She's a toddler under two, I would guess. >> This toddler had just been found abandoned while her careless father wandered the aisles of Walmart. What followed was a series of unsettling discoveries and a desperate attempt from the dad to downplay it all. >> How about start being honest with me? >> I am. >> No, you're not. >> I can't lose custody of >> Do you do I custody is not your problem right now. Do you see where this is going? Set your cup on the truck. You're under arrest. On May 3rd, 2025, officers in Ocala, Florida were dispatched to a Walmart after reports of a baby being found unattended in a parked SUV. What they discovered would leave store employees and responding deputies shaken. A small child, barely a year old, sitting alone in an unlocked vehicle with no adult nearby. >> So, um, basically, we got informed by another, uh, customer that there's a baby. The door is unlocked on the back side. Unattended. Nobody's there. Sweetie, >> sweetie. When the first responding officer approached the SUV, he found the baby strapped into a car seat. For a moment, he struggled to get a response until he realized she was simply asleep. Still, the officer noticed visible marks and dirt on her body, prompting him to call for paramedics immediately while continuing to secure the scene. >> Said they uh were informed by a customer that they saw a kid in the car without anyone else. Um, yeah, the kid's awake or she's sleeping, but I uh rubbed her chest. He started moving. >> Yeah, I saw him. >> Who was the manager? >> We all of us. Okay. >> Yeah. Let me call you back. I got EMT here. I got to call you back. Bye. >> Have y'all seen anyone come by the car? Nothing like that. >> Well, we came directly school in the front. >> There's a >> Huh? >> We can pull the video. >> Yeah, we can pull it and make sure whatever we need. >> Hey, what's up, guys? >> What's going on? >> What you got? >> Uh store said that they had a customer come inside, tell them that they uh said that they saw a kid unattended in the car. Um this front end and all the store managers end up coming out here. They uh walk up to the car, see if the car is unattended, no customer, nothing like that around. Signal 44 is in the car seat sitting there. Uh they said that the car was unlocked. They didn't open it or anything like that. When I got here, um >> Signal 44. >> Oh, sorry. It's a juvenile for us. >> Juvenile. Okay. Okay. >> Um when I got here, she was in the car seat. Didn't appear like she was moving or anything. So, I opened the door, rubbed her chest, then she started to move around. Medics got here, they pulled her out, and she's in there checking vitals now. >> Yeah. I'm talking to my guys now. He said they're a little she's a little lethargic. Um but she could also be a little sleepy girl. So we're trying to figure that out. >> She also she's got like a scrape on her knee. >> Did uh anybody come out and claim vehicle or kid? >> Not yet. >> Okay. I'm sure they're inside right now making a request from the the PA. >> Yep. Kids getting checked out by medics now. When I pulled up, manager said that they had a customer come in the store tell them that they observed a kid in the car unattended. >> Okay. >> All the managers in the store came out were standing around the car. They said that they saw her in the back seat. didn't appear to be awake. She's a toddler under two, I would guess. But as of right now, we don't have any 43 on parent info. No one's came out the store yet. They said that they haven't had anyone come up to them yet. So, >> what raised even more concern was that no guardian had shown up to claim the child. By now, it had been well over 20 minutes since the initial report, and the deputies decided to search the vehicle for identification before heading inside the store to track down whoever had left her behind. Well, I mean, look look look look at they look at they vehicle. They look like dirty people. >> Yeah. I mean, they just whoever come out the store, they just do. These are like bags of stuff in the trunk. I think like full of clothes and stuff. >> Um, I'm going to talk to loss prevention. See if they have anything. All right. >> I'll stay with the vehicle just in case they come out. All right. So, that's the vehicle. >> What time? >> Uh, they pulled in at 49 after >> and they got out at 8:52. >> 8:52. So, pink shirt, kids were in orange. They enter this door >> at 8:53. >> Our suspect pulls into the parking lot at approximately 2050 hours that goes to the vehicle at 20 53 hours 65 description. It's going to be a white male, brown hair, wearing a pink polo and khaki shorts with white shoes. He's also going to be accompanied by a white signal 44 wearing a yellow long sleeve t-shirt. With the help of Walmart's loss prevention staff, officers reviewed surveillance footage and finally had a lead. They could see when the child's father had entered the store alongside his older son, leaving the toddler alone in the car. Something to keep in mind for later. >> I got him on video. >> Yeah, I heard the >> Sir. So, this is my lead paramedic. >> Okay. >> So, what's what's the plan? >> The kid's welfare is in your hands. If you think he needs to go to the hospital, that's in his best interest, her interest, whatever it is. >> Transport him to the hospital. I'm not going to I'm not I'm not going to tell you to do it, but if that's >> I don't see anything life at this point. >> Okay. Well, this is why you're the medical guy. I'm an exmedical guy. But still, it like I told him explain to him, if you think under implied consent, it's in the child's best interest, given everything we don't know right now that they go to the hospital and get >> checked out, I'll back it up. But I'm not going to tell you to do it either. >> Oh my god, >> that makes a lot of sense. Uh, there's somebody with their brother collar. >> As deputies were still talking with paramedics about whether the baby should be taken to the hospital, the father suddenly appeared. >> Right here. >> Yeah. >> You have your ID, buddy? >> No. >> Okay. What's your name? >> Thomas. Shaheen. Son. >> Thomas. What's your last name? >> Shaheen. S A H E N. >> S H A H E N. Yes, sir. Is this your car? >> This is my wife's car. She >> car. >> Okay. How many kids do you have? >> Three. Okay. Who was the other kid in the car? >> Yeah. >> Is she in there? >> She's in the ambulance. >> What was the issue? Cuz she just left and came in. So, she was sleeping. He left and came in to get me. She was still sleeping, but he So, he was in the car with her and then he left and I'm in the middle of checking out. >> Okay. What time did you get here? >> 30 minutes ago. >> Okay. So, you you were in the car with your sister. Okay. And you got out of the car? >> She knows he should have done that. How old are you, buddy? >> According to the father, 39-year-old Thomas Shaheen, the toddler hadn't been left alone for long. He claimed her seven-year-old brother had been keeping an eye on her until he came inside to find his dad, but that version didn't match what witnesses had seen. Store employees and bystanders had watched the SUV for a long time and hadn't seen anyone come or go. It seemed clear the father was trying to rewrite the story. >> What are they saying? >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> Just what the paramedics told you. >> They people called in because they was concerned because they seen your daughter in the vehicle by itself. That's all. Then we got here, they got her. They of course evaluated her. Then that's here we are now. Why is she like yelling at me like >> like I said, it's just for your safety and ours. >> Just wanted you out of the vehicle. I was about to tell you that also like just to stand out here with me. How long was this? >> How long was this? >> I don't know. >> And I see my daughter. >> Like the lieutenant said, >> that's when Mar County Fire Rescue, you'll see your daughter. >> Okay. Did you see her? >> No, I didn't see her. By the time I got here, she was already in the back of the ambulance. make all you guys and all you guys. >> Mhm. >> Yo, >> this ever happened before? >> Pretty sure. >> I mean, have you >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, what do you think is a a liability? Well, you know, I wouldn't recommend leaving her or your son in the vehicle. Like, not by themselves. I wouldn't recommend. >> Hm. >> What did you say? >> I'm not sure. I didn't hear what my partner said. >> That's your partner? >> Yeah. >> All your partners. >> That's That's my sergeant. The one who spoke to you. >> I know. I can tell. >> Yeah. But it seems like the sergeant is not too happy. Seems like he's in a bad mood. Would you agree? >> I don't know. I don't think so. Like I said, it's just for your safety and ours. >> Like I said, I was about to tell you the same thing. So, >> am I allowed to walk over there? >> No. >> Like I said, you will be able to see her. >> While paramedics examined the child, the boy's aunt and his mother's sister arrived. This gave one of the officers a chance to speak with her and explain what scene they had walked into. >> Can I go over here? >> Hold on. Are you going to go and get mom or? >> If I need to, I can. >> Yeah. >> We're not going to shuttle people back and forth all night. Do you want to take custody of the kids? >> I will. >> Okay. Firey says the little one needs to go to the hospital and get checked out. >> Okay. >> Are you okay with that? >> Um, yeah, that's fine. >> Or put me on the phone with mom and I'll explain it to her and she >> She knows. She knows that she said that she would take them. >> Well, but I want to make sure they get there. So, I'd rather they do it and they'd be more comfortable doing it with some of the fire. No, fire rescue. >> Oh, >> with some of the findings they've got. >> Oh, let me call her cuz I don't know anything about it. >> What's your name? >> Melissa. >> Hello, Melissa. >> It's Sergeant Booksler, the sheriff's office. Um, is this lady your your sister or your husband's sister? Your sister. Okay. she's here. There's no reason we can't release your son to her to him if you're okay with that. But waiting for her to bring you back here accomplishes nothing but slows everybody down. Okay. Fire rescues checked out your daughter. They've got some things they're concerned with as far as her well-being. I would feel better if she goes to the hospital with them and gets checked out. That way we we know if something happens between here and there, she's in good hands. Are you okay with that? No. Yeah. Well, no. Your fire rescue wants to take her to the hospital. Your sister will take your son. Well, you can. Well, you need to figure out something quick cuz they're not going to sit here all night. All right. Up here to Walmart. How long is it going to take you? All right. Well, how long are we talking about before you get here? Cuz the post office says Denellan's 2 minutes down the road. Although, I know where the city of Denellan is, so be a little bit more specific with me. Okay. All right. Fair enough. So, you're going to be here within a half an hour. All right. All right. Fire rescue will wait as long as they can, but if they deem it necessary, they're going to go ahead and take your daughter to the hospital. All right. And your your sister's here, so she'll know what's going on. All right. Thank you. >> The paramedics decided to take the 2-year-old to the hospital as a precaution. Meanwhile, the sergeant who had just spoken with the family turned to the father for questioning, and that's when things took an even more interesting turn. >> I got a card. >> All right. I'm going to read you something here. >> You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say it can will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have a present view while you're being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish. You can decide any time to exercise these rights and not make any statements. You understand each of these rights have explained to you? >> Yes. >> Having these in mind, you wish to speak to him? >> Okay. Thank you. Why are we all out here in the parking lot of Walmart tonight? because I left my son and my daughter in the car while I went in there to do some shopping and my son came in there. She gave me >> How long were you in there before your son came and got you? >> 5 10 minutes. >> What time did he finally find you in the store? About >> Gosh, the time did he get here? 920. Maybe >> 9:20 you said. Yeah. Then we got here. >> So, you probably 9:30, 9:35. >> Okay. >> How about if we back up to when this all started and you start being honest with me? >> I am. >> No, you're not. >> Cuz I've got you on video. I know what the time frame is. >> Okay. >> And it is not your time frame. >> So, why don't you start by telling me the truth and read through it again? >> I mean, I'm don't know the exact time. What time was it? 9:00. >> I I don't have to tell you. You tell me what time it was. You left two children unattended in a car. I would know exactly what time I did it, how quick, how long it took me to get back out here. >> And you're telling me it took you at least 20 minutes after your son found you? >> I was in the store 30 35 minutes total. >> Let's go with 40 minutes. >> Okay. >> And your son was not in the car. Your son went in the car with you or went into the store with you. I know this for a fact. >> Yeah. My son came into the store with >> you when you went in. >> Correct. In fact, when you came back out to the car, you bailed on your son, left him in the store. He didn't know where you were for a couple of minutes >> when they I told him to come on and he was in the toy aisle where leaving >> and he was wandering around cuz you'd already made your way out here. >> I told him to >> Did he Was he on your heels? >> No. >> 7 years old. You left him in a Walmart unattended even for 2 minutes. That's all it takes for somebody to snatch him. >> I'm scared to. >> Yeah, you should be. daughter and I ran and he's over here doing push-ups and jumping on this car. I have three children and it's hard to deal with. >> Yeah, raising kids is hard. I get that. >> And I have one that's LD. >> But let let me tell you something. Okay. You went in the store at about 9:53. Yes. >> 953. >> 853. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> All right. That about right. >> I'm listening. >> Your son went in the store with you, right? >> Yes. You were in there for 35 to 40 minutes before you heard a page to come back out to your car, right? >> And I came right out. >> The whole time you were in the store with your son. >> Yes. >> The whole time your daughter's out here in the car unattended. Correct. >> Correct. >> Car is not locked. Correct. >> Car was not locked. >> Did you know it was not unlocked? >> No. >> You thought you locked it? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Cuz we had a we had a light issue in the back. >> Okay. So, you're telling me that you were in the store for 35 to 40 minutes with your son with your daughter out here in the car? >> She was asleep in the car. >> Was and nobody was watching her >> on the water all day. >> Nobody was watching her >> except for >> except for the managers. And when they became aware of this, stood around this car for 30 minutes watching her to make sure nothing happened because you were in the store. >> Do we see a problem here? >> I can't lose custody of you. Dude, I custody is not your problem right now. Do you see where this is going? >> Set your cup on the truck. You're under arrest. >> Ask why I'm under arrest for what? >> Cuz you left your child in an unattended car for 40 minutes. The fact that you still don't know why you're going to jail is crazy. >> What is the charge? Child, >> my bad. Go ahead. You ever been arrested before? >> Yeah. >> In Florida? >> Uh, yes. >> Okay. For what? Um, it was a misdemeanor possession charge. >> Okay. What about in South Carolina >> for what? >> Um, violation >> of just a ladder. >> Okay. >> All right. Go ahead. Have a seat. >> Stick your feet in. Watch your knee. >> A short while later, the child's mother herself arrived on scene. And that's when Thomas realized just how badly he'd messed up. >> Uh, hold on one second. I don't want you >> talking to I love you. Don't Don't beat yourself up in touch. Okay. I got to get to the baby. I love you. >> I love you. We all love you. Stay strong. >> Just call me. >> To make matters worse, the Walmart store manager called him directly with a final message before deputies transported him to jail. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hey. So, you're being trespassed from the property. Uh you cannot come back onto this property. Uh if you come back on this property, you M County will be notified and you will be arrested for violation of the trespass. And this trespass is for a lifetime at this location. You cannot be in a car with somebody waiting in the parking lot at all. >> You understand that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Who's the manager of the store? Oh, >> I really Okay. All right. All right, we're going to get going. >> Oh, you don't have any water or nothing, right? >> Huh? >> You don't have any water? >> Not right now. When you get to the jail, they can get you something. >> Oh, God. 39-year-old Thomas Shaheen was taken into custody and charged with neg without great bodily harm.