Maybe you're not allowed to close the door. Close our room. Not a lot of clothes together. >> Okay. All right, sweetheart. Um, with your mom, what do you guys do for fun together? >> We drive around. We go see our friends. >> Right. How's your relationship with your brother? The one that's here. >> Good. >> And your sister? >> Good. >> What about Cedric? >> It's good. >> Okay. >> What about the relationship with your mom? >> He's good. >> Why is it good with her? >> Because why? Okay. How do you know when your mom is upset? >> Does she yell at us? >> Have you ever seen her fight with her hands? >> But my big brother. >> What do you mean? What is she doing with him? >> Well, when we have our hands, see, they always um What happens when you're at home? You told us what happened when you're bad. What happens when you guys are good? >> Nothing. During the investigation, the girl described her living environment, which involved several unhealthy conditions that could negatively affect a child's development. >> Do you know what a mom? >> What about alcohol? >> What's that? >> Have you ever seen anyone use alcohol? >> My mom. >> What did she use? What do they use? Do they smoke or drink? >> Yes. >> Do they do both? They smoke and drink or do they smoke? >> Well, my big brother is my child. We only smoke and my mom is smoking. >> All right. So, what does your mom smoke? And what does your brother smoke? >> Well, what does how does she act after she uh smokes? >> She does sleep. >> So, does she act the same or different? >> She she acts the same. >> What about your brother after he smokes? Is it the same or different? >> The same. >> After your mom drinks, is she the same or different? >> She go to the brand house. >> Do you know what a pack of cigarettes looks like? >> Yes. >> What's in a pack of cigarettes? >> Uh, there are three and one. >> How many are in there? >> A bunch or one? >> Five. >> Five. Does does mom ever make her owns? >> No, >> she does not make her owns. >> Oh, she do? Yes, she do. >> How did How did she do that? Can you describe that? >> First, she put something on it. >> Mhm. >> Then she and then she put a tuck inside. >> Gotcha. >> Police took her statement while also offering reassurance and emotional support. >> Are you scared of anyone in or around your home? >> No, I All right. So the next question is if you were scared of someone who would tell my brother. >> All right. Do you have anyies? Do you have any ouchies? None of that. Just got to get a picture of you. Can you stand up for me, please? Come over here. Right here. >> I'm right here. >> Ready? What time you guys get picked up from school? >> School. Your mom's coming to get you. >> Yes. >> You did a good job. Would you like a little piece of candy? That's the reward for doing such a good job. You're very smart, by the way. >> Keep keep studying. Keep studying. You're doing very good. Very happy with you. Enjoy your candy. >> See you later. >> All right. Byebye. >> Byebye. >> Oh, hang on. One second. Hold on. >> Hold on. He gone. >> Yeah. Correct. Correct. When speaking with the mother, officers asked questions about her responsibility, but she repeatedly denied them. >> Sir, you don't want to talk. >> BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO talk to why we're here now. I was just outside when this took place. I can't tell you. >> MA'AM, ALL I'M TRYING TO DO is get my kids because I WORK FROM HOME. That's it. I didn't do anything. I didn't anybody. There was alations that came alum in her eye. She said that you had her in the face yesterday multiple times. I got statements from the kids saying that yes, this child got hit yesterday, but there was different statements of how she got hit in her face yesterday of how many times she got hit in the face. >> Can I explain something? Can I explain something? Yes. Before y'all do all of this because there's no need to do all of this. I don't have no background. I don't have no charges. I don't have no tickets. I don't have none of that. I take care of my kids. >> I did remove these kids back from you in the past in 2022. >> 2022 >> when she got that hit on her. >> Okay. >> So, you remember I came out then. So, you have history. >> Having history because because someone has said I did something is different from having evidence. Now, I could find Hold on. I could fall down. Hold on. No, I I'm the one that dropped her to school. I'm the one that took a picture of them this morning before we left our house. >> I can show y'all. >> I can show y'all my pictures that I have of my kids this morning. That was not there. YOU CAN BLOW IT UP. >> Even the child is saying that she didn't see this in her eye this morning. She said she didn't see it. It was when she came to school. Friend was like, "Hey, your eye is red." >> Okay, so if she had some work on her face, >> excuse me. During the conversation, police also mentioned certain legal details dating back to 2022. >> Let's Let's We're all adults here. I'm pretty sure you have children. I'm pretty sure you have children. If my daughter, the one that y'all saying is making is just told you and y'all just heard this from her that she didn't leave her house like that. >> She said she didn't see it. >> Well, she has to look in the mirror cuz she brushes her teeth and washes her face. >> She said she didn't. >> Okay. Well, she said she didn't. She say she didn't. She did say that you hit her in her in her face in her mouth and your other son said the same thing. >> Well, I'm I'm here to tell you I did not hit nobody in their mouth. I did not bust nobody's make a pink eye or black eye. I didn't do any of that. I can show you them kids at all yesterday. >> No, I don't because of this homework. Yesterday during homework, what happened? >> They're do homework here. >> Yesterday when you called them into your bedroom while you was working. >> I don't call them in my bedroom. >> So, you didn't call none of these children. So all of these children gave me a lied statement. >> I don't know what they gave you. I don't know what they gave you. And you already know because of what you talking about 2022, you trying to use this right now to say that I did something and I was what I'm saying back then and what I said in 2022. If I fall down right now, I'm just going to get a that don't necessarily say my mom. I don't know. This is MY FIRST TIME EVER HEARING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS early incident that happened yesterday. No, the nurse called me earlier this morning. >> Did their homework yesterday? >> They did their homework in the living room, but they do their normal work here in school yesterday. >> No, ma'am. Where's the nurse? >> So, your child wasn't ready. >> Where's the nurse? Where's the nurse? >> Mispronouncing these words and you got frustrated. >> No, ma'am. The nurse called me this morning and said something about a a a red eye and she just told me she's going to send Mala back to her class because she's complaining, not complaining that her eye. Now I come here and then I get that I my child >> 15. >> The information gathering process continued quickly. >> What's I mean 33. Like this is crazy. >> All right. Where is Nathaniel? >> He stays with his dad and you know that. Ma'am, >> where is uh Cedric? >> He's home. >> How old is Cedric now? >> 17. >> He's back in Bglade. >> We all reside in Bglade. >> Why do they go here? Just cuz it's a different school or >> No, it's because the McKenna McKenna video act says that being homeless, sharing hardship, we qualified to come to this school. >> But whose address you using? The mayor cell. >> That's a friend's address. >> Okay. I'm just asking >> the other address through which he provided me with the >> g8. I gave that to >> mom. What's a good phone number for you? >> The same one. >> All right. You have any family members that these kids go with until um we figure out a plan? >> Yeah, they're auntie. This is not even necessary. No, it's a I'm maternal. Paternal aunt. >> What's her name? >> Nikquila Cooper. >> N where she live street Florida seven. >> What's a good phone number for her? One. >> The mother gradually became tense as she realized the seriousness of the situation. [music] Can I take these off to get it out my phone? How many um kids are here? Two. Three. Sir, please don't. Please don't arrest me for what? Sir, >> sir, look what I'm going through. Look what I'm going through because somebody said I did something that I didn't do. I've never been to jail. >> And I didn't get out. I didn't get out loud. >> Have a seat. >> NO, BECAUSE I'M WONDERING WHY AM I being here? You're going to jail because of >> to your daughter. >> They're in after all together. So, they're all together. >> Where's your car? >> My car. No, it's parked ON THE SIDE OF the street down there. >> Okay. So, if you guys >> I need to bring her out my truck. >> Let me figure out if we need to remove the second before you get >> Please don't do that to me. That's That's crazy. Please don't do that. >> Let's see. My supervisors here are >> I'm so sorry. I didn't know THAT. I'M NOT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. I swear I didn't do anything. >> Well, that's ma'am. >> We're going to document that. >> This is crazy. This is crazy. >> Ma'am, please don't do this to me. Can I stick with a sergeant? >> That is my sergeant. >> That's me. >> I am the sergeant. And we're going off based off the statements from your children and injuries to your daughter. They didn't happen at school. Ma'am, I love what she said. >> Please listen to me. Can you please listen? >> I'm listening. >> You ran my name. >> I never ran your name. >> I didn't run your name. >> Okay. Well, ma'am, if you run my name, I have no criminal record. I I've never had I've never never have any one of my children. Yes, I might have did corporation in the past, but they gave me parenting for that. And I learned my lesson. They took my kids already. I did learn my message and I haven't been I haven't been nothing to my kids but a loving mother to my kids. >> It's not reasonable for a child coming in here. >> But the thing is she wasn't like that when she left Friday. She wasn't like that when when she came in. I can I show you the picture? Can I please show you the picture? Ma'am, >> why would you take a picture of her? >> I always take I always take pictures of them. I take pictures of them since the first day school started with their uniform. Officers then took her in to complete the required procedures. >> Where's your car? It's way back. They parked it down there. >> No, my car is this way. No, his car. You need to go get your vehicle. All right, I'll come around. >> Yeah, they're looking for rather than go out in front of all. >> Right. >> So, they'll be right back in school. Ready? >> All right, let's go off the back so we don't have to >> go. All right, let's walk this way. >> But hey, Sergeant, I still have to get my >> Can I use the bathroom? >> And these are really tight, sir. >> I'll have to adjust them when I get out to my truck. >> I did give a statement. I said I didn't do anything. All right. I'm going to be double once I get another pair for my truck. >> Can I please use the restroom? >> Well, my truck, I think. >> All right. So, you going to have to lean forward. >> I'm sorry. Ow. These are really tight. Go right here. And then we're going to walk around. >> Can I please use the restroom? Cuz I know this is going to be a long process before I get to use the restroom. >> Contraband on you. >> Contraband. >> Such a needles. >> No needles. any I have my because it's my >> Where's the lead at? It's good that you tell us now because if we find it at the >> I have my card lift up a little bit. I know. >> You should do it. >> I'm trying to get I can't even see. >> You want me to do it? >> You going to be able to? >> Yes. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> You got to bend forward. >> Yes. My wrist is is twisted. I'm trying to Here we go. >> You got >> You got it. >> Yeah. I'm pulling it apart. >> All right. Lean up. Lean up. >> Okay. Oh, lean backwards. >> Yeah. Try to get your arm out a little bit. >> I'm trying and it's not working. >> Yeah. Let me get this one over here. Just relax. >> I'm relaxed, but it's just getting tighter. We're going to loosen it first. >> Okay. Let me get tight. >> There you go. >> And they're not tight, sir. >> Well, they're not built for comfort. That's why I'm putting two on you right now to get it more comfortable. I only have one pair. >> Okay. >> But we'll make it more comfortable. You work with us. We'll work with you. >> All right. >> All right. You going to do the bathroom? >> Yeah. Where's the bathroom? >> I don't think it might be out here. >> That's not right. >> No. It says staff on the door. >> Before you go in >> the marijuana, put it up here. >> Yeah. Through the investigation, police gathered multiple pieces of evidence and testimony, leading to the decision to remove the girl from the unsafe environment. The mother face charges of aggravated child abuse and was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail with bail set at $50,000. >> Did you let me know where my car is at? It >> was where you parked it. >> Uh the lady said that she was going to park it. >> Okay, I'll give him the key. [music] Okay. So, if I get pick up, >> I'm not going to have a car. Somebody [music] pick it up. Or somebody can pick you up and drive you here. I'll be here tomorrow. >> What time do you come here? >> I'll be here at 7:00 tomorrow. >> 7:00. >> Pick it up. So, what car is it? >> It's a a Toyota Camry, a 2022. >> Can I Can I ask you something real? A little past a little down from the bus, but ma'am, can I ask you something really quick? I've never been. >> Every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, patience, [music] and proper care. Above all, it takes a united community. Anyone can play a part in noticing the warning signs and [music] helping protect children. Can you guess what made the police take immediate action right in the middle of the street? [music] Sometimes, even a small mistake can trigger a chain of unexpected events. On September 7th, 2023, a tense situation unfolded on the street. At first, police noticed a vehicle because the driver wasn't wearing a seat belt and was driving erratically. However, the situation became more serious when the driver didn't stop as instructed by police. >> S31. Okay, I'm with the Bravo unit. Vehicle still rolling south now. 3900 block. >> Hey, I got it. Still not 1031. >> Pass 31. Yeah, we're going to be 1031 on this vehicle. It's going to be a sit on 35 related vehicle moving violation southbound going 53 miles per hour. Traffic is 80 South Pine. Come up to 19th Avenue. Cross traffic. Come up through the uh driving theater. >> Hey, they looking around. Just be advised. They might try to run whenever they stop. >> See if they're 105. Speeds are 45 and a 55 mph zone up to 52nd Street right now. Getting into the turn lane south to go doing a U-turn. Going back northbound. Gina car. >> We're northbound now. We're picking up speeds going 78 miles hour street now. Still northbound. Slow down for the red lights. 464A. He blew the red light. Still north. Watch the red light. Void once Kilo gets in, get him primary outside right now. >> We sped up. I think he peaked about 80 mph at this point. >> 3300 block coming up 31st Street now. >> I got intersection blocking traffic sign. Yeah, I got the intersection blocked off. I'm going wait for you guys to come through. >> He's turning back uh southbound going into a this parking area. This parking lot here, get up here. >> He might go back. >> Get me stop sticks at the entrance, please. >> Looks like a black male driver. >> Kilo. >> All right, heading back out to the entrance. Heading back out the entrance. Kilo, take primary. The vehicle was stopped after a roadside impact. >> S31, I'm out of it. I I got my car signal seven. I got you. >> We're going northbound right now. Traffic. Stop. Hey, I think you hit my sticks in the uh median. >> Tires coming apart. Tires coming apart. >> LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS NOW. LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS. >> If you run, YOU'RE GOING TO GET DOG BIT. IF YOU RUN, YOU'RE GOING TO GET DOG BIT. Officers were surprised to find that a minor passenger was also in the car. >> GET ON THE GROUND NOW. GET ON THE GROUND OR YOU'RE GOING TO GET GARBAGE. BUDDY, >> MA'AM, get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Problem two. We got one running black male, red shirt. The driver was later identified as a 17year-old. >> I need one more unit over here. >> All right, let me call one more. >> I need to call. >> You ain't calling nobody. >> Have a seat. >> Those cuffs locked now. Double lock. >> Yeah, they lock. They locked. Please don't tighten them no more. Please. >> I'm making sure they don't tighten. Hold on. Please let me get my shoe running. Please let me get my shoe. Keep your feet. Can >> I take my shoe off? >> Stop. Slide it. >> Let me slide. Let me go. Let me go. >> At the station, the woman who was with him began providing [music] key information, helping clarify the driver's legal situation. >> Mr. Rooker, I'm Detective Kern with the police department. Obviously, we got a lot to talk about. Okay. You know, I I think we kind of got off to a wrong foot while we're out there. We can agree on that, right? Okay. So, I want to write that ship and I'm here now so that you can help me kind of understand what the hell exactly is going on. Okay. Let's start from the beginning. How did Tequila's daughter get to you? >> She wasn't with me. She was with um Darian. >> So, I guess how did everybody come together? >> Um I went and picked Darian up cuz I me and him were supposed to go door dashing and um I didn't know he had his niece, but then he got in the car and he said, "Oh, well, my sister want me to watch her baby, so she going to come with us." And I was like, "Oh, okay." That was it. And then we literally just got in Oella, like when everything happened. We just got out there. We were going to the hot spot, the Door Dash. The baby was in the back seat falling asleep. And then um I leave my seat back and I was about to go to sleep. Then that's when I I woke up cuz he was like um they chasing us. They chasing us. Then I um I looked back and I seen the police. That was it. And then I just sat there cuz it was going on. I couldn't stop it. Like if I was to grab the wheel, anything, I could have made something go wrong. But I didn't want to say anything at first because I just didn't want to say anything cuz if I didn't want to get anybody in trouble even though he did what he did like it was it was his niece and stuff. Like it wasn't like I was just >> No. No. I get it. >> My own butt. But cuz I know in the end if if I would have just told him to stop the car, he wasn't going to stop. That's just what it was. >> Why is he running? >> Probably because um we had just smoked before we left the yard and he didn't want to get pulled over. He's on probation and stuff. So I'm I'm not sure why though. He literally tapped me. He was like, "They're chasing us." And I woke up and then that's when I got up and I seen it was like probably one or two behind us at the time when he woke me up. But I was up pretty much the whole chase. I did lie at first. >> But you understand that doesn't put you in a good position, right? >> I know. >> So I I understand that he your he's your boyfriend. >> No. >> Okay. How are you all related? >> He's a friend of mine. We're all friends together. >> Okay. >> But yeah, >> their relationship was gradually revealed. [music] >> So you guys aren't dating or anything? >> No. >> Okay. You guys were going to go do door dashing. Okay. Like you do the door dashing. He was just going to ride with you. You both do it >> like he sometimes he'll just like get out for me and take the order to the door or something like that. Just we just do stuff like that. >> So that's your car that he was driving. So why let him drive? >> Cuz he said he had uh restricts or something. And I'm 21. So I assumed that >> Right. >> I believe you can have someone 21 or older with you. >> No. >> But I'm I'm not sure for a fact that he has his restricts. He just said he did and he knew how to drive. >> I'm just kind of curious. Why is a 21-year-old hanging out with a 17-year-old? Well, it's usually a bunch of us. Like a lot of us. It's not just him. He just he'll come with me. Like he works. He like He don't got a job. He can't get a job or whatever with all this whatever going on. He has probation from getting in trouble and stuff. So we all It's 21 year olds, 22 year olds, 23 year olds. We all hang together. It's like basically like a family. >> Okay. >> During questioning, the driver appeared anxious about what might happen next. Excuse me now. What you got? >> Is do you tell me what my charges is? Do you know? >> I don't know. I was in my office, but I'll get someone that was going to come talk to you. >> Please get them right now, please. I please need to talk to him. >> Okay, I'll do that. You're welcome. Do you need a water or anything? >> Can I please get one? I'm just I'm just sorry, ma'am. I was trying to get home and I was scared. >> Okay. >> And then I don't got nothing. I was scared. And then I was out on probation and I was driving. >> Okay. >> Because the girl, well, I was driving >> and then I was scared. >> I I I would have slowed down, but I I should have just slowed down. I was scared, miss. But can can the man who can read me my charges come back? >> I'm going to have him come get you. Okay. Talk to your wife. >> He explained why he decided to flee [music] and expressed regret, acknowledging that his actions could have put others, including the child passenger, at risk. >> So, can you please tell me, sir? I'm just sorry, sir. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry, but for for everything, sir. The only reason why I didn't pull over >> is because I'm in a driver's seat and I was driving. >> Are you not supposed to be driving, >> sir? >> I I really don't know. Do you not You don't have a license? >> No, sir. But >> I was just driving, sir, because she she had a Caesar. >> She had one or she like has them all the time. >> Well, she had one. >> Okay. >> She had one and I just drove. So sir, I'm just sorry, but I the only reason why I got out and ran cuz I was scared. So >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. I don't got nothing. Didn't have nothing on me. >> Are you and Tia dating? >> Like No, we like we not Well, >> y'all just hanging out. >> Yeah, it's like friends. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Y'all just hang out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But can you please tell me this? Be real with me, sir. I'm going through a program. Be real with me, sir. >> So, yeah. So, real quick, um I know you said like like we know each other. I don't know if you remember like I actually work for the sheriff's office, right? Yes, sir. >> Ocala Police Department is actually the one that was trying to pull you over and all that. So, ultimately what happens as far as like the car chase and all that, that's going to be with them. >> How long? I'm going to pro I lowkey violation because I was driving and then I did that with a name. >> What are you on probation for now? Remind me. >> Because you remember when you pulled me over up when y'all put me up over there up at the store 316, >> sir? Okay. >> Yeah, sir. Yeah. The only reason why I got pulled over because they say it was in the crime scene. Literally the girl, she didn't do nothing. She don't do nothing. She don't do nothing. She got all that stuff on her face. She don't do nothing. She tell me to stay out of the car with her. I should just listen. I should stay home. We were going door dashing. We were going to make some money. >> How long y'all been door dashing? >> We was We We were just about to go take her mom her stuff, then go door dashing, and then she was going to get back in the driver's seat when she get there. Sir, I should have I I saw y'all. Yes, I saw him behind me. I should have The car was written in front of me. I should have just pulled over, but the only reason why I didn't pull over because >> you don't have a license and you're violating >> and then I'm violating probation. I should have I should have thought I I'm sorry, sir. >> Further discussions also revealed additional [music] legal issues related to this incident. >> I know you don't want to talk to me. I know you don't want to hear me out. >> Look, I always want to talk to you, man. Every time I deal with you, like this is how I am. You know what I'm saying? Like I'm not I'm never mean. like I don't I'm here to talk, right? >> Um I think it's understandable like okay, you're on probation for >> for that. Obviously now you're driving. You don't want to violate over something stupid like >> driving and not having a license. So if you have the smallest chance of getting away, >> I would I'm sorry. I I took it. I'm sorry. I should have just slowed down. Told them straight up. Y'all can do whatever. Call my mom. Let her drive me back home to her mom or something. Sir, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have did that. I should have just pulled over and just faced it like a man. But all I can say is, do you think they're going to send me to a program or do you think they'll let me off to put me on more more months of paper or just send me to court for 21 days? >> I honestly don't know. I don't know. I know that you're on for the the thing now that you reminded me the thing. >> Yeah, the marijuana. >> That's not that Is that all you have? Is that the first time you got on paper? >> That's the first time in Oh, sir. I swear I wasn't even gonna sell the marijuana, sir. I swear I was just literally gonna smoke it. Literally stay home, smoke. I literally just got done with a whole literally a whole lesson of school. That's how you know like whole lesson of school. So, >> right, >> we wanted to go door dashing. I wanted to go door dashing. I should have listened. >> Let me let me ask you this, man. This is this is kind of less about the um like today and all that. I know. I think the first time we met was when um when Splat was out there at like DJ's house. You know what I'm talking about? Okay. >> The 17-year-old driver may face several charges, including evading or fleeing police, driving without a license, [music] child endangerment, and probation violation. What kind of sentence or penalty do you think might [music] result from these actions? Share your thoughts in the comments below. From the outside, situations often look simple, but under pressure, people tend to react on instinct. >> [music] >> The moments in this video remind us that mistakes don't always come from bad intentions, but from a lack of preparation and [music] composure. Children can't choose their circumstances, but adults can choose how they respond. And every choice brings consequences. Don't forget to like, subscribe, [music] and turn on notifications to stay updated with our upcoming videos. See you next time. [music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [music]