On March 30, 2024, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to a call outside a Walmart after a toddler was found wandering alone in the parking lot. The mother claimed to have a compelling explanation, but it didn't hold up against Walmart's CCT footage. >> Hello. >> Hi. >> Hi. Is this your kid? >> Yeah, I wanted to use the bathroom. >> Okay. But he looks like he's not okay. Are you okay, buddy? He's been here a while. >> He has not been. You can check the time. I literally I literally ran in there and ran out. >> What's his name? >> Yeah. >> Mom. >> And I had to go to the bathroom really bad and he was sleeping. So I just ran in there. You You >> It's hold you. Hi. Hi. >> Hi. [Applause] >> Hi. >> Your kid? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And I really had to use the bathroom. So, he was sleeping and I just ran in there. >> Huh? >> I ran in there. >> Okay. to use the bathroom and came out. >> I just really had to go to the bathroom. >> And you can look it up on my hospital record that I had to run out of the hospital having surgery. [Music] >> How old is the kid? >> He's four. Uh-huh. >> Okay. You have your ID? >> I don't have anything. I give my social if you like my social. >> You don't have your ID on you at all? >> No. I 13year-old is in the bathroom >> and she's still in there and ran here's worried about him and bolted. >> My my daughter's 13 is still in the bathroom. My other 13-year-old is in the bathroom. Can I go inside with him? >> One second. >> Your 13-year-old's in the bathroom? Yeah, she was with She ran with me to the bathroom. >> Okay. >> She's She's Can I please go get her? >> Hold on a second. I'm gonna have Hey, there's a 13-year-old in there, too. >> She came with me to the bathroom. >> So, when you pulled up and we parked, he was in the middle of the road. Did you go up to him? And >> Well, yeah. We stopped there. They're like, "What's going on?" You just kept saying, "I want my mommy. Where's my mommy? I want my mommy." >> She just got >> like You guys like literally you guys pulled up and she walked right back. Do you have your ID? >> Yeah. >> So, you said you called run away or you waited? >> We waited what maybe like 2 minutes. We were talking to him. >> Okay. >> And then the guy over there saw that as well. We walked over to him at the same time and uh they got him a drink and we got a tour. So, we're coming out of the store yet. >> Okay. Just beyond my vehicle. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And the child is right here. >> This parking spot. >> Right where that bump is. Right there. >> Okay. Right where this tree stump roots are. >> No. Right where your wheel is. >> Okay. Right where the wheel is. Okay. >> And the child was crying. >> Standing there or sitting down? >> No. Standing up. >> Right. call me and we asked him to leave you okay. >> So from the time that you seen him to the time that you called 911 was how long time went by. >> It was within 10 minutes. >> Not even that. No, it was probably like 3 minutes because that this group this couple saw him as well and they called 911. >> Wait, what are you talking about? >> Like from the time that we saw him >> Oh, when we reported it to you guys, >> it was maybe like 3 minutes. Okay. And then the time that we responded and the time that you called to the time that we responded, >> it was about 10 minutes. >> About 10 minutes. And in between that 10 minutes, at what point did the mom come here? >> Right when you showed up. >> Right when you guys got >> a minute later, she showed up. >> She was here. >> Okay. All right. And is there anything else I'm missing or you want to add? >> No. Okay. You see anybody else in the vehicle? He just ran too far in mom's um mannerisms and reaction. >> I didn't see her coming up. I was I was at my vehicle cuz I left her to load up my vehicle. >> What did mom say to you? >> Nothing. She just came here and there the the lady cop was right here. >> So she can raise your right hand. You swear upon the truth hold the truth to help me be God that whatever you told me is true and correct to the best of your abilities. >> Yes. >> Can you raise your hand then? >> Yes. >> Can you swear and affirm that everything you told me is the best of your knowledge and then best of your abilities? Okay. >> Thank you guys. And if I need anything else just hang tight. I will request it. Okay. >> Okay. >> Hey. So, so were you in the car with your brother? >> I was going in. >> Okay. Where was your mom at? So, you guys both went into the bathroom? >> Yeah. I don't like going by myself and step by side places like that, so I asked her to come with me. >> Okay. How long ago did you guys go to the bathroom? >> Not too long ago. >> Okay. And you left your little brother by himself in the car? >> Um, I thought it would be fine since he's still >> You can't leave the car unattended with him in there. It's hot. >> Where do you guys live? Um, I'm not really living with my mom, but I was just here hanging out with her for the weekend. >> Okay. You live with your dad? >> Yes. >> Where do Where do you live? >> In Riviera. >> Riviera Beach with your dad. >> Yes. >> Okay. Where does your mom stay at? >> Um, at a hotel right now. >> Okay. And then your brother does stay your brother stays with you too at your dad's? >> No, he stays at the hotel. >> Okay. Watch out. >> Okay. So, you guys came here to go to the bathroom? Yes, that's it. >> Okay. Where were you guys before here? >> Excuse me. >> Where were you guys before here? >> At the hotel. >> Gotcha. So, do you know where the hotel is? >> Uh, no. >> Okay. So, you guys were driving around. You said you need to go to the bathroom and your family went to Walmart. >> Yes. >> Gotcha. And she went with you to the bathroom? >> Yes. Cuz like going into like places and stuff. >> Yeah. >> So, do you remember like what time you guys went into the store? >> Um, I don't really check Okay. So, like how long do you think you were there? Not too long. Like 5 minutes. 2 minutes. >> 10 minutes. 5 minutes. >> Okay. All right. Well, like I said, it's pretty hot. And you guys left him with the car off and everything. Like he woke up and he was looking for you guys. >> Hey, how you doing? >> All right. So, we got two concerns. young man we here was in the car by himself for a little bit. We don't know exactly how long and he was out uh walking out. People located him want to check on guys well be sure as well as mom. Mom said she's uh struggling with kids on and off and that's why I had to stop here and then in JFK and I just I'm like I can't even hold you. >> There's really not anything that we can do to check your foot. >> We can check your vital signs. >> Okay. >> All right. You want to walk with us? >> Yeah. just in case cuz I've been having onoff fever with it too. >> So he was not in the parking lot or anything or >> No, he just got out of the car yesterday. >> So they were concerned because the people that didn't realize I had just like ran in and ran out. >> So are you worried? Is anything out of norm to you that you see >> stupid? It's okay. going through a really bad divorce and I'm not sure. I feel really bad cuz now I'm thinking about it in South. >> What's your name? >> I'm so sorry. >> Mom, what's your name? >> What's mommy's name? >> What's your name, buddy? >> Can I see your finger, please? >> So, these vital things are the norm. Is there anything out of normal to you? >> No, he he was fine to me. I was literally in and out. I just need to go to the bathroom. >> So, if you don't see anything out of normal, >> I just But I wanted to make sure I just wanted to make sure he was okay. >> We're going to check your temperature, buddy. Okay. >> Obviously, you know, a bad decision. I didn't leave him in the car by himself. >> I know. I didn't I literally farted in and out and he was sleeping and I I didn't >> It was a dumb choice. It was really dumb and I'm really feeling >> Why didn't you just take him with you? >> Obviously, she and him don't really mess well. They just don't feel it just difference. >> It's all right, buddy. >> So, I just I just wasn't I didn't think I just didn't think. >> You can't leave in the car for a minute. Really? >> Can't play with that. >> It's just stupid. I'm sorry. better. >> I'm sorry. Like, it was really stupid. >> All right, I'm going to read you a few things. Okay. >> Are you listening? >> I'm just reading you a few things. This is a record. It's a sworn recorded um interview statement. Today's date is Saturday, March 30th, 2024. The time is now 1:46. I am at the parking lot of Walgreens. What's your name? Okay. Um I require you to warn you before you make any statements that you have the following constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and answer any questions. Any statements you make freely and voluntarily given. You have the right and presence the representation of a lawyer of your choice before you make any statements during any questionings. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to the presence and representation of a courtappointed lawyer before you make any statements and during any questioning. If at any time during the interview you do not wish to answer any questions, you are privileged to remain silent. I can make no threats or promises to induce you to make a statement. This must be of your own free will. Any statements can be and will be used to you against you in court of law. Do you understand these rights that I have read to you? >> Yes. >> With those rights in mind, are you choosing to speak to us with me? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, tell me again why you came here. >> So, I had to use the bathroom. >> Okay. >> When we were in the bathroom, >> okay, >> my daughter was like want to grab she went to grab a bathing suit while I was in the bathroom. >> I ran out to look for her. >> Okay. Um, when I grabbed her, I said, "We have to you you could probably hear it if you listen to the audio. We got to go. We got to go." We ran back out here and I saw you guys all around the car. >> Okay. >> And that's really it. >> So, you came here just to go to the bathroom? >> Literally, just to go to the bathroom. >> Okay. And then you went with your daughter? >> Yeah, my daughter came with with with >> And how long do you think you spent in the store? >> Like 5 minutes. >> 5 minutes. >> Literally 5 minutes. >> Okay. And you let the car >> It was running. The car was running. >> Yes. >> With the keys inside. >> No. No. I don't I don't remember now. I don't remember. >> Okay. But the kid was in there. >> But the Yeah, the window >> The windows were up. >> No, the windows were down. >> The windows were down. Yes. >> Well, the windows were all up when we >> That window's 100% down. >> Which one? The one with the blanket. >> That blanket was was not if you was not there when I went in there. The bl the window was open. The blanket was not like that one when when I left him. It was open. >> Okay. But you still left the child unattended >> in this weather, >> right? >> Breathe. >> I didn't realize it was I didn't think it. I'm stupid. I'm so I really I really didn't think it. Just really breathe. Fire rescue is right here and I don't want them to take you. Okay, just breathe. Can I have >> Okay, just breathe. >> I really didn't really think and it's stupid. It's soing stupid and I'm aing idiot and I didn't think right now you're being placed under arrest. You're not all the cut for shoplifting. >> I didn't shoplift anything. >> Yes, you did. You passed all points of sale for that basket. I didn't mean to. >> You left that daughter. You left your daughter inside because you were going to come get your car. Come on. >> No, I wasn't. >> Did you put your hands up right away? >> Put your hands up if you were praying. Come on. >> It'll be easier. >> I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. Stop. Stop. Please. I'm not. Please. >> Do not resist. Stop >> cuz it will hurt. >> Stop. >> Do not resist. >> Can't breathe. >> Okay, listen. >> We have to rescue here. >> You're talking, right? You're breathing. You're talking. Focus on that. You're talking breathing. You're talking. >> Put your hands. I give you a breathing. I mean, put your hands. I give you a praise. Come on. Put your hands. I give you a praise. That way I can fix. >> Listen. Do you want these to be comfortable? You want them to hurt? We're trying to make I don't know what to do. I've never done this before. >> Look at me. Focus. Focus. Put your hands like this backwards. That's all. >> Like this. We're >> putting handcuffs on you. Okay. Breathe. >> See, you're fine. Oh, it is. >> Am I is DCF going to take my kids then? >> No, he's taking me. >> You know what I'm saying? After that, I can get him back as soon as I get out. >> Look at me. Whoever has >> You have We need to discuss this, right? So, you have to You're giving them permission. Look at me. Look at me. I want to get out. I can get >> He's not law enforcement. What do you mean? I'm trying to explain it to you. Okay. >> I did not mean this job with anything either. >> I left you here if you wanted to. >> I didn't mean to. But I didn't mean to. I just point of sale. >> Okay. I didn't mean to. I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. >> You pass out 47. >> I didn't know. I didn't know. >> Okay. Do you want rescue to check your vital signs? >> No. I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. >> Do you mind just grabbing your your battery pack? >> I didn't know. >> I didn't know. I didn't know. I swear I didn't know. >> I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. Sorry, I couldn't hear over >> though. I always swear I'm scared. All you got to do is >> I don't know what I want to go to jail. I've never been to jail. >> I've never been to jail. I'm scared. Listen, if you would be if you would have been honest with me 100% from the beginning. >> I did. I was. I was. >> You were in there for 24 minutes. >> I didn't know it was that long. I swear to God, I didn't know. >> Can you just leave at a child in a time? >> I know. I agree with you. >> That's not the only reason. >> I didn't hear I earned this. I understand that. I'm scared. Okay, >> I'll be sorry. >> We don't want the kids seeing this >> and they want them out so they can do that. >> Look at me. No, we didn't do that. They got to get out of the rescue. They got to go to others. >> You're making it worse for your children now. You got to get yourself together. >> Okay. Okay. >> Uh, have a seat. Seven. Can you put my jacket back on? Um, >> we got the run over. >> Yeah, I put it in the >> You don't have anything in your bra, right? >> Okay. All right. >> This is the only >> Yeah. Sorry, you got to >> The mother was charged with felony child neglect after leaving her toddler alone in the car while attempting to shoplift. If convicted, she faces up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.