Stop touching me. >> Stop resisting. >> Are you hurt? What's the matter? What's your mama's name? >> Are you okay? >> Yeah. >> Are your parents home? >> Mm-m. >> Taser. Taser. Taser. >> I'm very disappointed that you decided to get behind the wheel tonight with your two babies in the vehicle. >> She like my hair. You know, >> they've been home for like a week. >> Florida, New Mexico, and Ohio. Each place revealing a vivid glimpse of love, responsibility, and a delicate line between care and selfishness. Three children were found out on the street in the dark of night. Florida police responded, but the details about their mother turned out to be even more surprising than the initial scene. >> Are you cold? You want to come sit in the car and warm up? >> On the night of April 30th, 2022, Palm Beach police received a report of children out on the street without any adults present. They quickly ran to the scene to ensure the safety of the children. >> Did you walk over here? Did you walk a real long way? Do you know where you live? >> I live in a house. >> Are you hurt? What's the matter? Hey, what's your mama's name? >> Where'd you park at, sir? >> Where did I park? >> Yeah. Where did you park? Did you park over here and walk down and see it? Are you just You work a detail around here pretty much. >> Yeah, I work here. >> Okay. I wasn't sure if you just happened to stumble across it. >> Well, that explains why you open carry. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> Are you cold? You want to come sit in the car and warm up? You don't want to? You just want to keep laying there. You want to go sit in the car for a few minutes till we find your mama? No, I'm not going to make you go over there if you don't want to. >> What kind of car does your mama have? You want to point it to me? Come on. You want to show me which one it is? The white one right here. The red one. Oh, okay. >> The officers quickly worked with neighbors, comforting the children while also gathering information to reach their mother. >> You got the stitch blankets in the back, bud. You like Lilo and Stitch? You got some stitch blankets. When was the last time you saw your parent? You remember? You were in the car all alone for how long? Is it unlocked right now? Do you know? No. All right. Well, here. I'll be right back. Can you live here? Or you live somewhere else? I know you live at home, but here in in these apartments, do you live like somewhere far away? >> 104. Thank you. Will you go ahead and run the subject and see if you can get an address, please? >> Yeah. Here, come with me. You want to hold my hand here? Come on. We'll go upstairs just real quick. Okay. Man, you walk pretty fast, so you're going to start dragging me. >> What's her name? >> I'm sorry. >> Sh. >> Is there a red car over here? >> Yes, ma'am. I believe so. Do you know what kind of car it is? >> Mazda. >> Mazda. You want to stay here for me? You want to stay here? >> Do you know which car is hers? >> Yeah, it's the red one. before the door and door open. >> Yeah. >> Sheriff's office. Anyone here? >> Instead of meeting the mother, they first spoke with a woman said to be supervising the kids, but her role in the story was still unclear. >> Said she's on the way. >> The brother should have been in the house. >> Will you come with me? Come here. No, no, no, no. Come over here. Just let them do what they got to do with you. All right. You hear your head? >> Apparently, she left with somebody. Brother was here. >> How old was your brother? >> I have no idea. >> Hello, ma'am. Are you Miss Shila? though it was your kids that are here. >> My kids I live in building apartment. >> Has there been anybody in there constantly tonight though? Cuz we found someone. >> I just ran to the house to go check on my son. So I've been back and forth. >> How long you been gone? >> 5 minutes. I just live on the >> I understand that. I'm just trying to figure out why there was a child out wandering around. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. I was just running back and forth. >> You watch the kids very often? >> Yes. >> Can you get her information? This is friend that's been going back and forth from her house to watch. Oh, okay. Okay. >> I'm going to go a little bit. >> Okay. I'm sorry. I forgive me. I just walking out here and kind of getting in the middle of it. Which apartment do you stay in? >> Building. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. So, I'm just trying to understand. Is this something that you always do or is this just like a tonight thing or >> just tonight? Not always do. >> Okay. How do you know the woman that lives here? Like, do you all like work together? Are you just friends? >> We're friends. Best friends. >> Okay. How did everything start tonight? Like, >> uh, she just said she had to run to the store. That's fine. And I just go back home. >> So she says she had to run to the store. What time was that? >> Not sure. >> An hour ago, 2 hours ago, three kind of help me out. >> I'm not sure to be honest. >> Obviously, you were asleep right now. >> Okay. Okay. You just look like you were asleep. When was the last time >> I don't have my glasses on. My god. I wear glasses. >> When was the last time that you came over to check on? >> 10 minutes. 5 10 minutes ago. >> You sure? Cuz the call We've been out here for over 10 minutes. I'm just I'm trying to figure out kind of our our time frame here so I know how long you've had How many times have you come over here to check on a few times? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Was it still daylight when she asked you to? >> No. >> Did she tell you where she was going? >> Oh, she just said she was going to rent his surgery or, you know, do something. I'm not sure. >> But you can't give me like a time frame on how long it was. Did she come over and talk to you or did she call you on the phone? >> She called me. >> Okay. So, so you could show us where she called you on your phone so that we'll know what time it was then. >> Can I look at my phone? >> Sure. Yeah. >> What kind of car does you have? >> Grandpa. >> She must have gone with somebody. >> The one inside said that she talked to her on Snapchat. She told her that her brother was supposed to be here watching. >> After efforts to make contact, the mother eventually returned home. However, from her account, she seemed not to fully show responsibility for leaving her children out on the >> obviously. I guess you've had some phone calls, so you know why we're here. Okay. Can you tell me what I'll just throw it out there? Can you tell us why we're here? >> That's what I'm trying to figure out because when I left, my brother was here. My best friend stays over in apartment 3. So, she when he leaves, she watches. She was running over to her house to take a shower. And then that's when I got the call from my other neighbor upstairs. And then I called my best friend. I was like, "Oh my gosh." I was like, I just got a call that the police was banging on my neighbor's door. It kind of scared me. >> Oh, no. I'm It did. It scared us, too. What time was it that you left? >> I left here about 10:30. >> If you want to talk to her over there, I'm I'll keep talking to her. And you said that when you left? >> My brother was here. Okay. My brother Matteo. >> Does he live here or >> And when he leaves, then she covers for me. >> Okay. Did you ask her to cover when Matteo left or did Matteo ask her to cover? >> I asked her. We figured all this out earlier. He was we was going out to chill. Well, me and my boyfriend were and my brother was going to cover for a little bit. He said he had other plans. So, I told him, "Okay, that was fine." He ended up leaving. So, I got in touch with my best friend and told her that Matteo was leaving home to take a shower and do other couple things and I said, "Okay." And then maybe not even like 10 20 minutes after that, my next door neighbor upstairs, Ebony, had called me and I was calling her back and she was letting me know that you you guys were here and that what was going on. >> So it was about 10:30 when when you left and you you talked to to your friend then to let her know. >> Yes. >> How did you you call her on the phone or you >> went over to her house? >> What time was it that Matteo left? >> 11:08. 11:30. between 11:00 and 11:30 he said he was he called me at 11:08 said he was waiting on his ride. >> So 10 you left 10:30 so little not even an hour later is when when Matteo left and did you get back in touch with your friend to let her know that Matteo was leaving or she just already knew that he was going to be leaving? >> Like I said we had already discussed all this. I let her know that he had planned and that I needed her by the time that he would be leaving because he was waiting on his ride. And she said okay and she had me. And you said that you went over to her apartment to kind of let her know what was going on and that that you were going Where'd y'all go? >> Me? >> Yeah. >> To the live. >> Oh, okay. >> Some information suggested this might not have been the first time she left home with her kids on their own. >> Is it good tonight? >> Little bit >> on a Friday. >> I said the same thing. And I usually go out on a Friday. >> You go out all the time or just like >> casually. >> Where's your boyfriend? He just >> still at the V. Call him if I needed him. Do I need to call him? >> No. You know, I got to get some information for a report cuz when we get a call like this, we got to we got to come out here and check into it. Okay. >> You got your ID? That makes it a whole lot easier for me. >> Before you left, that's when you went over there to say, "Hey, I'm going." >> Correct. >> And you knew that Matt was going to be leaving shortly after that and you let her know. But then did Matt call you or did he >> He facetimed you. >> He facetimed you and said, "All right, I'm about to cut out." >> Right. Well, he was waiting for his ride. >> And then you called? >> No. [ __ ] Tell is the one upstairs. I guess y'all were not >> heard. Okay. So So you called to let her know leaving, >> correct? >> So you need to start going over there. >> An officer then spoke with the mother's close friend. What was shared revealed more details, though they still required careful verification. >> You said she's been gone for about how long now? About 20 minutes, probably. We'll step over here just a little more real quick. So for about how long has she been gone? >> About 10 minutes, I'm thinking. I'm not sure. >> She just said she went to the store and then she asked you to kind of come back and forth for I just want to make sure I got the stories straight. And you said the last time you came over was about how long ago? Few minutes ago, 10 minutes ago. Cuz I guess the security guard supposedly found trapped up in a blanket. So that's why we came out here. And again, that was about 15 minutes ago now, probably. Do you have a driver's license on you by chance? >> No, I didn't think he did. Just thought of that. With somebody out to the store. She was by herself cuz we saw her car over there. So that's why I'm asking that. So we saw her car. It was a red Mazda, you said. And it looks like it had like baby blankets in the back like Lilo and Stitch ones over there. >> Not what she had on the back of her car. I don't know if you have bunkers anymore. >> So, in all honesty, when was the last time you came over here that that you remember? Give me a rough estimation. Just tell me what's going on. It might not be what you want to do, but So, we got to figure out what's going on here. Did she tell you exactly where she was going by chance? You know what store that she was going to? >> No. >> Okay. She just said I have to go to the store. >> Yeah. Don't know how long it been to be honest. >> Can you show me what time she called you by chance? She literally called you and said the police are at my house. I need you to go over there and cover for me. Pretty much. >> Yeah. >> There's no no need to cry. There is no need to cry right now. There's no need to be upset. Hey, look. Look at me. There's no need to be upset, you know. I'm not trying to make you feel bad. We just need the truth because this is a pretty big deal, you know. So, I appreciate the truth. So, but I am going to talk to somebody just real quick. All right. Don't cry. There's nothing to cry about. I I understand that you're upset. I really do because you don't want her to get in trouble. But >> I don't cuz she works really hard. >> Hey, sir. She just told me she I was like, "Are you being honest with me?" She said that she was trying to cover because her that she works very hard and all that. She doesn't know where exactly she went. She got the call from her and said, "The cops are here." All right. Thank you for being honest. Cuz you know, this might just be don't do it again. It, you know, it could be any because she he's still over there talking to her. It's super cliche, but people don't realize that honesty really is the best policy with cop cuz we just want to know what's going on. There's people that need to go to jail that we want to take to jail. And then there's people that work hard that we just kind of, you know, but you know, we just got to figure it out and I appreciate you being honest with me. >> The officers held a thorough discussion before making a decision. >> Uh, she kind of told the truth. This lady contacted her once she found out the cops were here. >> I kind of figured that was going to happen. She said that she called her. She said, "No, I went all the way over there and told her." I knew it was going to go that way. It was just a matter of us getting to that point. >> Yeah. I wasn't sure you were on track with that. That's why I wanted to keep >> Oh, no. No. I knew where we were going with it. It's just uh still don't know how long we're talking about. Unless she >> she did she doesn't know when she left. She just know that once we got on scene, she called her and said, "Hey, the copter at my house." >> Then we're pretty much to a point of and I'll say this hot. How bad does she want to make it? Does she want it to be a completely unknown time that she left or does she want to tell me when it was that she left? >> I would go back in on the next next round. >> I'm going to need to go ahead and call DCF. >> He said she left to go to the vibe at 10:30 and the call came in at 1:00. So, we're looking at even if we went with that 2 and 1/2 hours. Do you know did he already swear this one over here? >> No, I swore her real quick. >> Oh, no. Tomorrow, this one. >> No, I don't know if he swear. >> Okay. Okay. >> Throughout the process, they also noted her positive cooperation. >> All right, ma'am. So, real quick, will you raise your right hand for me? Do you swear in that all the information that you told me tonight is true to the best of your knowledge? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I'm going to be as straight as I can when I say this. Okay. I can understand trying to protect your friend. You came clean. You told us the truth. We appreciate that. I ain't got to sit here and you know what you told us the first time that you know, but I appreciate you coming clean and being honest because this ain't a matter of the police trying to come out here and he people up. We would have figured it out. But thank you for being honest. We're going to go in here and give her an opportunity to tell us the truth, okay? because what the stuff that she's told me that's not true. Truth goes a long way. Truth goes a long way. I'm not saying this in any way to try and scare you or because that's that's not what I do. When we have something like this and we're doing an investigation, people do things to obstruct the investigation that that's actually resisting under Florida state statute. I don't want to come out here and lock people up for stuff like that when when we're just trying to get to the truth. I'll talk to you real quick before we go back in there. Her statement was that she she went over there to visit her at 10:30 and let her know she her and her boyfriend were going to the vine. When she left, her brother Matt was here. She knew that her brother was going to leave. Matteo FaceTime at about 11:00 and said, "My ride's here. I'm about to take off." So Shila called her said, "Hey, he's about to leave. You can start checking off." I would tell her to come out here cuz you don't want to do this in front of kids. The police then returned to the house to continue working directly with the mother. Based on what they had gathered, they followed proper procedures which included carrying out an arrest. You >> know, if I talk to you out here real quick, man. Somebody in there with the kids? >> No. All right. We'll just kind of keep an eye on them real quick. You just step back for me real quick. I am going to shut this door. Okay. This one. >> All right. We're going to go right here. What's the color of this card for me? >> Blue. >> You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to you to represent you before any questions if you wish. Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you? Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us? Yeah, >> tell me the truth. >> So, my brother left from over here and I was supposed to be going to make a quick run over to Dubai. I ended up leaving from over here, but not too long after my brother had left from over here. >> Do you know what time he left? >> Not by heart. >> Not by heart. Can you give me a rough estimation? >> Between 10:30 and 11:30. >> Okay. And then you went to the vibe with >> my boyfriend. I met up with him over at the vibe. >> You met up with him over there? >> Yes. >> So, nobody was here watching the kids from about 11:30 until we got here. When did we get here? 1:00 1:00 a.m.ish. >> Probably a little bit after 1. It was really supposed to be a quick run and extended a little more than what I was supposed to be. >> You go and turn around and put your hands behind your back, please. Go and put your hands behind your back, please. I am gonna take this phone real quick. >> Am I allowed to stay here until my boyfriend gets here? >> No, ma'am. DCF's being notified now. >> Can I call my mom? >> You can do that when we get when we get to >> Not right now, ma'am. You're in custody, right? >> Do you have anything in your pocket that's going to poke, stick, prick me, get you in trouble at all? >> No. >> We're going to hop in this car right here in the back. All right. >> Thank you. >> Can we please not drive off until I see somebody? >> We're not going anywhere yet. >> I was like, I want to see somebody. like a familiar face at least until you understand. >> Yes, ma'am. I completely understand. As of right now, they uh they called DCF. DCF is on the he's on hold with DCF. They're going to be notified about it. >> Is there any way that somebody can notify my mom on what's going on? >> Whenever you get to the booking facility, they'll probably give you a phone call. And if not, when you get to the jail, they'll give you a phone call up there as well. >> The 25-year-old mother, Shila H Highleberg, was charged with neglect of a child without bodily harm. Under Florida law, this offense can carry a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a fine of up to $5,000. Protecting children's safety must always come first, above any personal leisure or work. Even a moment of can seriously affect a child's life and bring severe legal consequences. Florida was just the beginning. In New Mexico, a series of events revealed the ders of driving while not fully alert. I'm getting a strong order of an alcoholic beverage and coming from the car. >> On November 27th, 2024, police observed a car speeding down the road with a driver seemingly losing control and unable to stay in lane. The vehicle was pulled over and upon approach, officers found two children sitting in the back seat. >> Hello. How you doing? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. I'm Officer Nes. I'm going to state police. Man, you and the vehicle behind you, you guys are traveling together. No, that truck. >> Okay. I don't know why it stopped. So, where are you coming from? >> I'm coming from picking up the girls from my mom. >> Okay. Could I see your license, please? So, I'm officer Nandas, like I said, 82 m an hour in a 65 mph zone. You guys pass me. >> Okay. Sorry. I I'm in a hurry to get home. >> Okay. Could I see your license, please? >> Sorry. How many babies do you have? Two. You have two babies in here. >> Okay. Do me a favor. Grab your license. >> Hi. What's your name? Do me a favor. Is the car in park? >> It is. >> Okay. I'm going to have you step out of the car. Okay. Are you guys going to be okay? How old are you? >> She's eight. >> Okay. All right. I I need to speak to you outside of the car. Okay. So, I need you to step out. >> Do you need me in hand? >> I'll get I'll get in a little bit. Okay. >> Okay. Keep the car on so I can play the movie for me. >> Yeah, that's fine. And then just be careful when you step out cuz you're near the the lane. >> And I'm going to roll up this window just >> Okay. Just do me a favor. Just come on out. Hey. >> Oh. >> Okay. Shut the door. Do you have a jacket in there? >> I don't. >> Okay. Step right over here. >> Where was I coming from? I was coming from my mom's. >> Before that, where were you? Cuz you had to pick. >> You had to pick up your girls. >> Yes. I had to pick up my girls and I went to a wedding today. >> All right. Michelle. So, I'm getting a strong order of an alcoholic beverage coming from the car. I know it's not the two little girls. Okay. Is it coming from you? Have you consumed alcohol prior to driving? No. Okay. Do me a favor. Stand on this light. Come a little more this way. >> Based on observations, police decided to conduct a standard roadside test. >> All right. That's what I'm getting. A strong order. All right. So, I'm going to >> Yeah, it's not coming from the girls. And now that we're standing out here, it's coming from you. All right. So, you you have not consumed alcohol prior to driving. Is that is that what you're going to go with? All right. So, what I'm going to >> You know what? Yes. Okay. I've never been put in this situation before. >> So, put your feet together, Michelle. I'm going to make sure that you're safe to operate this vehicle with your babies. All right. You got an 8-year-old. And how's the other one? The younger one, how old is she? >> Three. >> Three. Do you have any head and Do you have any problems with your eyes? >> What are your problems with your eyes? >> Vision. Just normal dayto-day >> day-to-day stuff like >> All right. Do you have any problems walk? Do you need contacts or do you wear contacts? >> I usually wear contacts and I wear glasses. >> Okay. So, they obviously don't have them on right now. >> No. >> All right. Do you have any problems walking, balancing, or turning? Do you have any problems that I need to know about prior to administering these tests to you? >> I don't know. What can I test your >> just walk in in a straight line? It's not very difficult. >> Okay. >> Do you have any problems that I need to know about? >> No. >> No. Okay. Not that I a little more this way. >> I don't know. >> Stand right there. Put your feet together. >> Nervous. >> I hope not. I haven't really been mean to you, have I? >> You haven't been mean, but you're making me a little nervous. >> Well, I'm a little nervous, too. >> Okay, I understand. >> Cuz where we're at, babies in the car situation we're in. All right. So, what I'm going to have you do is you're going to stare at the tip of my finger. I'm going to move the finger side to side. Make sure that you only stare at it with your eyes. Do not move your head. Do you understand? So, your head is going to remain still at all times. And I'm going to move my finger side to side. You're going to follow with your eyes and your in your eyes only. Okay. >> Okay. >> You see my finger? >> Mhm. >> All right. We're going to start. Make sure you keep your head still. Okay. Keep your head still. Okay. Follow my finger. >> Follow my finger. Okay. [Music] [Music] Okay. >> Throughout the process, the officers patiently gave clear instructions, helping her complete the steps as smoothly as possible. All right, let's face your car. >> Okay. >> All right. So, this next test I'm car just right there. Okay. >> All right. So, what I'm going to have you do, this is a walk and turn. All right. It's simple. It's going to walk in a straight line. >> I'm going to show you and explain everything to you, Michelle. It's going to >> This is a big deal. >> I know it is. I'm very It's It's a big deal. So, I'm >> very serious. >> Do you want to keep your shoes on for this test? I'm Those are flats. Can you walk in those? Cuz there's a lot of rocks in the way. So, I don't want you can take them off if you want. Okay. >> All right. For this test, Michelle, I'm going to put you in a starting position. All right, this position, I'm going to show you how it's going to look. When I put you in this position, ensure that you try to maintain this position during the entire test. If you do step out of it, get back into it, and do not start the test unless I tell you to start the test. You understand? You understand what I told you? >> Until started. >> Until I tell you to start the test. So, when I place you in the starting position, do not move. It's going to look simple. So, you're going to plant your left foot. You're going to put your right foot in front, heels touching, toes touching, hands to your side. Okay? Remain in that position. Look at your feet. Look at my feet. Okay. Stand just like that, Michelle. Try not to move. I need you to imagine a straight line in front of you. Can you imagine that straight line? >> Yes. >> Can you imagine? Yeah. That line is about the width of your foot, Michelle. On that line, you're going to take nine heel to toe steps. Every step is heel to toe. Your hands are to your side at all times. You're looking down while walking and you're counting out loud every step that you take. >> Okay. Okay. I'm so sorry. I don't mean to touch you. I I could touch you or not. >> Just stay in that position. Okay, Michelle. All right. I'm going to show you how this is going to be supposed to be done. I'm going to take three steps to show you only. You're going to be taking nine. All right. I'm going to show you. >> However, she still had difficulty completing the steps as instructed. >> Look, we're in the same position, Michelle. We got to get it back in that position. I'm going to take three steps to show you. >> One, two, three. Michelle, once you get to your nine step, I took three. You're taking nine. You plant your lead foot. >> Plant your lead foot. >> Take a series of small steps just like me. You're going to get back on that line. You're going to face this way and you're going to do nine back. Heel to toe steps. Hands to your side looking down while counting out loud. Okay, look. It's going to look like this. One, two, three. Michelle, it's very important that once you start walking, do not stop walking until you are done with all the steps, which it's a total of 18. All right. Nine. >> Right. I get it. I get it. I get it. >> Okay. Get back in that position. >> Thank you. Um, >> do you have any questions before we begin this test? Do you understand? >> Yes. >> You do understand? Do you have any questions? You have any questions? Cuz once you start walking, I can't help you. >> Okay. I just >> You have any questions regarding this test? >> Can I? >> Okay. Get back in. Get back in that position. >> Talk to my sister. >> Get back on that. Get back in that position. >> Okay. Okay. >> I'll tell you when to start. Okay. You ready? >> Not at all. I'll tell you where. >> All right. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Go ahead and begin. >> Oh, you. >> All right. >> You You begin the test. >> Oh, you go ahead. >> Huh? >> You go ahead and I'll follow your >> No, I'm not. I already show you how to do it. It's just you. It should be on me. >> Go ahead and begin. [Music] >> Every step is missed. Steps off. Although the outcome was becoming clear, the officers remained calm and continued the standard procedure, allowing her to finish the remaining parts of the test. >> All right, we're going to do one more test. Okay, stand on my light. All right, this test is a one leg stand. Face me. Put your feet together just like me. Michelle, hands to your side. All right, hands to your side. Michelle, this is a simple one. Okay, I'm going to show you. >> What's your name? >> Officer Ernnandez. >> What's your first name? >> Carlos. >> Carlos. Yeah. Okay, Carlos. So on this test, just make sure you maintain this position. All right, I'm going to show you how to do this test. This is the one leg stand. I'm going to pick the foot that I want to show you. You can do the same. You can pick the right or the left foot. All right, >> I'm domining it on my right. >> So I'm going to show you what you're going to do. I'm going to explain first and then I'll show you. You're going to lift the foot that you want approximately 6 in off the ground. Your legs are straight. Your hands are your side at all times. All right. While looking down at the foot that you elevate, you're going to count in increments of thousands. 1 th00and 2,000 3. Oh yeah, >> that's in five. That's in six. That's in five. >> So you're going to do that for a short period of time. I'm going to demonstrate how this is supposed to look. Okay, watch. Ready? I'm going to pick my right foot to show you. Okay, look. Don't start yet. So approximate. Don't start yet. Approximately 6 in off the ground looking down at it. My foot is parallel. 1 2 3 1 4005 Okay. You're going to do that so on and so forth until I tell you to stop. It's a short amount of time. So if you do put your foot down, just pick it right back up and continue. >> Where are your flashlight? No, this is mine. You have any questions regarding this test? >> No, I don't. I think um >> lift my foot and count, right? >> You're going to look down at it? No, not yet. Not yet. >> Not yet. Put your foot down. >> Okay. >> While you do this test, make sure you look down at your foot. All right. Hands to your side at all times. >> Okay. >> Do you have any questions? >> No. >> Do you understand? >> Okay. I'll tell you when to begin. Okay. Okay. Are you ready? >> Yes. >> What foot are you going to be picking? >> Uh I think I'm going to go with my left foot up and my right foot standing. >> Okay. As to your side. Make sure you look down at your foot. Okay. Okay. Are you ready? >> Yes. >> Okay, Michelle, you may begin. >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. I feel like I'm like thousands or >> No, keep going. Keep going. >> Counting. >> Keep going. >> At this point, her physical reactions revealed the actual condition and the mother had to face legal responsibility. During the process, she appeared emotional while speaking with the officers. 1 2 3 Can I get the light? 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. >> Okay, go ahead and put your foot down. Go ahead and put your foot down. All right, Michelle, do me a favor. Just walk to the front of my patrol unit. All right, just walk to it. >> Can you tell me what's happening? >> Just walk to the front of it, please. >> Yeah, I'll tell you once we get up there. >> Can you just give me a heads up? Thanks, Carlos. Carlos, um, come over here. Move in front. Face my car. Face my car. Face my car. >> I need to talk to my sister first. Oh, there she is. Rebecca, >> can I turn? >> Rebecca, are you okay? >> Okay, take them home, please. I'm sorry. >> Just go ahead and turn around. >> No, that's my sister. You don't have to push me, do not make sure you're not trying to controlled, but >> Hey, Rebecca. Is everything okay? >> Huh? >> No, that's my sister. I got to make sure it's okay, dude. You're being placed under arrest for driving under the influence tonight of an intoxicer. I'm very disappointed that you decided to get behind the wheel tonight with your two babies in the vehicle. That's not okay. Okay, >> let's walk over here. Do you have anything on your person that you that I need to know about? Anything that'll poke me, stick me, or hurt me? >> I do have some safety pins in my dress. >> That's just like a fashion. >> Here, I'm going put that Let's walk this way. >> Can I please >> inside the car? Police still offered her the chance to take a breath test. However, she refused. >> I am failed. >> Come on. Come on, Michelle. I know. >> Get in here. >> Can you please lift my dress so I can tear more things? >> Michelle, where's your license? Is it somewhere in the car? >> No, it's not. >> The handcuffs are going to hurt a little bit. Just then, they do hurt. >> Just hang tight. Okay, hold on. I'm going to read you something. [Music] Michelle, listen. I'm about to tell you something important. Are you listening? I need you to listen. Okay, hold on. died. I got some fun. >> Michelle, listen to me. I'm about to tell you something important. You are under arrest for driving under the influence of an intoxicated liquor. The New Mexico implied consent act requires you to submit to a breath test to determine the alcohol con of your After you take our test, you have the right to choose an additional independent test. If you choose to take this additional independent test, you have the right to reasonable opportunity to arrange for a physician, a licensed nurse or laboratory technician or technologist who is employed by a hospital physician of your own choice to perform an additional chemical test. The cost of this additional test will be paid for by the New Mexico State Police. Michelle, do you agree to take our test? And what I'm asking for is a breath test. It's either a yes or no. I cannot force you to take our test, but if you refuse, you will lose your New Mexico driver's license or non-resident operating privilege for one year. If you're convicted in court of driving under the influence, you may also receive a greater sentence because you refuse to be tested. Do you understand the the consequences of refusing a breath test? >> Knowing these consequences, Michelle, I'm going ask you one more time. Do you agree to take a breath test? No. I need to open your mouth. See if there's anything inside your mouth. Okay. >> So, I do. >> Yeah. So, I do consider your actions to be a refusal. So, now you will be charged with aggravated DWI. Do you understand? >> No, not really. But okay. >> I'll read you this once again, but right now you have verbally refused to take a breath test. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> At the same time, the officers also spoke with another individual connected to the situation. >> No, you're right here, right? >> Yes. You just drove from that truck and here you want to walk up on my traffic stop. Okay, I'm sorry. You see how that's not smart? Because I highly recommend Why you here? >> Well, I'm trying to help trying to help you out. >> Trying to get the baby. You feel like you should be driving right now. >> Okay. You're still right. >> Yes. >> Crazy how I know your name, right? And I just see you pull up in that white truck, get out of the driver's seat, and you walk all the way over here. There's a heavy order from your back. I for me, from your person now, right? So, what's the >> You're going to stand right here. You understand that? >> Yeah. >> Soon after, one of her relatives arrived. Police explained the circumstances in detail along with the actions being taken regarding the mother. >> I'm very upset right now. >> Do you know her? >> No, but just the circumstances. Okay. >> Stay calm. I got the girls. They you need to all pee really bad. So >> So I'm going to make sure. Let me go talk to him. Are you Are you guys I just got to close the door like in here. >> Huh? >> Can I come in here? >> Yeah. Help me, please. >> So this is what's going to happen. Okay. Where's your phone? Is it in there? >> Can I have her phone so she can take it? So you can have a phone call cuz we're going to go to the office. I'm going to give you your phone so you can make sure. >> It's not even going to >> I'll charge it for her. >> What do you want to do? >> Cuz if once I take you to the office, I'm going to give you an opportunity to call somebody which I hope you'll call your sister to make sure your kids are safe. Right. Is it okay if I I'll put your phone in the front? So, I'll give you opportunity to call. If not, I'm not going to break your phone. I pro We do this all the time. >> They can't get in there. >> I'm not going to go. It's illegal for me to go through your phone. I'll charge your phone. And once I put >> And if I need to pick it up, they'll go put it in your property and I go pick it up. >> Everything is going to be in your property. If this If this is your first offense, you're more than likely going to be released early in the morning. Okay. I'm just being >> Mother's Day. I hope so. >> I hope so, too. But she will be released tomorrow. All right. I don't know how it works down there, but I'm just trying to be as >> she going to go or >> she's No, we're in Bernal Leo. to NBC. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> We'll talk about this later. Call me in the morning. >> Okay. All right. No, I just want to make sure the kids are good. I don't want them to be themselves. >> Yeah. No, they need to go. >> Let me talk. >> Okay. >> In that situation, finding a safe solution and arranging proper care for the two children remain the police's top priority. >> Right. Now, how did you find out about this? Because she calls me on the way all the time. The kids had the kids have their iPad on, too. >> It's hard question. The kids good to go. They got to use the restroom >> information for the kiddos. >> Okay. Okay. >> That's all the information about them. >> All right. I need all the information. >> That's all of it. I gave them the their ages and full name. >> I'll probably need it since I'm the investigating officer. Just one more time. Okay. >> Right here. Okay. >> Hey, brother. I got the girls. So, don't worry about it. Okay. I got the girls. Let me call you right back. Okay. >> All right. I can I tell you in a minute? >> Okay, let's let's just write once again full name, date of birth, and the the school that they know they go to, if you know. >> Okay. Can I see what she's yelling about? >> I just need you to fill that out so I can >> How the is that? >> They have to have their names in order to release them to me. Their names. >> Whose names? >> Gabby and Malia. They won't give them to me unless I write their information. Leave the door open. >> You're going to be okay. >> It's okay. >> In the end, the mother was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence, traffic violations, and child. Under New Mexico law, she could face a sentence of 3 to 6 years in prison along with a fine of up to $6,000. In cases like this, cooperating with police is crucial. Refusing a breath test or alcohol check does not remove legal responsibility and can even increase penalties if convicted of DUI/DWI. But New Mexico didn't stop there. Another family revealed the strain in a mother child relationship as both kept falling into a cycle of conflict. >> You know what? If I go to jail and I lose my pick, I'm the >> On July 20th, 2023, police were dispatched to an apartment in Bernalo County, New Mexico, after an emergency call reporting a family conflict that had happened multiple times before. This incident began with the daughter's disrespectful behavior, but quickly escalated into complex legal issues. >> So, what's going on? Oh, so my daughter is just but so anyway anyways I mean people I talk to her you know she put the whole thing on me cuz it's always on me but so she so she keeps aggressively >> how >> she and I I her back too because I'm at the point where it's like you know what if I go to jail and I lose my kids I'm going to break it. >> Talk me through what happened today. >> So what happened today is uh she kept pinching me. >> Pinching you? >> Yeah. >> Pinching me where? pinching me all in my arms and stuff. >> I don't know. It just deescalated to physical altercations between me and her. >> And what happened? Like >> she ped you today and then >> she hit you. She bite you, push you. Like what does the physical altercation mean? >> Uh just like uh on me >> open closeing with shoes. >> Where was she hitting on your body? >> Everywhere. I don't you know where. >> And you said you were also returning clothes. And I was also hitting her back too. How are you? >> Like her back like her backing her back her back. And I don't give a if you want to take me to jail. >> I'm just doing investigation right now trying to find out what's going on. >> I know, but I'm better. >> Your name's Jessica. >> Well, what's your daughter's name? >> Honey. >> What happened with this argument today? Was there an argument before she started pinching you or >> something with Honey. >> Okay. >> This is nothing new. >> How old is 15? Your daughter. >> Is she in school? any programs like that or are you all just here for the summon? Right? >> We've been here. Okay. >> Primarily because I don't even want to be behind a locked door with her in a home because I was having problems with her stealing wrecking my car, breaking my windows and like all that. So, >> has she ever been charged with any crimes before? >> Yeah. >> Did she go to like our juvenile detention center at any point? Do you know if she's like on probation, anything like that? Are you wishing to press charges against her today for you? >> I don't even know. I don't know, but she just needs >> How long has How long has the the physical stuff been happening? >> Oh, it's been happening for years. >> If you had like >> two the past 2 years with physical with her. >> Notably, this situation had occurred many times before, leaving the mother feeling powerless to control her daughter's behavior. >> And have you ever reported it with us? >> Yeah, >> you have. How many times have we been out here in the last year, would you say? >> Probably about three times. >> Three times >> for that same thing, usually. >> Okay. And what was the result of those? a resolve or nothing. At least she behaved for a couple days, but she, you know, goes back to the same repetitive, you know, and I'm not the type of mother either, you know? I don't want to sit here and like be up my kids or nothing like that. >> Not like that, but you know what I mean? There's like there's like you get fed up when you're just like what, you know, hit you, I'm going to hit you back. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? >> I imagine that's really frustrating. She's not respecting you or listening to what >> not respecting my boundaries. Are you guys all in like one room together or is that all work? >> Too, you know, it sucks too, you know, because she has her schedules like all like messed up. Like she wants to stay up all night, sleep all day, and then like, you know, I'll, you know, do whatever throughout the day, then I'll try to go in my room. Shut up. I'm sleeping. Get the out of here. And I'm like, I'm trying to just chill and relax like with the kids. And she just gets like aggressive and mean and even tries now late at night. She's still sneaking out. Yeah, she still, you know, still tries to run around all day long, sleeps all day long. It's just messed up, you know. >> You want me to bring her over there? >> What's her fault? >> Well, we can keep them suffering for right now. >> She's going to be, you know, the type of, you know, it's all her fault. My mom was choking me and my mom was well, what got your mom to that having to like down in my territory and like defend my space. What do I do? Am I supposed to >> Was there any specific thing that triggered her to date that she know? She was upset because she wanted me to go give her a ride up to the war zone so she could go get a tattoo. I'm >> guessing you said no. >> Yeah, >> no tattoo. You know what I mean? And then two, like right now I don't even have gas in my van going around for playing. Do >> you have any like from >> I think that's actually from like the other night honestly. >> So what do you have from today? >> Yeah. I don't even know. I just I'm just like if you could see like sometimes I have somees and stuff just from her, you know, just constantly. >> The tension grew even more as it all unfolded in front of the other children in the family. >> How long ago did the altercation happen today? >> 15 minutes. >> And it all happened in the room for that other lady. Did this all happen? >> Okay. >> Did you guys see it at all or was it just you guys in the room? >> No. Yeah, it was just us in the room and then the staff came in and >> Were these kiddos in the room too? Yeah, they were in the room, too. And they're just already like I think he did he come and get you guys? >> He did. He came and got me. >> Yeah. >> He was tired of it. He was like, I don't know what to do. >> Yeah. And he's like And he is and him too. You know, he's like quiting my mama. Stop my mama. >> So even they're having, you know, they're they're even telling her too, like even this one like she said, "We're going to go catch the bus." And then my daughter's like, "Thank God we get to get rid of her for a little bit so she could stop being lean and hitting you." >> Let me go talk to her, okay? See what we can do. Sorry. >> The investigation then shifted toward the daughter. However, her account suggested that it was the mother who started the incident. The conflicting statements made the case more difficult to handle. >> Sheriff's office. >> Hi. >> Hi. I'm looking for honey >> right here. >> Okay. >> Want to stay in the hall to talk with us? >> Can I? >> How about we just go down here? >> You want to go to that room? >> Oh, yeah. Can we go back to your room? >> I was going to get something. I need to speak with you. >> Let's go back to A12. Can you just take a seat on the bed while we're here? >> Me and my mom, we were fighting. >> Can you tell me a little bit more about that? Like how did it start? What was going on? >> Cuz she was like talking about my dad and like he kind of passed away, you know, and I was supposed to go get a tattoo today and I asked her if she could take me and like she kept being about it and then so she said no, you know, I got mine. I'm not going to lie. And I went and I pitched her, okay? And so I kept going and then like me and her we just started fighting like after she goes, "Oh, you want it again?" cuz recently she like did this to me, you know, bad little >> was that today? >> No, that was like another and then so she went and then she like she started pulling my hair, you know, and I got mad. So I went and I started like like we started actually physically fighting and then she went and then steps the foot like stomps and then gets it on my sock and then like or on my foot. >> So she stomped on your foot? Yeah, she stomped on my foot and I couldn't move and then she like started like you know like and then she started stalking me in my face and the other day she had me on the bed and like she like literally like started like choking me and like physically like stalking me in my head like you know what I'm saying like hard. I try to like get her off of me and like I couldn't breathe and what she does she she gets like her elbow you know and like rubs it like deep in my ribs you know what I'm saying. Do >> you have any that was the other day? >> Yeah, that was the other day. She goes like, you know, like hard or like she'll like get her like um her hand like pressed down on my face, you know, and that's how I got this. >> The daughter went on to share her experiences, including details that reflected the tension and difficulties in her relationship with her mother. >> Have we been out here for this before? >> Yeah, once. >> Okay. What happened at that time? >> Another time. It's because I don't remember actually, but me and mom, we just always fight, you know, like >> is it always physical like this? >> Um sometimes. Have you ever had to stay with anybody else or anything like that? Have you ever been involved in? >> They're involved, but me and mom usually, you know what I'm saying? Like we had to wait over. I went and then she started choking me. >> This is today. >> Yeah. This was on the ground and she started choking and like I couldn't breathe, you know, and like I was like yelling for help and she started calling me. She always go, you know, she and then I went and then like she started my hair. When I was yelling, she did it to the point where like I couldn't like, you know what I'm saying? >> Today she Yeah. Like where I couldn't talk? >> Could you breathe or you just >> No, I couldn't breathe at all at all. >> Was it one hand >> and that's all from today? >> Yeah. >> What set it off to you pinched her? >> Well, she was like talking about my dad and stuff. >> And so from there you decided to go pinch her. >> Yeah. >> Did you pinch like her arm, her body? Like where? >> Just once. >> Mhm. >> Any other times? >> A couple times I pinched her. >> So what happened from there? And it's like like go step by step as best you can. >> From there. How old are you again? >> Uh I'm 15. I don't know who was on the bed and then she got up and then we just >> started fighting. >> So from the pinch and the arguing, you both moved to the bed. >> Yeah. >> Did she move you to the bed, her to the bed? Was it kind of like a mutual thing? >> We was just both going at each other. >> So from the pinching point getting on the bed, would you say it was like mutual equals fighting at that point? >> Not really. She kind of went and then like she would chip shot me and then she, you know, and then she went and then every time I was on the ground and I was like this, this far away. So I was like that, you know, and like she went and started like me like started like punching me in my face and stuff. >> Would you say mean? And again, I'm just doing an investigation trying to understand what happened. Were you throwing more blows? Was she throwing more blows? >> She was it was like it was even >> like she she was me out her, you know, it was back and forth. >> So not like not like one person's on the bottom, that person's only doing a thing. >> No, but in a way she was I was on the bottom and she would keep hitting me. But I'll try to get her off of me and whenever I go, you know, I'll cry for help and then she'll get off. >> Did anyone come when you called for help? >> No. But finally, the workers did. >> At a vulnerable teenage age, the girl was often affected by her mother's words and actions, which left her struggling emotionally and having difficulty controlling her feelings. >> How long did it take, would you say, for the work? >> 5 minutes. >> Okay. So, you guys weren't fighting for more than a minute. >> So, within the span of a minute, moved from the door, moved to the bed, moved over there. Where was it? And when was it that she decided to you? >> So before you moved to the bed, >> I tried to leave the door. I tried to leave and she went >> at the end or at the beginning. >> You're trying to leave. >> She tried to >> but I hit her. I'm not going to lie. I went. >> It's okay. You can tell me what happened. That's what I'm trying to figure out. >> And then I went and then >> Is that how you got free the >> Do you Do you want to see medical personnel? >> Um Yeah. Because if you were to the point of not breathing, you appear fine. But I'm not a medical doctor, so I'd rather they comment. Hey, do you mind if I just get the >> Your siblings? Were they in the room? >> Yeah, my little sister was. >> Okay. Just your little sister? >> Same. My little brother, Red. >> Does this happen a lot? Like, are they exposed to the fighting quite a bit? >> Not really. I've been stopping cuz you know, we've been fighting a lot, you know? But then I just stop like I wouldn't, you know, I wouldn't like mess with her. Like I wouldn't just I wouldn't be around her, you know? I just always do this. >> Yeah. Whenever we do, we just fine. >> When you went to pinch her, what what was your thinking behind that? Like, were you just upset? >> Yeah. >> Did you want to hurt her? >> I was upset. >> So, a lot of these things seem to happen cuz you're upset or is there any other factors you're not telling me? >> It's like I don't know. It happens cuz I'm upset. Like, you know, like she gets me mad. You know what I'm saying? Just the things that she says and it just it it bothers me. And like >> what kind of things does she say to you? >> Like she she she talks, you know, like she always puts us down. Not us, but like me, you know, like it's just certain things, you know, like >> three, >> you know, like you stupid or I don't know, he says, you know, hurtful stuff. Like >> cuz there's there's like a difference between, oh, you're no good or like you're a terrible person. I hate you. >> And this is often you say every time you or she'll be like, Jennica, I love you, King. I love you, Patrick. I love you, honey. I hate you. And then like you know just like that everybody said that >> always like I don't know I just try not to like listen you know I really don't care about >> her condition grew more serious due to the lack of proper supervision and support from adults >> in terms of like providing for you guys I know you're at a shelter but does she make sure you have food you have clothes you're in school? >> Oh really? >> What about for your other siblings? >> Yeah we have food. We get food. >> Yeah the shelter she provides for us. Yeah, but pose that's more Jennica keen. Do you know Patrick that you get swelled for school? No. I've been asking her if she could put me in school. Never. >> So where what have you guys been doing? >> Nothing. >> I know. Like I know it's summer, but were you in school the past year? >> No. I tried to I wanted to, but I wasn't enrolled anything. No. I kept telling my mom to put me in Valley cuz the teachers they kept asking for me and she kept telling me that I wasn't going to go that that like I I don't know. Just kept putting me down. When was the last time you were in school? >> Probably. >> Really? What's a rough guess? Like how many years >> did you lose consciousnesses at all? No. >> You didn't. >> Did you feel like you were going? >> Kind of a little bit. Whenever I couldn't breathe. >> So you just couldn't breathe. >> Yeah. Last time I went to school, >> like was it years or was it months? >> No, it's been months. Like I don't really remember to be honest. >> Okay. Let's start with the new year. Like were you in school during New Year's time? What about Valentine's Day? And you weren't in school though. Okay. What about Thanksgiving time? >> Not in school then. >> So >> Halloween. Okay. So maybe like a year from what I'm hearing. >> No, it's not been a year. It's like >> Did something happen? Like did you get out of school? >> No, I got disrolled because >> I was I wasn't staying with my mom. It's been maybe since What month are we? We're in July right now. July. I don't even know. Oh, and what happened at school? It's because um I was like staying on the streets. on the street, but you know, I'll just be everywhere. And I guess whenever I would go to school, it was hard for me, you know, like to make it because like like I feel like I'm the only one, you know, like responsible for myself. Like I take care of myself, you know, whenever like >> What makes you feel that way? Because >> I'm truly curious >> cuz I really am nobody like I don't know. >> It's okay to not know again. Like whenever if I could call somebody for help or if I could call somebody, you know, for something, I can't. The only person I could depend on is myself. for like your mom takes care of you or anything like that in that sense. >> She does, but I can't depend on her for nothing. She does little things like I get a check, okay, every month. And what do I get off of it? Nothing. >> You get a check? >> Yeah, because I have ADHD, OCD, and all that. >> I used to take meds for it to calm me down and stuff. She does, but she swallows more of them. >> In response, the police offered guidance to help her cope with these challenges. >> So, you just feel like it's a little bit of unfair treatment. Is that what I'm hearing? She favors them and kind of ignores you >> in a way. But how does allow to explain it? >> That's all right. Have you thought about trying like some counseling or anything like that or they have services? >> They keep telling me I need counseling, but I can't do it. >> Why can't you do it? >> I don't like talking to people about like my problems, I guess. >> Is it cuz it's like a stranger and you don't? >> I just don't like open it up, I guess. >> And like >> sometimes counselors can help us process like so these moments when you're going I don't know how to explain it. Sometimes they can help us pick that apart so that we can explain it and that helps us process it so we can keep moving forward. I know I've had to do that myself and it makes a huge difference cuz when we bottle it up and like try to ignore it tends to create that upset feeling that just pent. So when one little thing goes wrong like it's too stinking hot outside you blow up. So if you can get into some counseling maybe find someone that works for you that you're comfortable with. It doesn't have to be the first counselor you meet. It might help you just figure out why. I've been through the teenage years. They suck. >> They also carried out the proper procedures to clarify the situation. >> Tell me more about uh like CFD involvement. >> Um CFD usually I don't know. >> Are they still involved or you don't know? >> No. >> Okay. When's the last time you talked to anyone? >> A minute. >> A minute. >> Yeah, it's been a long time. >> Okay. Do you know what they were? Not who you're there for. >> I I just grew up with CF. Do you know? Cuz I always been a little troublemaker. I've been a lot. I've always been a little badass. I know. Ever since I was the just always see. >> Do you still have problems with being a troublemaker? Do you say? >> No. No. >> Do you mind if we uh take some pictures of you? Just I want to document your Okay. Any other besides like right here? Your arms, your face, anything like that? >> I think that that was old. It wasn't from today. >> From yesterday or the other day. Do you have any like on your face or anything >> besides the one? >> Okay. >> So, yeah. So, after I get you to do all those, I'm going to take closeups of the pictures that you do have. You said the one down here is correct. I can't. Yeah, it's pretty. That's part of the reason we want to take pictures is so we can document it. >> We got to go detain mom real quick. I don't want to her alone, though. Does one of you guys mind staying here with her while we go detain her real quick and you guys go check her out? >> Yeah. At this point, um we're medically she's uh she's been cleared by us. Um, so it's going to be up to the Berlin County Sheriff's to go forward from this point. Okay. You okay with her not going to the hospital via? >> Are you Do you want us to check your vital signs or off? You okay? >> With clear evidence, the mother had to face legal responsibility for actions that affected her daughter. >> Okay, Jessica, you know what's going to be. You already knew. Stop pulling away. Stop. Stop taking me to you. You think you're going to take your kids from my kids? >> Stop. You're not. You're not. You're not. They're not taking me from my kids. They're not. >> They're not. >> Stop. They're not. >> Stop resisting. >> They're not taking me from my kids. No. >> Stop resisting. >> No. >> Stop resisting. >> You're going to make it work. >> You're going to make it work. >> You're not taking me from my kids, Jackie. >> Stop resisting. >> I ain't no I ain't no punk. I'll you up. >> Yeah, you got to call back up with your little scrawny ass. Look at me. >> My kids. >> I know. Don't make my babe. >> My kisses. >> Don't make it worse. I need you to resist. >> My kids. >> My kids. My kids. >> Don't resist this, babe. Don't resist. >> How are they going to date me for my kids? >> You're going to get reunited. Reunited, babe. >> Who's taking my baby, babe? You're not supposed to. >> You're not going to disrespect me. >> You're not going to disrespect me. You're not You're not taking me for my kids. I'm a good mom. >> I'm a good mom. I'm a good mom. >> Stop touching me. Stop touching me. >> Stop. >> Stop touching me. Stop touching me. >> Stop. >> Stop resisting. >> Stop touching me. >> Stop resisting. >> Are you guys running around here? Everybody's not hurting. >> Come on. Get >> I need you to. >> They're trying to. I can't. My kids. >> I hope they're going to be good. Take the weekend. >> No. No. Not my babies. Not my babies. I don't deserve this. I don't deserve this. >> Please tell me this. >> I don't deserve this. >> At that point, she became tense, fearing the loss of custody and trying to protect herself in an extreme situation, prompting police to take stronger measures. >> I'm a dude. >> You're going to get tased. >> You want to get tased? >> Go ahead. You can't do it. I'm doing it. I'm a strong. Don't make him do it. Jessica, don't >> look. Get out the cameras. Look >> they're doing to me. >> We're going to take care of your kids. >> My kids. >> Jessica, they're going to be >> How are you going to lock me up for this kid of me? >> We need to >> How are you going to lock me up? >> We are going to take care of your kid. But we have to do an >> No, you're not. >> Which means you are detained right now and let us put cops on you. Okay. >> You're not copying me like that. >> You don't comply. >> Taser. Taser. Taser. Put your hand. >> Where are they going to go? >> They're gonna stay here with me. Nissan's gonna watch us. >> Okay. They're going to be with me and stay here. Kids are good, babe. The kids are good. >> Get off of me. >> They don't need this, babe. >> You're going to get tape. >> Give me a pair of gloves. >> I'm going to punish you. >> Remain calm. Okay. Try to remain calm. You better remain calm. >> Stop kicking me. >> My trash. >> You going to kick us again? >> Do you want to stand up? >> Stand up. >> You want to stand up? >> I'll stand up on my own. Don't touch me. >> Stand up on your own. >> Gangster. Ready? >> Wait for my laugh. I can't. I don't deserve it. I don't deserve it. >> Ready? One, two, three. Let's go. Be strong for them. Okay. Take some steps. Be strong for my >> Are you going to walk on your own or does it have to take you? >> I don't care. >> I don't care about you. >> Oh, I'm hurting. I'm not. >> You can do it. Just walk. Do it. Come on. Stop pulling awake. grab the leg going to recovery for a minute. >> Let's get you up. Sit up. >> Well, just stay there. Don't stay there for now. Huh? >> Even after calming down, the mother continued to justify herself, insisting she had done nothing wrong. >> What are they going to do to me? Tase me again? Little twerps. Little trying to tase me. Nobody wants to tase it. All right. So, I know you guys are going to have to be in their body bag to the jail cell. You're taking me from my kids. They're not taking me from my kids. They're going to have to do it, right? Boss, they're going to have to do it. Pull out those tips. You ain't taking me to jail. I am a poet. I'm a rapper. I'm a singer. I'm a mother. I'm a I'm a dancer. >> That was very impressive. I like it. >> You know, and I've been here focusing on building my own character cuz you know what? I don't think down there. I think up here. And I don't want my kids to be raised around men that are going to be eating me and mistreating me. I choose to stay over here. Focus on myself. >> Sounds like a good choice. >> It is a good choice. And you know what? I don't judge nobody. I'm a good person. I don't care if you're a bum or a billionaire. You're going to get me across the table and that's it. Cuz that's all I can offer. I don't deserve stepping up and debugging myself. What am I supposed to do? No. Like you want to hear? How do you like it? Why they like the way it feels? You know, the Bible says, "Do you want to tell others to do the light upon you?" That's the golden rule. She violates it all the time. >> How old is she? >> She's 15 years old. And you know what? And she's so low vibrational, dude. Straight up. You know what? Yeah, we might be here, but you know what? I'm also not materialistic. I don't I'm not too fond of material things. I've learned how to humble myself. Cuz you have to be in this world, but not of this world. So, materialistic things, I don't idolize those things. idol idolizing being a good mother and loving and nurturing my children and not being a slave to the dollar because being a slave to the dollar all you do is work work work worth the happiness in that. So you can go to work with your co-workers that won't do that cuz you do your job better than this. It's not about that. >> How long have you been here? >> I've been here about a year and a half working on building myself as a woman. You know, I had a lot of people in my circle. A lot of people know me out here on these streets, but nobody never ever stood in my corner. So, I broke free from everybody and I've been here focusing on myself. But it's not good enough when I got these fools over here trying to take me to jail to separate me from my kids, leave them among strangers. >> I'll be down here. Nobody's going to ever be alone with my kids so they can hurt them, mistreat them, them. >> In the end, police completed the necessary procedures, took the mother from the scene, and reassured the children while ensuring their safety. >> Hello. She's cooling down now. Well, she get along with females or males better. >> She don't like Roseman. I don't know. We'll see. >> All right. >> We'll see. She's back there. >> She better take their clothes. Anything with them? >> We got suitcases. >> When C gets here, they'll tell you what you need. Okay. >> We'll wait for them then. Okay. >> How long is my mom going to be in jail? >> I don't know. It's not. Hopefully, she'll be out tomorrow, though. Okay. But you'll be you'll be safe. Okay. And have an ETA. There's a one-year-old here that needs taken care of. How old's your brother? Two. How old are you? >> No. No. No. >> Okay. Oney old, a 5-year-old, a 14y old, and how old are you? >> A 15. >> 15-year-old, and an 8-year-old. >> You text me. >> And follow me back, bro. >> I will. I will. >> Don't be a stranger, dude. Don't go with me, bro. >> I won't. >> Come on, guys. We got to go. We can't. >> I guess. >> See, now you This is for real, honey. Can't be your mom. They're staying all together, right? >> Yeah, it should be. >> And what does the mom have to do when she gets out to get them back? She'll have to go to CYPD. They call CFD. >> We have a report number. >> I can get you one. Yeah. >> Yeah. If I can get that, please. >> That's the case number there. >> The mother was charged with abandonment of a child, battery upon a peace officer, and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer. Under New Mexico law, she could face 5 to 7 years in prison along with fines ranging from $7,000 to $11,000. Parents should take responsibility for supervising, caring for, and supporting their children in both education and mental health so they can grow up safely, stably, and in a healthy way. Ohio closes the story with a mother choosing to accompany her friend for cosmetic surgery while her children were without care. >> Wesley Police Department, can I help you? >> Hi, this is the non-emergency number, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. I just want to make sure I called the right one. I'd like to um have a welfare check done. I've never called this in before, so I don't quite know how to. Okay, who are we doing it on? Students. Uh, at the school that I work at, um, there's a 10-year-old in the house and two seven-year-olds. We have reasonable, like there are three teachers. All three of us got a different story, but basically we think they are home alone and that mom is in Texas. The principal had sent letters, reached out. There was a call made to CPS today. JFS, I'm sorry. Um, that was documented by our counselor, but JFS said that they would not investigate. And I'm just a little uncomfortable thinking that my student her sisters are home alone while mother is out of state. >> On February 22nd, 2024, Ohio police received an emergency call about three children unattended at home for nearly 3 days. At the time, their mother was in Florida accompanying a friend for liposuction surgery. Officers immediately arrived at the scene to check on the children's condition. [Music] Police Department. >> Yeah. >> Hi. Are you okay? >> Yeah. >> Are your parents home? >> Mm- >> Where are they? >> Mom's at work. >> Okay. When your mom is at work, you said. When's she going to be home? Hi. >> Before we uh before we leave for school. >> Do you have your mom's phone number? >> Yeah. Yeah, but the computer is >> Okay. >> She's got a camera. She watches. >> Yeah, she watches like >> Where's she at? >> She's at work. >> Where's work at? She works for um Amazon >> and my brother is at >> Yeah, she she's with my grandma. >> Can I need somebody's an adult's phone number to send her in contact with them? >> I think I memorized it. I don't know if she still uses that one. >> Well, how do you get into contact with your mom when you need >> um on the computer and um >> cuz we charge her we charged the computer. >> You did what? >> We have a computer um a MacBook and we charge it but it's now we just been watching TV and playing around. >> Okay. Can you try to get your mom on the camera? She We can't We can't make her come on the camera, but she can come on when she wants. I don't know. >> Okay. I need to talk to an adult. So, we got to figure something out. How long have you guys been home alone? >> Only today. >> Be honest. >> You're We got a call cuz one of your teachers was concerned that you guys have been home for a while cuz your mom's out of state. >> Out of state? >> Oh, goodness. Are you okay? >> So, my mom >> She's not out of state. >> No. >> You all right? >> No, she's not out of state. I don't want to be at home. >> She doesn't know how to stay. I promise you she know how to stay. >> We We don't really be home. >> Okay. What time does she normally get home? >> Before we She's coming home before we go to school. >> Yeah, cuz we don't >> She's coming home before we go to school. >> We don't really have people knock on our door. >> I know. >> I don't want somebody to come in. >> Can you try to get around the computer? >> It's charging right now. >> Is it plugged in? It should turn on, right? If it's plugged in, >> it's going to take a little bit of make it like charge and stuff. >> Okay. >> According to her account, the 10-year-old girl had to take care of her 7-year-old twin siblings on her own. The lack of adult supervision raised serious concerns about their safety. >> Do you have any relatives in the area, like grandparents, aunts, uncles, anything? >> Oh, no. My mom's my >> We don't have no relatives over here, but my mom has a friend that lives in over here. the next building, next um apartment. >> The only person >> Do you have that person's phone number? >> No, my mom didn't. My mom did. >> Yeah. >> So, like what do you guys do if you have an emergency? Who do you call? >> My mom's person. >> You But you don't have your mom's phone number. >> We do. >> We do. We have it on the laptop and we have my grandma's We have it on We have the Have >> She's not No, she's 10 years old. >> And she's she will fight me if she fight too much. >> You're dumb. Y'all was just y'all was just pulling my hair and I was in the room over here kind >> and somebody was not on the >> Do you have your grand >> Where does your grandma live? >> She lives on the other side >> of like Cleveland. The other side of Cleveland or the other side of Westlake? >> The um the other side of Cleveland did for a while. We just been watching TV and doing our thing. Yeah, >> we just we sometimes when my mom >> actually I was just my mom the baby with us and then sometimes she go for her. >> Well, he has a daycare all week. >> Actually, he has to daycare weekends and it's basically only time she doesn't like she goes to the store or you guys >> seven. Seven on. >> Okay. >> Um November 9th. >> What grade are you in? >> Fourth. What grade are you guys? Actually, I'm supposed to be in fifth, but my birthday's late. So, >> first grade. Fifth grade. Well, sometimes sometimes um we be have >> somebody come over. Somebody be come over over here. >> This is actually the first time in a while that the police hasn't been over. >> So, dogs been on our a big dog. >> It's not your dog. >> Oh my god, so big. It look like the big red dog. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah, he was big. >> Whose dog was it? >> Someone that lives here. We get along with a lot of people here. >> That's cool. That's a plus. But but we do we do we do not have never ever had like people coming up here like trying to steal us. Never happened. >> Bad cuz we live in West bad people here. >> So when we was down there we heard something. We all >> Iard. Hang on a second. >> The investigation continued with attempts to reach relatives but no reliable phone numbers or contact information were available. >> And where does she work? She works in um I don't know actually where but I know she works at >> somewhere around here. >> Yeah. And she also does um Door Dash. >> Okay. >> If she if she if we get home, we call her. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We just ate. Well, I just woke up from a nap that was a little >> It's a good day for napping. >> Yeah. Kind of stayed up late. >> So, does your mom work overnight? >> Yeah. Sometimes she >> she got a job where she can >> it's like a overnight sometimes over sometimes can come to work. >> Her hours kind of change a lot. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And she tries to pick the hours longer so she can get a lot of money >> cuz we're trying to move right now. >> Where are you going to go to? >> We're trying to move like um back to her family. >> Oh, where's that? >> Back to the other side. >> Oh, like where your grandma is or something? Yeah, that's cool. >> That's where most of our whole family that's where their nana is. That's where my grandma is. >> My nana? My nana? >> Yeah. >> Jada. You're going to know what happened. >> What happened? >> What happened? >> My dad died. >> Oh yeah, they died. >> Oh, I'm sorry guys. >> December on November 13th. >> Oh jeez. >> November 13. 5:00 in the morning. >> Do I What? >> Do you heard about it? >> I don't know. I haven't heard about it. >> When I broke up, I'm being a police tip. >> Oh, cool. >> Is this your dad? >> She wants to find the people that your dad. >> Yeah, I'm sure. That's really sad, you guys. >> The children also revealed potential risks they had faced. >> It was being Was it being too loud? No, one of your teachers called us to check on you guys because they heard or something that you guys were here alone. So that's why I'm here. >> I don't know that we >> I don't know. They just sent me to check >> ever. Let me tell her. >> No. >> Why? What about you need a No. >> What's up? >> Mommy has a gun, but she has a license for it. >> Yes. She never We never She never pulled it out of when I cleaned her. My mom Jada laughs. Jada never hold the she she did how to hold a but she never pressed the button. >> My mom teaches me what to do. >> Fortunately, even without reaching the mother, police were able to find the grandmother and asked her to temporarily care for the children. >> Their three kids are here by themselves. One is two or I'm sorry, one is 10 years old, the other two are 7 years old. They're telling me that their mom works for Amazon and she works overnight and that she won't be back until um like right before they go to school in the morning. They don't have a way of contacting their mom. They can't give me their mom's phone number. They said they usually contact the mom through FaceTime. They're trying that on their computer now, but it's not working. The only other person that they can give me a name of is a grandmother who lives, I guess, on the other side of Cleveland, but they don't even have a phone number for her. >> Yeah. No, >> I guess a teacher or somebody from the school called in and they were concerned because one of the seven-year-olds reported that the mom is in Texas with their brother and that they've been home for like a week. The 10-year-old told me that their mom was here last night. I don't know if any of it's true. Not long after, the mother was located and had to face legal responsibility for the incident. >> Hello, Westlake police. Dominique, I announce yourself, Dominique, >> where you at? Come to the door. Come on. Go. Go. >> Come on. Where you at, honey? I got to talk to you. >> Huh? >> It's all right. We're professionals. Stand there. Keep Stay where I can see you. Dominique, >> you are under arrest for the child engagement of your three children. >> All right. Can I call my mother real quick? >> No. >> My son is in here. >> Put the phone down, please. >> My baby is in here. >> Put the phone down. We're going to take you in there and you're going to get clothes on. Is that a mirror? >> Yes. >> When did you get back in? Hold on. No, you haven't. You have the right to remain silent. >> Anything you can say can and will be used against you court. You have the right to an attorney. You cannot afford an attorney. One will be provided for you. >> Okay. >> So, you said you were here. Where were you? >> I called you. >> What? No, you didn't. I promise you. Call your office. I've been calling you. Matter of fact, I just called you this morning. >> Okay. Well, where were you Thursday night? Where were you Thursday night? >> I just called you. Is that the number? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just called you. I've been calling you since Thursday. >> Where were you Thursday night? >> I was with my friend. She had surgery. >> Okay. >> Yes. But my daughter is old enough. >> Give me your phone. >> Okay. Can I call my mother get my son? >> No. >> Why? What I do for you not to let me call my mother to get my son? >> You're going to get some clothes on. Then we're going to take your ch child to children family service. >> He's a baby. Can I call my mother? >> I will call your mother. >> Do you call her right now? Like what's No. You act like I'm first of all, I have no criminal record for you not to let me call my mother right quick. I didn't. >> You are under arrest. Do you understand that? >> I understand that. >> Let's get some clothes on and I want to handcuff you and then we're going to call your mom. That's just the way it's going to be. >> That's fine. >> Okay. >> The authorities carried out the related legal procedures and explained them clearly. The mother was then taken away as required. >> Y'all have a search warrant? >> We have her custody. >> Do y'all have a search warrant? It's not It's nobody in there. You are searching my house and I don't consent to. >> Why are you Why are you being so aggressive? >> You don't know aggressive. This is not aggressive. >> Who is being aggressive? >> You are under arrest for child. >> I understand. >> Please get Please get what else you need so we can call your mom. >> My kids are allowed to be here by theirelves. >> Not when you have two special needs kids. >> My kids are not special needs. I don't understand why y'all keep saying my kids are special needs. They're fully aware of everything that's going on. And you can interview them, talk to them, and everything. They could tell you what kind of conversation you want to have. You want to have a kid conversation or adult conversation. They're very smart. >> Okay. >> You keep on trying to like be aggressive for me for no reason. I don't have no criminal record. >> Okay. What how should we do this? Just call Children Family Services. >> Okay. Second floor. >> Where? [Applause] >> Um, right over here. >> No, I did not. >> The mother was taken into custody and charged with child. Under Ohio law, she could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Balancing personal needs with parental responsibilities is key to ensuring children's safety and proper supervision. From Florida to New Mexico to Ohio, each story leaves a heavy reminder. Children behind, moments without supervision turning into legal consequences and family bonds tested by adult mistakes. These are not just legal cases, but a wake-up call. Parental freedom always comes with a responsibility to protect. If you found this video helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel to spread the message of protecting children. Be back. [Music]