Why you touch it? No. >> No. No. >> No. >> Sometimes children face responsibilities beyond their years. >> A 9-year-old cannot take care of you. It might be unattended. >> With a parent unable to provide care at the moment. >> You okay? What's going on? >> You didn't tell mommy we were going. >> She closed the door. >> She closed the door on you. >> This is the reality children face every day. How can we support families to ensure children grow up safe and cared for? In one case, children were left at home without direct supervision while the parent was away. >> So, you're saying you were gone for 3 hours? >> I left at one the night. She was asleep. Yes. >> But they were actually left unattended for a longer period than initially reported. On July 27th, 2023, two young children, a 9-year-old and a 2-year-old, were left alone at home for several hours, prompting authorities to intervene. The children were found in an unsafe and unhygienic situation and were provided temporary care until their grandmother could assume custody. The mother was also brought in for questioning by the authorities. >> Alexa, okay. Um, could you come with us, please? >> Are you dead? >> Yeah, we're dead. >> Okay. It's going to be a few minutes if you don't mind hanging out. >> Yeah. Yeah, I can hang out. Just here to support her and bring her down. >> Okay. All right. Appreciate it. So, I'm back. Okay. Just so you're aware our cameras are on. >> Go ahead. Direct the stairs here. [Music] See the chairs or something like that. So we're not all squeezed in. >> Okay. Um because of the circumstances um you're at the PD, you're in the interview room. Um I have to advise you of your rights. It's a bit of a formality, but that's something I have to do. The mother admitted leaving home for about 3 hours. Even with a neighbor watching, the children were still at risk. Do >> you understand each of these rights I've explained to you? I do >> have these rights of minds. Do you wish to talk to us now? >> Okay. So, >> I am getting a lawyer, but I Yeah, >> sure. >> Do you want to have them here or you said you kind of already know what's going on, right? >> I >> I kind of explain it to you on the phone, right? Right. >> What is your guys's extend? What is what's the definition of extended? >> What do you mean extended? like extended period of time. >> I understand what I did. Okay. >> Not right. You know, but it's an extended like >> so it the statute varies. There's a factors there's factors that go into it. The totality of it's called what's called the totality of the circumstances. For one, the the mental state of the child itself, the age like literally minutes like the entire time I was gone for 3 hours. That's what what what is your like what is your definition of exciting? So, you're saying you were gone for 3 hours? >> I left at one the night. She was like, "Yes." >> What? What? Sorry. When you left like around 1:00, I'm assuming. >> And what time? Like in the afternoon or in the morning? >> Okay. We'll be honest with you. That's not what we >> No, I I No, I >> I did leave the night before I came back home. >> Okay. Yeah. >> And she was still >> No, they were not. They were. Yeah. >> So, you're saying you you left at 1:00, but you came back? >> Yeah. I talked to my neighbor. She was right next door and told her I was like, "Hey, keep an eye on them." She was in the shower when you guys were there and I was like, "How did you miss that?" And yeah, that's why I was asking. >> Who missed her? >> My my neighbor. My next door neighbor. We were best friends in high school. She happened to be my neighbor. And I told her like, "Hey, I'm keep an eye on them. I'll be right. I planned on being my back, but her and my ride." And what also took so long, which I spoke with you about. Yeah, that's why I just I didn't know your guys's definition of extended. Regardless, she's 9 years old. an hour is too long, but that was like max what it was supposed to be. >> Yeah. >> Well, regardless you said I mean it is what >> and I No, and I and I fully Yeah. >> Investigators noted that the living conditions were concerning and that a young child cannot be responsible for a toddler on their own, which led authorities to consider involvement from child protective services. >> So, yeah, in generally speaking, a 9-year-old cannot take care of a 2-year-old. It might be left unattended. >> Sorry. So that's where that's where the charge comes >> legally. Yes. >> Legally. And given the conditions that the house was in, right, the fact that the the 2-year-old was soiled, um she had urinated through her diaper, through her clothes, and been an extended period of time. Clearly since the diaper's been changed, right? Reasonably so. >> Right. >> And her dad bought her size three diapers cuz he's the master, you size. So that also doesn't help. But >> you understand absolutely 100%. Um, cannabis is illegal, but there's cannabis pipe that's on >> the couch. There's burnt cigarettes that are also on the couch. There's, >> you know, there's a lot of things that went into course the investigation and unfortunately, you know, we have to take action as law enforcement officers. We have >> No, I understand. Absolutely. >> And we as officers have that right to then take children into protected custody and notify DCS DCFS if there's no way for them to be cared for at that time. Right. Mhm. >> And that's exactly what we did. So, we been on the phone. We were on the phone and they helped take care of the girls occasionally. So, have you been contacted by DCFS at all yet? Or have you been in contact with or >> I've tried to call her multiple times. >> Yeah. DCFS is is obviously going to have an investigation. >> So, here's and I'll lay this out to you. Okay. So, we speaking when we first got there, >> if you were home, >> I just >> Okay. I mean, we we saw like the messages and stuff, everything there, but we also saw the Snapchat at >> midnight >> and then I came home literally like >> What time did you come home in the morning? >> I was picking my cousin up. She works at Central Avenue Tech in Denver. She got off around like 1:00 and she closed by early, dropped her off and went home and they were asleep. >> Okay. >> They were up for a while so they obviously slept in. But yeah. No, you and you can tell my neighbor. I mean, she can attest. Investigation revealed the children were actually left unattended for an extended period. >> So after you dropped her off at 1, about what time would you say you got back >> last night? >> It would have been this morning. >> No, I mean technically, I guess, but like I dropped my cousin off at home. She lived 5 minutes away from me and my own directly home. But no, I talked right before around like 1:00 today. And hey, I'll be right back cuz that was the plan. And >> so once you got back, did you what did you do after that? Once you got after gun kept dropping her off >> and then did you leave again? >> At 1:00 in the afternoon. The next day. Yes. >> On the afternoon. >> The next day. Yes. >> So today it >> Yeah. >> So you left at one is gone, right? >> Yeah. This is >> No. No. >> So who absolutely >> who can confirm what you're telling us? >> Absolutely. >> Cuz you I mean you understand where >> that makes a complete difference her thinking. Yeah. Oh, absolutely. And no. Does that mean that's that's how it appears given the circumstances of >> That's not No, not at all. >> I did that. I did that. And her assuming that Yeah. No. Yeah. But >> she's asleep when or she's awake when you left. She's asleep when you got home. She's still asleep when you left. >> They were not. Both of them. Yeah. They were up. >> So when she wakes up, >> I mean, I I woke her up. No, I woke her up, but she's absolutely You know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> She said they they had not eaten anything. >> I have plenty of food in my house. She wanted me to bring her Taco Bell. That's really what I saw the Taco Bell. >> Yeah, she went to Taco Bell. That's why I have plenty of food in my house. She had plenty of access to food. That's not a problem. No. >> Well, the problem is she's 9 years old. >> No. Absolutely. Absolutely. That makes a huge difference. I mean, wrong is wrong regardless, but I'm not that damn wrong. No. >> The mother appeared to rely on neighbors for supervision, emphasizing the need for safe and reliable caregiving arrangements. >> We've never met yet, so yeah. So, when we we get there and she's distraught. Yes. like think about what we're walking into walking into. >> Yes. Yes. And she's a 9-year-old girl that literally was just speaking >> like using that. I don't know. >> Right. But I mean like you like you acknowledge it doesn't matter. >> Not his mom. No. Absolutely. >> Doesn't matter if it's 15 minutes or if it's >> right. Right. >> You know 15 hours as it appeared. Right. >> That 15 minutes. Right. Right. >> Does this I mean has stuff like this happened before? >> No. Yeah. We'll sit with each other's kids with her kids. Absolutely. She's in an apartment. >> Yeah, literally right my next door neighbor were best friends in high school. >> Does she have kids? >> She has two girls >> about the same age or >> they're a little bit older than mine. But yeah, >> a little bit younger. >> Yeah. >> Is there anybody else that would have come and gone from there or having did you have anybody else with you or >> I dropped my cousin off? No. >> But nobody else came back to the apartment or anything like that. >> Okay. >> Was that a last minute thing to go pick her up or was that >> Yeah. know she then her car got struck at work and that was definitely last minute and it got to find Uber. I don't know. >> Did you did was Ally aware that you were going to be leaving that night to take care of the kids? >> Yeah. >> You talked to her about it specifically? >> Yeah. And the next >> like through text or through phone conversation or just >> No, it's not. >> Okay. And she was up at 1:00 a.m. >> Yeah. Well, I heard her kid crying and so I knew she was up so just ran over there. I guess I have her best friends in high school and me on Facebook was like, "Hey, I think you're married your neighbor." So like it kind It's nice, you Does he watch your kids pretty often or >> I wouldn't say often but like if we're going to run somewhere or whatever. Yeah. She's right next door. It's convenient and it helps. So >> how she Yeah. Yeah. She plays with her daughter and like I said, they're a little bit >> She's used to her friends are either way younger or way older. So our youngest daughters are about the same age. >> Officers noted prior concerns in similar situations which led to increased attention in this case. >> Do you have any other open ECFs cases? >> No. No. Well, you saw a DCFS letter that was right there in the the doorway. I didn't read it. >> No, no, that was old and it was an unfounded case. >> Okay. You remember the circumstances of that? >> I don't. Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, it was unfounded. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. So, just going back through, you go to pick her up your cousin. >> Yep. The second one. Mhm. >> At 1:00 from the bar in bed, central central st >> right over the bridge. Yeah. She got definitely. >> And where where does she live? Where you drop her off? >> Probably 5 10. She lives um east morning. >> East morning. She dropped her off and then went home. >> How long do you think that whole thing took? From going to pick her up at 1ish. The bars close at 1:00. >> She She got closer. So yeah, like 30 minutes. I ran the trash out with her and we immediately left and dropped her off. Didn't even get on that car. I put in park and went home. >> So you say you were at home like maybe like 1:30? >> 1:45ish. Yeah. 13. >> Details of the incident were reviewed thoroughly, emphasizing adherence to standard legal procedures. Mhm. >> They have decent decent cameras at the >> at the bar. >> No, I mean at the they brought Netflix. >> Yeah. >> So be able to see coming and going time when you're telling me >> what was wrong with the car. >> I'm still trying to figure that out. Her boyfriend is dealing with that as I hit a deer in my car. >> So just go like when you got back just went to bed pretty much immediately. >> Yeah. >> And the girls were sleeping that time. >> What time do you think you woke up today? >> Not really. I think from >> Where where were the girls sleeping in the house? Were they in the living room or upstairs? on the couch. Both of them >> probably buddies. >> And what time did you You said you left at 1:00 today. >> Around the time I Yeah. >> And was where did you go this afternoon? >> I go this afternoon. I was supposed to let her take my car and she was supposed to drop me back off at home. I was letting her borrow my car. >> It was her. Okay. Yeah. >> So she was going to borrow your car today. Today? >> Take it and drop me back off at home. >> Okay. And then then I have >> stalled out. >> Okay. Where is that at? It was like leave shortly leaving her apartment. >> Okay. >> Yeah, it was not far. >> Where were you at when you when we started talking? >> I walked to her apartment. >> You were So you were at her apartment. >> Yeah. I would have just walked home if I knew, you know, like but I mean that would have been a hell of a walk and but >> who was the ride that you said you were going to get? Said that you had a ride with >> my friend but he had to go to work and so thankfully my dad is in town. >> Where's your dad from? >> He's from here but he just took a job out in Colorado and he's in town for my birthday. Regardless of her explanation, the behavior is legally considered child. Police work with DCFS to protect the children and conduct a thorough investigation. >> The number that we're communicating on is that that's the best number to contact you. >> Okay. >> You're going to be getting call from DCFS. >> I Yeah, of course. >> Because as of right now, there's a safety plan in place. So, there's a plan set up by DCFS while they conduct their investigation to make sure that the girls have adequate safety and supervision. >> I haven't signed no safety plan. >> No, I understand. >> No, I haven't signed one. So, there's not a safety plan set in place. >> Uh, DCFS has done a safety plan. I can get you a contact number for the the case worker. >> No, that's good. Yeah. What does that entail? >> Uh, they will conduct their investigation and determine whether or not basically that you're you're fit to take care of them at that point until that point until they make their final decision and it goes to court. Then they well, not necessarily the the criminal case, but the family court matter. So, they decide and they get an order >> for the children to go into different custody. That's kind of where things are at as of now. So that that's not >> that has nothing to do with us. That's DCFS. We are like say like you said >> no they can do safety recommendations and they can recommend all but there's there's not a safety >> is also involved. Dylan's here >> I'm sure. >> Mhm. >> Dylan >> and they sound real good. Of course. >> Well, I didn't speak with him. I mean just gave him the synopsis of what's going on. You guys have 50. >> I have custody. He has visitation 50. >> Do you guys have copies of that paperwork somewhere? >> I do. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Uh so that's where things are now. So say you're going to be contacted by DCFS in the future. I can't say when. >> It has to be within 24 to 48 hours on that >> and I'm sure they they will contact you. I'm saying tomorrow before the weekend, >> but as a safety plan, >> but like there's no safety plan in place cuz nothing was signed by both parties. So like those kids >> Well, I I can't speak to the the practices in DC. >> No, I mean I can't I know I I'm familiar like I've never personally had one. I you can they can recommend >> but there's also emergency emergency circumstances where things had to be done without parental consent both. >> Yeah. >> So given the circumstances and the facts that we have leading up to this that's where things are at. >> Okay. So where's what's up with my youngest daughter then? >> The plan is that right now that they're both in the care of >> that's not her dad. >> Well, she's with your mom now. Both of them are >> she has a dad and that's not See, there is no s You understand what I'm saying? There is no that's not a safety plan. That's not what they would do. >> That's the plan that we have in place. Not we but DJ. >> She can go with her dad. Yeah. She has a dad. >> You can talk to DC if I saw that one. >> Well, I would have to talk to my mom. That's not a safety. That's not >> Again, I mean, we can we can split hairs on what the verbiage is or what the the course of action is, but that's that's where things are as >> No, I get that. >> Anything else? >> Can you guys conduct? Yeah. Do what you got to do. I'm sure they will, too. >> Finally, the mother was informed and briefed on the next legal steps, including her court date. >> We're going to do all the the We're going to do all the booking here and then we'll give you a court date. >> It's not like the old days where you jail for misdemeanor. >> Yeah. We Yeah, we just >> Not that I want to go to jail or anything, but that's crazy. When they pass the be first of the year, >> these laws came into effect about 2019. >> Can I go like and like not go to jail? >> Not that. >> Not quite. People felt very >> really domestic. >> They is they make it sound bad like I see stuff on the news or like people on videos that are like you can Illinois, you can do break, kill, whatever. Not going to jail. >> That's not really the case. >> I would hope not. No. >> Yeah. So, we'll go downstairs. We'll get you the paperwork and then you'll be have a court date. >> We'll get you that. You got, like I said, fill out all the paperwork. >> Okay. >> So, you have a court date on the 28th of August. If you come over here, please, and sign, read here. This is just goes over explaining everything. You know, you're no bond. You're just going to have an just that you notice that you're going to appear on the 28th. >> Questions, comments, concerns, something. >> Okay. Let you out the back. We off. >> Yeah. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you so much. >> Take care. >> Just make sure they answer the phone tomorrow. >> Okay. >> The mother faces two counts of endangering the life or health of a child. In states like Illinois or New Mexico, a conviction could carry one to two years in prison. Even if neighbors are close, they are not the children's relatives. This can leave the kids feeling abandoned and without the proper care and safety they need. What makes children today feel the need to run away to clean their mind? >> Why did you decide to walk away today? >> No, I just went to the store cuz just to clean my mind. >> Clean your mind. >> On April 5th, 2023, West Palm Beach police received a call from a mother reporting her child missing. They arrived quickly and noted unexpected responses from the mother during the call. >> Hello. >> All right. >> Are you right now? >> Yeah. and feel like he's engaged in whatever he want to do. He just want to run around and do what he want to do. And he was talking about going back and forth out of that with his dad because my oldest son is with you. They don't have the same job. >> So he feel like, >> okay, where's Jeff? Where's Jeffrey now? >> I went looking and he went and talking about I'm going to do what I need to do and this and that. He talking gangster and I don't know. It's the hip-hop uh the the music thing. So, which way do you go? >> This way. How can I go get him when I was already and my knee is already busted from here? I can't run. I can't run right back. >> Who takes care of Jeffrey? You're not able to take care of him? >> I am. >> Okay. Do you need help with like DCF or something? You can't take >> Call DCF. Call him. Call him. Call him. >> Okay. >> I want you to call him. >> Maybe if you just want to check South Plaza, I guess. >> Do you have a photograph? >> What is 1500 Walmart? What is >> Black jeans, blue shirt, uniform? Shirt like school uniform. Oh, uniform shoes. >> Yeah. And um Jordan shoes. >> What color shoes? >> White and blue. >> How tall is he? >> 47. >> H >> the photo, the picture of him. >> This don't make no sense. And y'all want to put the pants and like >> And we have We don't know what he looks like. >> Y'all if y'all want to be against us, y'all stop everything what's going on with the kid. >> In order to be able to find your kid, we have to know what he looks like and what he's wearing. >> No, I'm saying like when he approached me. >> When you approached me, it was disrespectful. >> Do you have the photo? That way I can start looking for him cuz I want to be able to find your kid. >> New black male, medium bill, 47 is a blue polo shirt, dark jeans, blue and white Jordan, and short crow hair. He was last seen walking east on 42. >> All right, I'm going to go go look for him. He doesn't have a photo yet. >> Is there any medical concerns? >> Yeah, that's my son right there, but he's older now. I got to get to some Wi-Fi. >> Want me to follow you over there? >> Yeah. During the investigation, police tried to gather information to aid the search, but the mother did not provide full cooperation during the investigation. >> Was he in school today? >> Yeah. >> All right. We might be able to get a photo at school, too. Does he hang out with any of the neighbor kids or any school kids around here? >> He's supposed to hang around the neighbor kids. And that's the thing because they all gay. All in the front and back. They all gay. >> Gay. >> Gay. >> Okay. >> And I don't want him to be around that. So Jeffrey does not have a phone we can track or anything like that? >> No, I haven't purchased him a phone. >> What about any kind of Apple device we can track? An iPad watch or anything like that? I'm just asking cuz I don't know. >> He have that all in the house, sir. >> I'm going to talk to the neighbor. See if he saw him. How you doing? >> How you doing? >> Do you do you know guys know? >> He still just saw him when we came in stand up in front of building. >> He was over there in the corner. >> Oh, he wasn't in the he was in the front of the building. >> How long ago was that? >> About we just came about 10 or 15 minutes ago. He was standing there. Is this like an ongoing thing yet? >> We getting you [ __ ] business. >> I'm just trying to help you find your son. Okay. >> No, you ain't trying to help. Like, why you do this? >> When you last see my damn When you last see my son? >> I just seen Jeff when we came in. >> When? I just got it. I I picked him up from school from Uber. >> Did you see when we came in? >> I just picked up my son. I'm going to pull up Uber right now. >> Let's Let's not worry about Uber. Let's see if we can find a photo. >> You talking about find a photo? >> Yes. So, we know what he looks like. This a demon. >> The situation escalated when a witness confirmed seeing the boy nearby and the police quickly located him. >> You lying. You lying though. You lying. >> Ma'am, just just lying. >> Ma'am, talk to me. >> Jeffrey 15 minutes ago. When we have a circulation, I call these people 15 minutes ago. >> I'm sorry about that ma'am. Just talk to me. Okay, >> Jeffrey. >> It's like they got hatred against me. Like, what the wrong with you? 111 West was home. I have a child here at Southland in front of Plano. >> If he could fit this over here as well, it looks like it may be as well. Oh, we found >> All right. So, when he coming, >> what does that mean? When is he coming? >> He's on his way, right? >> The officer found him. Yes. >> So, y'all could question him and ask him what's going on. He want to go to Fort Lauderdale. He's not allowed to go to Fort Lauderdale. His dad in jail. My other son have his dad and his dad came and picked him up. And that's that's that's fine. Y'all want to be his dad, too? We're going to help you as much as possible. >> You don't believe me? >> What? You You officer >> by by saying by asking that if I can help you. How is that a >> You talking about we going to help you? You talking about we going to help you? >> Yeah, we're going to help you at >> the end of day. >> However, the boy appeared hesitant around his mother and interactions during the reunion were tense, raising questions about safety and care in his upbringing. >> I like your shoes. What do you get? What do you got in the bag? >> Candy. >> Huh? Where'd you get that? >> Oh, cool. What's your favorite one? Sweetars. He'll be over there in just a second. >> What the hell up here? >> Hold on just a second, Jeff. >> I ain't begging. >> I ain't begging. >> I have my own money. >> What money you got? This >> Jesus Christ. Y'all see this? >> See what he says about. >> Who gave you money like that? >> I've been having it. >> Give it to me for what? >> I just want to ask. >> Y'all don't want to talk to my friend. I'm not giving you consent. >> This is my This is my supervisor. >> No, I'm not giving you consent and talk to my son. Jeffy, come on. >> Hey, come over here. Come over here. And y'all, y'all regarding my right. >> We're trying to figure out why he's Why is he running away from home? >> He's not running away from home. He want to do what he want to do. He like YouTube and all the other things like other kids do. Like, >> does he have Does he have his own computer? >> Yes, it's a computer in there. >> A cell phone, too? >> No, it's no cell phone. >> Just your Does he get on your cell phone and play around? Yeah, he play on my cell phone. He download a lot of games on my cell phone. >> Does he do? >> Yes. >> Yeah, you got to be very careful with that. >> And it's my TV. My TV is >> Yeah. That's not good to have. >> Listen, I'm going to tell you this. This stuff that goes around in the internet. Anybody need to be prosecuted. We need to prosecute the >> I agree. >> These kids with bad language and feel like they need to be something that they ain't. >> Yeah. Changing kids perspective. >> I mean, at the It's a danger cuz they're seeing everything that's going on. >> The rap music as well is it's dominant. It's like a demon. >> I agree. >> The boy statements raised concerns about his care and possible long-term emotional impact. >> Why did you decide to walk away today? >> No, I just went to the store cuz just to clean my mind. >> Clean your mind? Why do you want to clean your mind? What's going on? >> I'm doing because I had a girlfriend and >> Yeah. Okay. Did mom know where you were going? You didn't tell mommy we were going. >> She closed the door. >> She closed the door on you. The front door or inside door? >> The door. >> The white door. >> Front door. >> Okay. She wasn't letting you in the house. >> Why? I walked away and just >> Were you mad at mom for anything? You're not mad at mom? Was she treating you? Okay. >> Mhm. >> Who gave you the money for the the drink and the candy? >> Nobody. >> Is that money from dad or somebody else? >> My money. >> Okay. Do you know how much mom had to drink today? How much did mom have to drink today? >> She had drink. >> She drink any alcohol? She doesn't drink any beer or any uh any mixed drinks or anything like that? No. Okay. How do you feel with mom? You feel okay with mom or do you rather go with dad? >> I feel okay. >> You feel okay? >> Yeah. >> So, you feel safe with mom. She'll take care of you. >> Yes. >> The mother continued offering her explanations. >> But you said >> that's not his dad saying him with his dad. >> But is that does that person spend a lot of time with you? Who? >> The the the the 13-year-old's dad, >> the one he wants to go with. Is it because he looks up to him? Is that why he wants to go with him? >> That makes sense. I mean, you're right. It's not his biological dad, but I guess >> I can understand why I can understand why he wants to go with him. >> Testimony from a resident at the scene further supported what the boy said. He >> run out. He just leave. He just runs out and leaves. Does it happen quite a bit or >> Yeah, >> every day? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> He's too little to be running off like that. >> Well, he don't he don't watch sometimes. She locked him out. He had to take him an hour to get in the damn house. >> That's what he said today. That might >> he go the other way. >> Due to shifting explanations, inconsistencies, and limited cooperation, her actions led to potential legal consequences. >> Hey, get the out of here. Come on. N come over here. Um, >> y'all weird as out of here. >> You're welcome. Finding your child. Okay, we need to check your house real quick. >> You can't check my house. I ain't giving you no permission. You ain't got no warrant. >> We want to make sure your child's safe. So >> my son is safe. He ain't safe around y'all. Like y'all can't avoid in my house. Let me call 911. >> If you call 911 while we're standing here, we're going to arrest you for abus of 911 and they're going to have to take custody of Is that what you want? >> We need to make sure that he's >> Y'all are respecting my rights. And at the end of the day, my son did what he did. Do he look hard? Look, he's healthy. Look, look at him. Take a picture. Don't put your cam on him. He's not home. Not one bit, y'all. He's out wandering 45th Street on his own. He's 8 years old. That's That's really not good. How many times I told you not to do that? >> We just want to make sure there's food, there's a bed inside, and everything. >> No, y'all not coming in my house. >> We're not looking for anything else. All we have to do is verify that he has food and then we'll be on our way. >> Y'all ain't got no one. And at the end of the day, she just like, "Come on, man. Y'all help me out and that's fine." >> What are y'all having for dinner tonight? Candy. >> Candy. >> Chips and um a burger. >> You got that in the house? >> Yeah. >> Mom, can we just see that? >> And then we'll be >> And then we'll be gone. >> No, I can. >> This is You called us to help you, right? I found your son. You called us to find your son. I found him. >> You insulting me. >> How am I insulting you? I brought your son back to you. >> You're insulting me in my own home. >> Call DCF and tell DCF to come here and they can check out the house. >> How about can you bring out the food, too? just so we can see that you have food and then we'll be we don't have to go inside your home. We just want to see. >> No, no. Go get the um ribs the ribs out the prison. >> You don't make no damn sense. Y'all call DCI. Call DCI. I don't give a about none of that. >> We're going to call DC if we have to. >> I don't give a damn. >> He don't even have to. >> Do you have a DCF case worker? >> I'm calling. >> No. No. Bring the ri. >> My house good and cold. ACL, lights on, >> everything. You want some ramps? Here, you take him. Take it, man. >> That's why you're hungry. >> You hungry. You hungry. >> All right. You hungry. >> You hungry. >> I ain't going to hurt you in my house. [Music] >> Brought all the food. >> No, no, don't don't let me come out here. Y'all disrespect my home. >> And look, what what is your badge number? >> 1648. >> You want to take a picture? >> Yep. >> I'm doing what I doing. Your badge number >> 1648. >> Say that again. >> 1648. >> Sir, what is your badge number? >> Okay. >> 1756. >> Due to shifting explanations, inconsistencies, and limited cooperation, her actions led to potential legal consequences. [Music] >> Yeah, it's just me. >> Can I talk to you outside? >> No, my son's going to You can come home. >> No, no, you can just wait. You can wait inside the house real quick. You just talk to me. Put your hands behind your back. >> Why? >> Put your hands behind your back. I'll explain to you in a moment. Okay. >> Okay. >> Is there anyone at all that can care for Jeffrey? Grandma, aunt, uncle. >> What is this? What I'm [ __ ] trying to look like? >> I was trying to look when I'm calling the police because he's >> Okay. Is there anybody we can >> I can't run. My knees is back. >> I'll get that for you. >> Hold on. >> Jeffrey, >> hold on. Hold on one second. >> That's crazy. Bradley, >> let me get >> Is there somebody else in the house? >> Yeah. Wake up, Bradley. Who's Bradley? All right, come with us. >> I I got her and you can go check on >> No, don't run in my house. Black, why are you running house? >> Is that you? >> That's disrespectful. Then you gave them permission. >> Put her in car. >> You sitting there talking and who does that? >> Can I get my mouse, please? >> Where were they at? >> In the house. >> Okay, let me know exactly where they are. I'm going to check your packets. Make sure. Do you have anything on? I got to make secret like why you touching no. You ain't got to do all that. >> Relax. >> We have rules, >> man. That ain't no rules. Like, come on, man. Like, y'all do it too much, >> man. Put that thing back on my head. >> Put that thing back on my head. >> I'm not taking a photo right now. And why I can't wear my hand? Get in the car. >> Listen. Listen. Listen. Listen. All right. Just get in the car. Okay. Excuse me. Like, why I'm being charged for child? Can I go get my credit cards and everything? >> That's my card in one of my cards. >> You can't bring the letter. What? It's got a card or whatever. >> I checked your other pocket. >> Let me put put the rest of that in my um listen. Do you want me to place you in the car? >> I need to burn out. Like I burn out with my own money. Like I don't need this. I need to go get my stuff. Y'all people came all the way back. >> Listen to me. I'm not trying to throw you in the car. Just have a seat. That's it. Just have a seat and let me talk to my partner and and let us figure this out. Okay. Just have a seat. >> Y'all ain't fig y'all already figured out. That's why y'all back here. >> Have a seat in the car. >> Scooch back. >> Do you need help getting in the car? >> Is she talking about scooch back? >> All right. Just give me a second. Okay. >> My brother. >> Just give me a second. All right. >> My brother, >> have a seat. Okay. >> Come on. >> Huh? >> We just got to make some phone calls, that's all. Okay. What's in your pocket? Just your money? >> Yeah. >> Just hang out right here. Can I get you some more candy? Where's your Where's your candy at? Inside the house. >> The stove. >> The stove. Okay. >> Ultimately, the mother face child charges. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison or probation and fines up to $5,000. Parental responsibility goes beyond providing material needs. It also includes care, love, and ensuring a safe environment for children to grow regardless of external influences. Another sobriety test was conducted in Nevada to assess the situation. On October 6th, 2024, during a routine patrol, police noticed a car parked unusually. Inside, they found a mother who appeared disoriented, while three young children, aged 8, 6, and four, were resting in the back seat. Fortunately, the children were safe and well looked after by the officers. Oscar's Police Department. Hi. >> You okay? What's going on? >> You what? >> How'd you end up here? What's going on? >> You what? >> It's Ashley. >> It's what? >> Ashley's fault. >> Ashley. >> Okay. Do you have your ID on you? Okay. >> How'd you end up here? What's going on? DWI. What about the DWI? >> DWI. >> You did what? >> She said DWI. >> Who said DWI? >> Who? >> Anton. >> Your auntie. She said DWI. >> Okay. Did you drive here? >> No. >> What are we talking about here? DWI. She said to have >> She said to have a DWI. >> Okay. Where's that at? Where's your auntie at? >> She's at my uncle's house. >> At your girl's house. >> My uncle's house. >> Your uncle's house? >> Yes. >> Where's that at? >> In Donana. Okay. And you left there and came with your children over here? >> No. >> No. How did you get here? >> This house. >> What's that? my uncle's house. >> You're at your uncle's house. >> You're not at your uncle's house right now. >> Right now, you're on El Pasel. >> Uh-huh. Is this your truck? >> Your uncle's How did you end up over here? >> You drove over here? How long ago was that? >> 3 hours ago. >> 3 hours ago. >> Okay. Why are you out here in the street with your children? Did you get into a fight with your aunt and uncle? >> No. He wanted to drive. Okay. Do you have your ID? >> May I have it? >> The mother's impaired state and unclear statements raised suspicion. So, police asked her out of the car for testing. >> Okay. >> Why are you out here on Opel? >> Uh, my friend had an accident. >> Your friend had an accident? >> My phone. >> Your phone? >> Mhm. >> Okay. But why are you out here with your kiddos in the middle of the street? In the middle of the streets here sleeping. What happened? All my ex my kids had an accident down here and then the phone and then I was pretty cold when they came up here. So they were down here and then we had an accident with >> You had an accident? >> Yes. >> What type of accident? >> They just like were sleeping and then >> Okay. Give me a second. Okay. So I guess they they had been calling about your vehicle that's been on the side of the road a few times tonight. The last time was 15 minutes ago over there by the convention center. Okay. The same vehicle description and everything and it's very distinct with the the logo that you have on the side over here. I think I'll stand on the other side. It says Dodge or whatever. Durango. So, uh, where were you coming from? >> Uncle. >> Your uncle. And where does he live? >> Indana. >> Indon. Yes. >> Okay. How much did you have to drink when you were there? >> Two. >> Two. What? >> Two bottles. >> Two bottles of what? Do you remember? No. All right. Shantel, do me a favor. Can you step out for me? >> What are you doing? It's already on the park. Step out for me. Let's go over here. Okay. >> Police took immediate steps to assess the mother's condition, ensuring both she and her children remained safe during the incident. >> Step right here. Okay. Santel, are those the kids in the back? Are they your kiddos or nephews? Nieces? >> Oh, they're my kids. >> They're your kiddos. All right. Here's what I'm going to do. Okay. I want I want to conduct some field sobriety tests on you. Okay. I want to make sure that you're good to drive. Look at me. Face this way. Put your feet together. Hands down to your side. Okay. All right. What I'm going to do first is I'm going to check your eyes. Okay. What I need you to do, let's follow the tip of my pen. And actually, if you can put your light towards that so you can see there a little bit brighter. Okay. I need you to look at the tip of my pen with your eyes and eyes only without moving your head. You're gonna follow with your eyes only and keep following until I tell you to stop. Okay. All right. Go ahead and relax. Um, go ahead and take off that purse so we can we'll put it back in the car. Okay. Is that okay? Or do you just want to hold it here in the car? >> So you see this line before you, right? Okay. We're going to use this line. What I need you to do is put your left foot on that line like this. Go ahead and do so now. No, your left foot. There you go. Now you're going to put your right foot in front of the left foot. Heel to toe on that same line. Put your arms down to your side. Touch heel to toe. Touch heel to toe. No, no, no. Go back. All right. Stay on that line. Now stay in this position until I tell you to move. Do you understand? When I tell you to start, what you're going to do is you're going to take nine hill to toe steps on that line. Okay? When you get to your ninth step, you're going to leave your front foot on that line. Take a series of small steps to turn around. I'll show you how to do that. And you're going to take nine hill to toe steps back on that same line. Now, on each step, I need you to look down at your feet the whole time. Count your steps out loud so that I can hear you. And don't stop this test until it's been completed. Do you understand? >> What's that? >> Yeah. Okay. If you watch me, I'm going to demonstrate. Okay, for demonstration purposes, I'm doing three steps. You are going to do nine. Okay, it's going to look like this. Okay, get back in that position. Okay, again, for demonstration purposes, I'm going to do three steps. You're doing nine. It's going to look like this. Okay, one, two, three, up until nine. Step out like this. Series of small steps to turn around. Get back on that same line. One, three, up until nine. Do you understand? >> Yeah. Okay. Do you have any questions? All right. You may begin. outside. >> All right. After the tests, police made a legal decision. The mother faced her responsibilities. A reminder that driving under influence can put children and families at serious risk. If >> you can raise your left or right, doesn't matter. It's up to you. Approximately six inches off the ground like so. You notice my foot is parallel with the ground. It's not facing up or pointing up or pointing down, but it's parallel. Have your knees straight, hands down to your arms down to your side. Now, holding this position, you're going to look down at the elevated foot and count in this manner. 100 1,002 1 3 and so forth until I tell you to stop. Do you understand? All right. Any questions? >> All right. You may begin when you're ready. >> 2001 2002 1003 2004 2005 2006 2008 100901 2013 100 foot >> 2015 2016 1202 >> Okay, you can stop. What's wrong, Miss? Why are you crying? You okay? What made you cry? >> Hm. >> Nothing. Okay, let's go back over here to the back over here. Okay, go ahead and face the car for me. Put your hands back here for me. You're under nervous. We're driving under the influence. Okay. Who can we call to pick up the kiddos? Is there anybody we can pick a call to pick up the kiddos? My mom. >> Your mom. Okay, we can certainly do that. We'll grab her phone for me. Please have a 44487. Please. Okay, turn around. Open your mouth. Lift up your tongue. All right. >> Do you have anything in your pocket that's going to poke me? Do we have um >> Yeah, we're going to get her phone. >> Okay. Hold up. Heat. You can go ahead and go and have a seat for me. >> Do you know your mom's uh phone number by heart? >> Cuz it looks like your uh phone's dead. You do? Okay. Give it to this officer over here. >> Okay. All right. Give us a second. We're going to grab the phone. Okay. Police also showed care, ensuring the children's safety. The law is strict but tempered with compassion. >> Is that your mama? >> That's your mama. You guys okay? >> Yeah. You guys cold? You want a blankie? Let me see if I could get one. We'll bring you a blanket. Okay. What's your guys's name? I'm Gabby. Here's a blankie. You guys sure? Okay. Hi. >> Sorry, the lights in her eyes. [Music] >> Yeah. >> She's having a hard time going to sleep. >> She's having a hard time what? >> Going to sleep. >> Oh, your mama's having a hard time going to sleep. Okay. >> How old are you guys? >> I'm eight. She's six and she's what? >> Eight, six, and four. Wow. Okay. This one's for you. We can get more than one. I'm going to scooch this. Tuck her in a little. Do you guys want water? You want a water? Okay. Let me go get her water real quick. Here. Wa. Where'd she go? Right here. >> Here. >> The mother's relatives quickly picked up the children safely while police explained the next legal steps. >> Hello. >> Uh, who's going to be driving? >> I will. You might. >> Yes. Just his is fine. Or whoever's going to drive that vehicle. There is alcohol in the vehicle. They're not open. We already dumped out the ones that were open. >> Okay. >> Um it's a little I guess some of the alcohol dipped into the driver's seat, so there's going to be that. So, I don't know if you have like a wipe or anything that you could just wipe it out. >> Um kids are fine. No accident. >> What What happened? Can we Can we know what happened? Like why was she >> Yeah. Throughout the night, we got three or two different calls. the description of the vehicle that it was running. The trunk was open. It was parked at just like random places. The driver was passed out. So, every time we would get to scene, the car was gone. Never able to actually see the vehicle. So, we're like, "What the heck?" We're driving through here. We usually drive through here a lot. And we see it parked here. She's passed out. Trunk is open. We have it here. We see that there's a car seat. We finally were able to get closer. We see that there's three kids in the back. She was heavily intoxicated. I don't know where she was coming from. She was not coherent at all. She did not know what was going on. >> Just her or is it um is it just her? >> It was just her. We try to ask of anything. And then and then the kids. Kids don't really know too much of what's happening. They didn't see much of kind of what we did back here. We try to get everything >> away from them. But yeah, they're excited that you guys are picking them up. They said that you guys are the best and super cool. So, >> thank you. >> You guys are free to take it. These are the keys. They were a little um they had alcohol on them. So, >> thank you. >> They're in a glove, >> but just turn them off. >> Sounds good. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate you guys. >> Yeah. >> The motherf faced DUI and child injurement charges. Under Nevada law, penalties range from 1 to 6 years in prison with fines over $2,000. [Music] That's about Go around this way. Watch your step right in here. Step forward. Take these off. Have a seat in front of that cuffs there. Right. [Music] >> Children rely entirely on adult sobriety and responsibility. One wrong decision can have serious consequences for the whole family. The three situations in today's video are different, but they share a common message. Children always need to be protected in a safe environment and receive proper care. Whether due to personal choices, or lapses in judgment, the consequences can directly affect their development. This is an important reminder for all of us about our roles and responsibilities in raising children. If you found this video helpful, please like and share to spread the lesson. Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you won't miss the next video. See you tomorrow. Woo! [Music] Woo! [Music]