I didn't do nothing. I want my dad. Ma'am, >> get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. What did I do? >> I do apologize for this. So, you have been placed under arrest for a child. >> These children's stories remind us how deeply a child's environment can shape their lives. >> She said that you had her face yesterday multiple times. >> Behind every child's footsteps lies a reflection of their living environment. Let's follow the police as they look into the circumstances surrounding the family. Can you guess what made the police take immediate action right in the middle of the street? Sometimes even a small mistake can trigger a chain of unexpected events. On September 7th, 2023, a tense situation unfolded on the street. At first, police noticed a vehicle because the driver wasn't wearing a seat belt and was driving erratically. However, the situation became more serious when the driver didn't stop as instructed by police. S31. Okay, I'm with the Bravo unit. Vehicle still rolling south now. 3900 block. >> Hey, I got you still now. Call 1031. >> That's 31. Okay, we're going to be 1031 on this vehicle. It's going to be a sit on 35 related vehicle moving violation southbound going 53 mph. Traffic is medium to heavy low base. [Music] the South Pine. Come up to 19th Avenue. Cross traffic. Come up to the uh driving theater. >> Looking around. Just be advised. They might try to run whenever they stop. >> Speeds are 45 and a 55 mph zone. Up to 52nd Street right now. Getting into the turn lane south to go. Doing a U-turn. Going back northbound. [Music] >> Where the car may go? >> We're northbound now. We're picking up speed going 78 miles hour. Coming up 31st Street 4000 block now. Still northbound slow now for the red lights. 464A. He blew the red light. Still north. Watch the red light. [Music] >> Void. Once Kilo gets in, get him primary right now. >> Sped up. I think you picked about 80 mph at this point. So maybe >> 3,300 block coming up 31st Street now. I got intersection block with traffic. >> Yeah, I got the intersection blocked off. I'm going wait for you guys to come through. >> He's turning back uh southbound going into a this parking area. This parking lot here. Can you get up here? [Music] >> He might go back. Get me stop sticks out the entrance, please. [Music] Looks like a black male driver. >> Go. >> All right, heading back out to the entrance. Heading back out to the entrance. Kilo, take primary. >> The vehicle was stopped after a roadside impact. >> That's 31. I'm out of it. I got my car signal seven. We're going northbound right now. Traffic. Stop. >> Hey, I think you hit my sticks in the uh median. >> Tires coming apart. Tire's coming apart. >> LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS NOW. LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS. >> If you run, YOU'RE GOING TO GET DOG BIT. IF YOU RUN, YOU'RE GOING TO GET DOG BIT. >> Officers were surprised to find that a minor passenger was also in the car. >> GET ON THE GROUND NOW. GET ON THE GROUND OR YOU'RE GOING TO GET DOG BIT. MA'AM, get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Bravo. We got one running, black male, red shirt. >> The driver was later identified as a 17year-old. >> I need one more unit here. 17th Avenue, please. >> All right, let me come. I have to breathe. >> I need to call more. >> You ain't calling nobody. >> Have a seat. >> Those cuffs locked now. Double locked. >> Yeah, they locked. They locked. Please don't tighten them no more. Please. >> I'm making sure they don't tighten. >> Hold on. Let me get my shoe right. Please let me get my shoe. Keep your feet up. Take my shoe off. >> Stop. Slide it. >> Let me slide it. Let me go. Let me go. At the station, the woman who was with him began providing key information, helping clarify the driver's legal situation. >> Mr. Rooker, I'm Detective Kern with the police department. Obviously, we got a lot to talk about. Okay. You know, I I think we kind of got off to a wrong foot while we're out there. We can agree on that, right? Okay. So, I want to write that ship and I'm here now so that you can help me kind of understand what the hell exactly is going on. Okay. Let's start from the beginning. How did Tequila's daughter get to you? >> She wasn't with me. She was with um Darian. So, I guess how did everybody come together? >> Um, I went and picked Darian up cuz I me and him were supposed to go door dashing and um I didn't know he had his niece, but then he got in the car and he said, "Oh, well, my sister want me to watch her baby, so she going to come with us." And I was like, "Oh, okay." That was it. And then we literally just got in Olla, like when everything happened, we just got out there. We were going to the hot spot, the Door Dash. The baby was in the back seat falling asleep and then um I laid my seat back and I was about to go to sleep. Then that's when I I woke up cuz he was like um they chasing us. They chasing us. Then I um I looked back and I seen the police. That was it. And then I just sat there because it was going on. I couldn't stop it. Like if I was to grab the wheel, anything, I could have made something go wrong. But I didn't want to say anything at first because I just didn't want to say anything cuz I didn't want to get anybody in trouble. Even though he had did what he did like it was it was his niece and stuff. Like it wasn't like I was just >> No. No. I get it. >> My own. But as I know in the end if if I would have just told him to stop the car, he wasn't going to stop. That's just what it was. >> Why is he running? >> Probably because um we had just smoked before we left the yard and he didn't want to get pulled over. He's on probation and stuff. So I'm I'm not sure why though. He literally tapped me. He was like they're chasing us and I woke up and then that's when I got up and I seen it was like probably one or two behind us at the time when he woke me up. But I was up pretty much the whole chase. I did lie at first. >> But you understand that doesn't put you in a good position, right? I know. So, I I understand that he's your he's your boyfriend. >> No. >> Okay. How are you all related? >> He's a friend of mine. We're all friends together. >> Okay. >> But yeah, >> their relationship was gradually revealed. >> So, you guys aren't dating or anything? >> No. >> Okay. You guys were going to go do door dashing? >> Okay. Like you do the door dashing. He was just going to ride with you. You both do it >> like he sometimes he'll just like get out for me and take the order to the door or something like that. Just we just do stuff like that. >> Okay. So, that's your car that he was driving. So, why let him drive? because he said he had uh restricts or something and I'm 21 so I assumed that >> right >> I believe you can have someone 21 or older with you >> but I'm I'm not sure for a fact that he has his restricts he just said he did and he knew how to drive >> I'm just kind of curious why is a 21-year-old hanging out with a 17-year-old >> well it's usually a bunch of us like a lot of us it's not just him he just he'll come with me like he works he like he don't got a job he can't get a job or whatever with all this whatever going on he has probation from get in trouble and stuff. So, we all it's 21 year olds, 22 year olds, 23 year olds. We all hang together. It's like a basically like a family. >> Okay. >> During questioning, the driver appeared anxious about what might happen next. >> Um, excuse me. >> Yeah. What you got? >> Is do you tell me what my charges is? Do you know? >> I don't know. I was in my office, but I'll get someone that was going to come talk to you. >> Please get them right now. Please, I please need to talk to him. >> Okay, I'll do that. You're welcome. Do you need a water or anything? >> Can I please get one? I'm just I'm just sorry, ma'am. I was trying to get home and I was scared. >> Okay. >> And then I don't got nothing. I was scared and then I was out on probation and I was driving. >> Okay. >> Because the girl Well, I was driving >> and then I was scared. >> I I I would have slowed down, but I I should have just slowed down. I was scared, miss. But can can the man who can read me my charges come back? >> I'm going to have him come get you. Okay. Talk to your wife. >> He explained why he decided to flee and expressed regret, acknowledging that his actions could have put others, including the child passenger, at risk. >> So, can you please tell me, sir? I'm just sorry, sir. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry, but for for everything, sir. The only reason why I didn't pull over is because I'm in a driver's seat and I was driving. >> Are you not supposed to be driving, >> sir? I I really don't know. Do you not You don't have a license? >> No, sir. But I was just driving, sir, because she she had a Caesar. >> She had one or she like has them all the time. >> Well, she had one. >> Okay. >> She had one and I just drove. So, I'm just sorry, but I The only reason why I got out and ran cuz I was scared. So, >> okay. >> I'm sorry. I don't got nothing. Didn't have nothing on me. >> Are you and Tia dating? >> Like, no. We like We not Well, >> y'all just hanging out? >> Yeah. It's like friends. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Like y'all just hang out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But can you please tell me this? Be real with me, sir. I'm going through a program. Be real with me, sir. >> So, yeah. So, real quick, um I know you said like like we know each other. I don't know if you like I actually work for the sheriff's office, right? >> Yes, sir. >> Ocala Police Department is actually the one that was trying to pull you over and all that. So, ultimately what happens as far as like the car chase and all that, that's going to be with them. >> How long? I'm going to pro I I viol low key violated probation cuz I was driving and then I did that with the name. >> What are you on probation for now? Remind me. >> Because you remember when you pulled me over up when y'all put me up over there up at the store 316 >> sir. Okay. >> Yeah, sir. Yeah. >> The only reason why I got pulled over because they say it was in the crime scene. Literally the girl, she didn't do nothing. She don't do nothing. She don't do nothing. She got all that stuff on her face. She don't do nothing. She tell me to stay out of trouble with sir. I should have just listen. I should stay home. We were going door dash. We were going to make some money. >> How long y'all been door dashing? >> We was we we were just about to go take her mom her stuff then go door dashing and then she was going to get back in the driver's seat when she get there. >> Sir, I should have I I saw y'all. Yes, I saw him behind me. I should The car was right there in front of me. I should have just pulled over. But the only reason why I didn't pull over because >> you don't have a license. You're violating >> and then I'm violating probation. I should have I should have thought I I'm sorry, sir. >> Further discussions also revealed additional legal issues related to this incident. >> I know you don't want to talk to me. I know you don't want to hear me out. >> Look, I always want to talk to you, man. Every time I've dealt with you, like this how I am. You know what I'm saying? Like I'm not I'm never mean. Like I don't I'm here to talk, right? >> Um I think it's understandable like okay, you're on probation for >> for that. Obviously now you're driving. You don't want to violate over something stupid like driving and not having a license. So, if you have the smallest chance of getting away, >> I would. I'm sorry. I I took it. I'm sorry. I should have just slowed down. Told them straight up. Y'all can do whatever. Call my mom. Let her drive me back home to her mom or something. Sir, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have did that. I should have just pulled over and just face it like a man. But all I can say is, do you think they're going to send me to a program or do you think they'll let me off of to put me on more more months of paper or just send me to court for 21 days? >> I honestly don't know. I don't know. I know that you're on for the the thing now you reminded me the thing. >> Yeah, the marijuana. >> That's not that is that all you have? Is that the first time you got on paper? >> That's the first time in Oh, sir. I swear I wasn't even going to sell the marijuana, sir. I swear I was just literally going to smoke it. Literally stay home. smoke. I literally just got done with a whole literally a whole lesson of school. That's how you know like whole lesson of school. So, >> right, >> we wanted to go Door Dash. I wanted to go Door Dash. I should have listened. >> Let Let me ask you this, man. This is this is kind of less about the um like today and all that. And I know I think the first time we met was when um when Splat was out there shooting at like DJ's house. You know what I'm talking about? Okay. The 17-year-old driver may face several charges, including evading or fleeing police, driving without a license, child endangerment, and probation violation. What kind of sentence or penalty do you think might result from these actions? Share your thoughts in the comments below. A 10-year-old girl was discovered in a concerning situation, prompting a careful response from local police. >> Have you ever seen our fight with her hands? anymore. >> On September 13th, 2024, Palm Beach County police responded to a troubling report involving a young girl. She was quickly taken to a safe place to ensure she received the care she needed. >> Rules in the house? Anything you're not allowed to do? >> I'm not allowed to close the door and that's it. What do >> you mean? You're not allowed to close the door. >> In our room, you're not allowed to close the door. >> Okay. All right. Um, with your mom, what do you guys do on together? We drive around. We don't see our friends. >> All right. How's your relationship with your brother? The one that's here. >> Good. >> And your sister? >> Good. >> What about Cedric? >> He's good. >> Okay. >> What about the relationship with your mom? >> He's good. >> Why is it good with her? >> Because how do you know when your mom is upset? Was he yell at us? >> Have you ever seen her fight with her hands? >> But my big brother. >> What do you mean? What did you do with him? >> Well, whenever I hand see um what happens when you're at home? You told us what happened when you're bad. What happens when you guys are good? >> Nothing. During the investigation, the girl described her living environment, which involved several unhealthy conditions that could negatively affect the child's development. >> Do you know what a is about alcohol? >> What's that? >> Have you ever seen anyone use alcohol? >> My mom, >> what did she use? >> My big brother. >> What do they use? Do they smoke or drink? Yes. Do they do both? They smoke and drink or do they smoke? >> Well, my big brother. We only smoke and my mom. >> All right. So, what does your mom smoke? And what does your brother smoke? >> She smoked. >> And what does how does she act after she uh smokes? >> She go to sleep. >> So, does she act the same or different? >> She she acts the same. >> What about your brother after he smokes? Is it the same or different? the same. >> After your mom drinks, is she the same or different? >> She go to the brand house. >> Do you know what a pack of cigarettes looks like? >> One. >> What's in a pack of cigarettes? >> Uh, they're green and white. >> How many are in there? >> A bunch or one? >> Five. >> Five. Does does mom ever make her own cigarettes? >> No, >> she does not make her owns. >> Oh, she do? Yes, she do. >> How did How does she do that? Can you describe that? >> First, she put something on it. >> Mhm. >> Then she and then she put a tape on it. >> Gotcha. >> Police took her statement while also offering reassurance and emotional support. >> Are you scared of anyone in around your home? >> No. >> All right. So the next question is if you were scared someone would tell my brother. >> All right. Do you have any you have any marks? Any ouchies? None of that. Just got to get a picture of you. Can you stand up for me, please? >> Come over here. >> I'm right here. >> Ready? What time do you guys get picked up from school? When school is over. Your mom's coming to get you. >> Yes. >> You did a good job. Would you like a little piece of candy? That's the reward for doing such a good job. You're very smart, by the way. Keep keep studying. Keep studying. You're doing very good. Very happy with you. Enjoy your candy. >> See you later. >> All right. Byebye. >> Bye. >> Oh, hang on. >> Yeah. One second. Hold on. >> Oh, no. No. He go. >> Yeah. Correct. Correct. When speaking with the mother, officers asked questions about her responsibility, but she repeatedly denied them. >> Can you please talk? >> BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO TALK to why we're here now. I was just outside when this took place. I can't tell you. >> Ma'am, all I'm trying to do is get my kids because I WORK FROM HOME. That's it. I didn't do anything. I didn't anybody. Look, there was allegations that came to the gym. >> So, it came up saying that the little girl, your daughter, had um a bustle in her eye. She said that you had her in the face yesterday multiple times. I got statements from the kids saying that yes, this child got hit yesterday, but there was different statements of how she got hit in her face yesterday of how many times she got hit in the face. >> Can I explain something? Can I explain something? Yes. Before y'all do all of this, because there's no need to do all of this. I don't have no background. I don't have no charges. I don't have no tickets. I don't have none of that. I take care of my kids. >> I did remove these kids back from you in the past in 2022 because >> 2022 >> when she got that hit on her. >> Okay. >> So, you remember I came out then. So, you don't have history. >> Having history because because someone has said I did something is different from having evidence. Now, I could hold Hold on. I could fall down. Hold on. >> No. I'm the one that dropped HER TO SCHOOL. I'M THE ONE THAT took a picture of them this morning before we left our house. >> I can show y'all. >> I can show y'all my pictures that I have of my kids this morning. >> That was not there. YOU KEEP BLOWING UP. >> Even the child is saying that she didn't see this in her eye this morning. She said she didn't see it. It was when she came to school. Friend was like, "Hey, your eye is red." >> Okay. So, if a if she had her face, >> excuse me. During the conversation, police also mentioned certain legal details dating back to 2022. >> Let's Let's We're all adults here. I'm pretty sure you have children. I'm pretty sure you have children. If my daughter, the one that y'all saying is making is just told you and y'all just heard this from her that she didn't leave her house like that. >> She said she didn't see it. >> Well, she has to look in the mirror cuz she brushes her teeth and washes her face. >> She said she didn't. >> Okay. Well, she say she didn't. She say she didn't. But she did say that you hit her in her in her face in her mouth. And your other son said the same thing. >> Well, I'm I'm here to tell you I did not hit nobody in their mouth. I did not bust nobody's make a pink eye or black eye. I didn't do any of that. I can show you >> them kids at all yesterday. >> No, I don't because of this homework. Yesterday during homework, what happened? >> They're do homework here. >> Yesterday when you called them into your bedroom while you was working, >> I don't call them in my bedroom. >> So you didn't call none of these children. All of these children gave me a lied statement. >> I don't know what they gave you. I don't know what they gave you. And you already know because of what you talking about 2022. You trying to use this right now to say that I did something. >> What I'm saying back then and what I said in 2022, if I fall down right now, I'm just going to get a that don't necessarily say my mom. I don't know. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME EVER HEARING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS EARLY. NO, the nurse called me earlier this morning. >> Did their homework yesterday? >> They did their homework in the living room, BUT THEY DO THEIR NORMAL work here in school yesterday. >> NO, MA'AM. WHERE'S THE NURSE? >> SO, your child wasn't ready. >> Where's the nurse? Where's the nurse? >> Mispronouncing these words. And you got frustrated. >> No, ma'am. The nurse called me this morning and said something about a a a red eye and she just told me she's going to send Mala back to her class because she's complaining, not complaining that her eye. Now I come here and then I get that I lose my child. >> 150 >> 15 North. >> The information gathering process continued quickly. >> Was I mean 33? Like this is crazy. >> All right. Where is Nathaniel? >> He stays with his dad and you know that. Ma'am, >> where is uh Cedric? >> He's home. >> How old is Cedric now? >> 17. >> He's back in Bglade. >> We all reside in Belg. >> Why do they go here? just because it's a different school or >> No, it's because the McKenzie McKenna video act says that being homeless sharing hardship we qualified to come to this school. >> But whose address you using? The mayor cell. >> That's a friend's address. >> Okay. I'm just asking >> the other address which he provided me with the address. >> He gave 1508. >> I gave that to her. >> Yeah. I know. >> Mom, what's a good phone number for you? >> The same one. >> All right. You have any family members that these kids go with until um we can figure out a plan? >> Yeah, they're auntie. This is not even necessary. No. Is it? I'm maternal. Paternal arm. >> What's her name? >> Nila Cooper. >> N. >> Where she live? >> Four street Florida. Seven. >> What's a good phone number for her? >> The mother gradually became tense as she realized the seriousness of the situation. Can I take these off to get it out my phone? >> How many um kids are here of hers? Two. Three. Sir, please don't. Please don't arrest me for what? Sir, >> sir, look what I'm going through. Look what I'm going through because somebody said I did something that I didn't do. I've never been to jail. >> And I didn't get out. I didn't get out loud. >> Have a seat. >> NO, BECAUSE I'M WONDERING WHY AM I being here? You're going to jail because your daughter >> bed they're in after they're all together. So they're all together. >> Where's your home? >> My car. No, it's parked on the side of the street down there. >> Okay. So if you guys >> I need to bring her out to my truck. >> Let me figure out if we're >> Please don't do that to me. That's That's crazy. Please don't do that. >> Let's see. My supervisors here are >> I'm so sorry. I didn't know THAT. I'M NOT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. I swear I didn't do anything. >> Well, that's >> We're going to document that. >> This is crazy. This is crazy. >> Please don't do this to me. Can I stick with a sergeant? >> This is my sergeant. >> That's me. >> I am the sergeant. And we're going off based off the statements from your children and injuries to your daughter. They didn't happen at school. Ma'am, I love what she said. >> Please listen to me. Can you please listen? >> I'm listening. >> You ran my name. >> I never ran your name. >> I didn't run your name. >> Okay. Well, ma'am, if you run my name, I have no criminal record. >> I I've never had I've never never have any one of my children. Yes, I might have did corporation in the past, but they gave me parenting for that. And I learned my lesson. They took my kids already. I did learn my lesson and I haven't been I haven't been nothing to my kids but a loving mother to my kids. >> It's not reasonable for a child coming in here. >> But the thing is she wasn't like that when she left Friday. She wasn't like that when when she came in. I can I show you the picture? Can I please show you the picture? Ma'am, >> why would you take a picture of her? >> I always take I always take pictures of them. I take pictures of them since the first day school started with their uniform. Officers then took her in to complete the required procedures. >> Where's your car? It's way back down there. >> No, my car is this way. >> No, his car. You need to go get your vehicle. >> All right, I'll come around. You got >> rather go out in front of all the parents. >> Right. >> So, they'll be right back in the school. >> All right, let's go out the back. So, we don't have to go. >> All right, let's walk this way. >> But hey, Sergeant, I still got to get my car. >> Can I use the bathroom? >> And these are really tight, sir. >> I'll have to adjust them when I get out to my truck. >> I did give a statement. I said I didn't do anything. All right. I'm going to be double once I get another pair for my truck. >> Can I please use the restroom? >> Well, my truck, I think. >> All right. So, you going to >> You have to lean forward. >> I'm sorry. Ow. These are really tight. Got to go right here and then we're going to walk around. >> Can I please use the restroom cuz I know this is going to be a long process before I get to use the restroom. >> Yeah. I need contraband on you. >> Contraband. >> Such needles. >> No needles. I have my because it's my >> my It's good that you tell us now because if we find it at the >> I have my card lift up a little bit. >> Yeah, I know. >> You should be trying to get I can't even see. >> Do you want me to do it? >> You going to be able to see these for >> You got to bend forward. >> Yes. My wrist is is twisted. >> I'm trying to Here we go. You got it. >> You got it. >> Yeah. I'm pulling it apart. >> All right. Lean up. Lean up. >> Okay. Oh, lean backwards. >> Yeah. Try to get your arm out a little bit. >> I'm trying and it's not working. >> Yeah. Let me get this one over here. Just relax. >> I'm relaxed, but it's just getting tighter. Going to loosen it. >> Okay. Going to get tight. >> There you go. And they're not tight, sir. >> Well, they're not built for comfort. That's why I'm putting two on you right now to get it more comfortable. I only have one pair. >> Okay. But we'll make you more comfortable. You work with us, we'll work with you. >> All right. >> All right. You're going to do the bathroom. >> Yeah. Where's the bathroom? >> I don't think it might be out here. That's right. >> No, it says staff restaurant on the door. >> Before you go in, >> the marijuana, put it up here. >> Yeah. >> Through the investigation, police gathered multiple pieces of evidence and testimony, leading to the decision to remove the girl from the unsafe environment. The mother faced charges of aggravated child abuse and was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail with bail set at $50,000. [Music] >> You know where my car is at. >> Was where you parked it? >> Uh the lady said that she was going to park it. >> Okay, I'll give him the key. >> Okay. I don't know what to say. You can pick up the arms. >> I'm not going to have a car. >> I need somebody to pick it up. Or somebody can pick you up and drive you here. I'll be here tomorrow. >> What time do you come here? >> I have 7:00 tomorrow. >> 7:00. Pick it up. >> So, what kind of car is it? >> It's a a Toyota Camry 2022. >> Can I ask you something real quick? No. I look past a little down from the bus, but ma'am, can I ask you something really quick? cuz I've never been. >> Every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, patience, and proper care. Above all, it takes a united community. Anyone can play a part in noticing the warning signs and helping protect children. What would you do if in the middle of the night, two young children were found unsupervised in a hallway while their mother couldn't be located? >> So, you already made the decision and you left knowing that there was no adult to your present to watch your kids, correct? >> Yes. On the night of April 10th, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida, police received an emergency call about two young girls unsupervised wandering the hallway of an apartment building. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and gathered information from witnesses and neighbors. >> My sister got the two babies in her house right now. The apartment with no signs of the mama. The neighbor came and told me say it's two little girls at a door. They crying and screaming money. And I came out to see what was going on. And I see the two little girls was standing at the door crying, but I was scared to go inside, you know, to see. But I see the camera was missing off her door and her car not out here. So, I don't know. I didn't go inside. I I I don't I don't know. My sister do got the two little girls, but we still don't see any signs of the mama. >> Do you usually see her? >> I see her in the daytime. >> Let's go check out the place that has an open door. The kids came out of just hang out. West Palm Beach Police. >> West Palm Beach Police. >> If you in here, >> how long has your neighbor been living here? >> I'm not sure. She been a minute, though. >> Been a minute? >> Yeah. Do >> you know roughly what car she may be driving? >> I think she got a Nissan something. Central something. >> And she normally stays here with her and the kids. No other adults? >> Not that I know of. >> So, okay. You guys haven't uh heard anything that would cause her like to panic and run or anything? >> Cuz right now, the two kids are in your apartment. >> Yeah. Got him. >> Hey man, I'm really sorry to wake you up like this. You don't stay in apartment or know anyone that stays in apartment? >> Yeah, someone stayed there. >> Do you know who she is? >> I don't know. I don't know her name, though. >> You don't know her name? >> No. >> You don't know where she went? Because her two kids were left home alone. >> No, I don't know. >> Yeah. And the kids got out. >> No, she she was right. Paul >> parked right in front of you. >> Yeah, she p right in front of me. >> Do you know what time she left at? >> No. When I was when I came here, I kept sleeping for about an hour or so. And >> she wasn't here. >> She was here during the time before I went to sleep. The car was here. So when you pulled here and parked, the car was here and then you kind of went to sleep and you didn't see her since then. No. >> Okay. You're not in trouble or nothing. Dad, I was going to sit there and say we're trying to find out where she's at, why she would leave her two kids behind. >> All right. Sure. Well, I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Okay. You're welcome. >> You have a good night, man. >> You too. >> Not long after, the mother contacted the police herself. However, her explanation drew considerable attention. >> Hello. >> Hello. Hi. Is this Mariah? >> Yes. >> Yes. We're waiting for you so that we can leave. Got the children. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. I went to go to the store and I just left for like a couple of seconds. Okay. I haven't been gone long. >> Okay. No worries. We just got to go. >> I work I work from home. >> Yeah, I work from home. So everything I got to do I got to do after 9. No worries. >> So So I just wanted to clarify that like I was only gone for a second. Was they did they walk out? >> They they walked out and they walked out and the the neighbor called them. It's all good. We just uh got to make sure that they go to you so that we can you know leave. We can't cuz you know they're not. >> I told my dad I told my dad um to come there just in case. Um >> how long are you going to be here though? >> I'm like 20 minutes. >> All right, cool. Thank you. We'll be here waiting. >> All right. Byebye. >> Byebye. >> When she returned, her account of the time she was away conflicted with what officers had already documented. >> Was right there at 101, but then my camera skipped and then at 10:35 wasn't there. >> Hey, just uh 14. The mom's car has been gone since at least 10:35. >> He got a hold of her. She's about 15 20 minutes out and she's on the way. >> Now, before we ask question >> Yeah, that's my cousin. >> I'm is um >> No, you're good. >> What's I >> just just listen. >> Okay, I'm sorry. >> I'll answer you question. All right. You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. Do you understand? >> Yes. And I have the right I'm sorry. >> I'm gonna read this and I'm going explain everything. All right. >> Okay. Don't take my kids, please. >> Just give me one second. Okay. >> You have the right You have the right to the presence of a lawyer in the toy before you make any statement during push. >> Okay. Okay. Yes. >> Just let me get through this then we'll get to it. Okay. >> Okay. >> If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to the presence of a court lawyer. >> Yes. >> Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Any statement can be made you law. Do you understand that? >> Yes. Any statement you make must be freely and voluntarily given. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> With that, with your rights in mind, do you want to talk to us? >> Yes. I work from 9:00 to 5:00. Okay. I just started a job. Okay. >> Not 9 to5. I work from oh 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. I needed to go just get groceries right quick and get some gas and do other stuff. I don't have time during the day. Even though they're at daycare, I only get 30 to 45 minutes of break time. >> What store did you go to? I >> went to Walmart. Got some gas. Cuz this one right here closed early. >> That's my auntie. It was one one second. >> I went to the one in front. You went to Walmart. >> I got gas before I got before I left. >> Around what time? >> 10:11. >> 10:11. >> Yes. Like it wasn't like long. >> The Walmart. You were at You were at 10. >> Yeah. >> 10:11. You were at Walmart? >> Yeah. But I got there. Yes. Yes. I had to go get gas. Got there real quick. What >> time did you get there? >> I don't know like 10ish. Like close to being 11:00. It It's right there. The gas station is right there. I wasn't going long. I was just out trying to handle some stuff. That's all I was trying to do. They were sleep. I have cameras in there. My other daughter, she's sick. She has a cold. It's cold out here. I wasn't trying to bring her out. I was being considerate. Don't Don't get me wrong. I was being considerate and I was being understanding. >> What time did you say you left? >> I got ready, got dressed, took a shower. Maybe like 10:50 cuz it was between 1050. >> Between 10 and 11:00. It was between 10:00 and 11:00. >> You left here 10:50. >> Yeah, like 10:50, 10:40ish. Like somewhere around there. >> That's when you went to >> get gas. I took a shower and I went to to store went to Walmart and then I went to go grab something to eat cuz I was already home. >> Where did you go on the call? >> I think I went to McDonald's. >> Even knowing no one was home, she still chose to leave. It might have been due to urgent matters or stress and lack of support. But whatever the reason, the potential risks were significant. >> Start asking her a couple questions. Once she's done, then we'll go from there. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, in the meanwhile, if you want to hang out over there real quick. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> My dad was supposed to come over, but he bailed on me like last minute. Was he there when you left? So, no, no one was there when you left. >> No, he was supposed to come, but he bailed on me last minute like he always does. >> So, even though he said he wasn't coming, you still >> Oh, I told my dad. I said, "Hey, like I'm going to be going to the store. I'll be right back." That's why I said my dad was coming. >> The question was even though he wasn't >> even though he bailed on you, >> you still I needed groceries. I don't have barely any groceries. >> When uh we called, where were you at? >> When I called, I was on the highway. When my auntie called me, I was on the highway. I was heading back. >> Heading back from >> I'm heading back from where I was. I had after I had went to the store, got some food. I'm sorry. I went to go to drop off some food at my friend's house cuz he had asked for some food. So, I drop off some food soup and I said I was heading home. That's it. >> So, after McDonald's, you went to go drop off food. >> Yes. And that's it. I >> I have I have a question for you real quick. So, just for clarification purposes, you went to get food at McDonald's. You went to the Walmart to get groceries. >> No, I went to go get gas. My gas. >> I was already on Eve, so I went to go get some gas. I already planned on getting gas. I just never had gotten gas. I was supposed to get gas yesterday. >> So, you got gas and then you went to >> I went to Walmart to get >> Did you come back home and drop your groceries off or anything you purchased at Walmart? >> Yes, I think I No. No, I did not. I didn't. >> So, so there's no groceries inside your car from Walmart. So, you didn't purchase anything from Walmart? >> You said if I purchased anything? Yes, I did. I had got some food. Some >> So, that's in your car right now though? >> It's a little bit of food. >> The groceries that you purchased that you had to go out to the store for? >> No. >> So, you didn't get groceries at Walmart? >> No, I was No, I was supposed to go to Walmart. I stopped at Walmart. Didn't go to Walmart. And I had got something to eat. I didn't get I was supposed to get groceries, but I didn't get groceries. >> You said you did. >> I was supposed to get groceries, but I didn't get groceries. I have the bag right here. I have the bag right here. >> McDonald's? >> Yes. I get my food. >> So, after you dropped off food at your friend's house, that's when you got a call from us and you started heading back. >> Yes. Mentally, I needed to get out cuz I was already stuck in the house for it was 10 hours. >> So, 10:40 to 12:40. >> 10:30 I left in. Yeah. So, 10:40. between 10:00 and 11:00 and then you arrived, but you only arrived because we called you. Correct. >> I was already coming back. >> I was already on my way back. When she called me, I said, "Auntie, I'm already on the way back." I kept the baby gate locked and I made sure everything was secured. I have my cameras. >> There was supposed to be a Ring camera right there. So, that probably would have notified me that y'all was there. >> Given the risks involved, authorities ensured the children were placed in safe care while addressing the situation responsibly. >> Did they notify you when we were in there checking? >> No, we didn't. No. Okay. The other question I'm going to ask, I see that you're very prepared with everything like that. You said your dad, right, was supposed to come, >> William, >> but then he backed out last second. >> He's always backing out. >> Okay. But then you still decided that make sure >> I let him know like, "Hey, Dad, this is what I'm going to do." >> So, you already made the decision. You left knowing that there was no adult to your present to watch your kids. Correct. >> Yes. There was no way I would have had to do it in the morning because then it would have been another day going by. I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it. >> Now, uh, your kids don't have any fevers, right? They just have the coffee. >> Yeah. They said she didn't have a fever. >> So, two days sick, unknown fever, anything like that. We haven't called and schedule appointment for That's what I did. That's what I did today. They They both have an appointment. >> What day? >> Tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. At what time? >> 9 8:30. So, yeah, that's what I was supposed to be taking them tomorrow. That's literally it. And I was the car. >> I do apologize for this. So, you have been placed under arrest for >> Okay. Okay. >> How long will I be? >> Are you going to go to the jail tonight? You can bond out uh in the morning. >> Okay. Uh, however, DCF will update your kids though. >> Today. When will I get them back? >> Whenever you go talk to DCF and they'll go do a a study, check to make sure that your house is okay. And they may, if your aunt is still here, when they get here, they may turn the the kids over to her. >> I mean, I've been in DCF and I'm not a bad mom. And I >> Please don't take this as we think you're a bad mom. It's just however that the time frames and everything that we have. >> Take your phone. >> Yeah, you can take everything you want. You take your phone. You can take your watch. >> Can I talk to my kids, please? >> I want them to see your >> Okay. Um, I'm Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> I'll tell you aunts. Okay. >> Police continued with standard procedures to ensure the children's long-term safety. >> She's been go to jail for child. >> Okay. Okay. >> Hold on, sis. You can listen if you want to. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's fine. So, she's going to go to jail for child. The fact that you have a 2-year-old and younger home alone and that she has time between the early morning of daycare to the time it starts her work to go and run her errands. She is now using this time knowingly the kids without an adult present. and the fact we know who knows what could have happened. They could have got something, swallowed something, whatever. So, um Okay. >> Okay. So, um what about >> So, DCF is being is has been notified already. Would you be willing to take cussy of the kids tonight if the DCF's okay with that? >> Yeah, if you bring them. Yes, I can take them home. >> Okay. So, I'll make sure that we get your >> We're at um my dad's house. >> Your dad's house. The dad supposedly she's saying was supposed to watch my dad, which is her granddad. Her grandfather. >> Oh, well, I apologize. You look very young. So, we're not allowing her to see the kids. I don't want the kids to see her like this. >> Yeah. >> Can I go over there? >> Yeah, you can go. You just can't go approach them. You You can go to like right here. Yeah. >> When I get When I get found out tomorrow, when I see my kid, where do I go to see my kid? I'm a bad mother. >> No, no, no. So, I I already told her what's going to happen. DCF is going to have contact with her. I'll make sure they reach out to her to help you out and and go from there. Okay. >> Well, I get them. >> Okay. So, >> so I'm just staying in Joe tonight. >> Tonight until tomorrow morning until you post bond. Yeah. keys to the car to the apartment and her purse with all her IDs and stuff. >> Thank you so much. >> Her her Apple Watch is in there, too. Okay. So, what she's going to do is she's going to make sure you got no contraband on you. And we leave here and we go to the county jail. Anything that they find contraband there within it's a felony charge. >> I don't have anything. Trust me, I'm not a bad person, y'all. I don't got nothing. I don't I don't I don't [Music] >> The mother now faces a charge of child. Under Florida law, this offense can carry up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a maximum fine of $5,000. However, looking beyond this case, many young parents need stronger support systems to avoid being pushed into risky choices. This is not only a family responsibility. It's a shared duty of the entire community. Behind the image of two children running across the street in Illinois lies more than just a legal story. It's a wakeup call about parental responsibility. >> You got the You got the what? >> I'm not in no violation, sir. >> I didn't ask for. >> We just got out the club. I don't want to go to jail. On September 2nd, 2025, police received an emergency call about two small children were spotted near a busy roadway, prompting immediate assistance from nearby adults and police. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and approached the mother along with her one and two-year-old children. >> Oh, why don't your kids have any clothes on them? >> Cuz she we they took them off. We just got out the tub. >> You got the You got the what? >> I'm not in no violation, sir. >> I didn't ask where >> we just got out the tub. I don't want to go to jail. We just got out the sub. What's What's your name? >> More probation. >> Okay. Why don't your kids have clothes on them? >> We just got the tub. We just heard the most news about my mom. We just heard the news about my mom. >> You were giving them baths. >> Yes. >> Okay. What happened to their clothes though? >> I just took them out and put them peppers on. >> Okay. >> Am I in trouble for that? >> Hang hang tight for me. Okay. Yeah, they seem to be okay. They just want to have clothes on. >> And she's obviously she's she's blasted. Uh, this lady, the driver, picked him up from somewhere on Western. Gave him a ride over here. Good Samaritan. She's heavily intoxicated, impaired. Kids don't have any clothes on. She put a diaper on one of the kids. The other kid doesn't have anything on. So, just trying to get to the bottom of that. >> Kids or >> They're both your kids, right, L? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, do a little L. How old are they? >> One and two. >> One and two. Okay. Yeah, feel free. >> The bright spot in this situation was the woman who noticed and stepped in to help. Sometimes the community becomes the key link in protecting children. >> Hey, Wells, give me his phone. Uh, can you can you give me can you point me in the right direction here? So, we're over here on Glendale and uh Wayne, and this lady gives a mother and her her one and 2-year-old kids a ride to this address from somewhere on West. uh mother is heavily impaired. I don't know by what. The two kids at the time they didn't have any clothes on. They were in the middle of the street over there, but she has since put a diaper on one of them. And so when I asked mom about it, she said, "Well, we just got the we just got the that's all the reason I have for why they don't have a diaper." And so I we're getting everybody's information, but I'm kind of wondering no criminal statue stands out to me other than possibly if your kids run it out on the road. No clothes. Are you following me so far? >> Okay. Are you accounting 49ers? >> Yeah. She This lady in the in the car is just being a good smurf. She didn't ask for anything. Just gave her a ride. She felt bad. So, kids are still in this good Samaritan's car and mom is over at this house on the side of the road. However, children in the care of strangers without supervision still carries serious risks. Police had to report the case to higher authorities for proper handling. >> Go ahead and let me know what's going on and I'll set this up how I need to. >> Sure. So, Haley called us because she gave the mother and the two children a ride from the other side of town just acting as a good Samaritan. Uh when she first made contact with the kid or the the little boy, she found the little boy naked in the middle of Southwestern, which is a a heavily trafficked road. And then she saw a mother, the baby girl, uh come out of a nearby residence. Uh she gave all three of them a ride over to where we are now. Neither child >> the home address. >> No, not to I think they were coming from home. So they were coming over here to to be with a a relative. >> Okay. So Okay. So where are they at right now? >> We are at the relative's house. We are not at their house. She gave them a ride over here. Neither child had any clothes on. They were both butt naked. I think after they got here, she said she put a diaper >> on the little boy. >> On the little boy. But when I pulled up the female, the little baby girl was still naked. >> Still naked now. >> Still naked now. Okay. When you pulled up, the little female was still next to inside the home or outside. >> So, the two kids were in the vehicle, the good Samaritan's vehicle, Haley's vehicle. Haley, because she called us, she was waiting on the side of the road to talk to me. She still had the kids in her car. >> Okay. Okay. >> And then mother was in the relative's house here at 717 Wayne. My partner had which you heard him say that she'd been in there for eight minutes uh without any fear for her kids' safety. In the end, the mother also had to face legal responsibility. >> The health and life of your children. >> Don't stop resisting. >> How did I resist? >> How did I resist? >> But now my kids [Applause] coming to take protective custody. >> Yeah, they're going to escalate it. My kids my kids. >> Hey Kia, will you make sure she didn't got nothing stashed? >> They trying to me. Please. No. Please explain to me. HOW DID I MY KIDS? NO. EXPLAIN to me now. >> Nobody. >> I didn't do nothing. I didn't do nothing though. >> WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO >> COME ON. THANKS FOR >> I didn't do nothing though. >> I didn't do nothing. >> You said I didn't do nothing about kids. Am I right or wrong? >> Hey, Mrs. Searcher, real quick. Okay, >> we just got to pass you down. Make sure you don't have anything you shouldn't. Okay, >> I don't have nothing. >> Why are you y'all doing me like that? I didn't do nothing for my kids. Stop trying to get my kids in the car. >> I didn't do nothing. I WANT MY >> WELL, YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT NOW. GET IN THE CAR. >> GET IN THE CAR. >> Get in. No. >> Get in the car. Get in the car. >> I didn't do nothing wrong. >> Get in your car. >> Why are you playing recording? >> And it's recording. >> GET YOUR FOOT IN THE CAR. >> WHAT DID I DO WRONG? Get >> my foot in there. >> Come on now. >> Incredible. >> She became emotional while explaining her side of the story. Though the situation highlighted how quickly things can go wrong when supervision lapses. >> What did I do wrong? >> Yes, ma'am. >> WHAT DID I DO WRONG? PLEASE TALK TO ME. >> YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN. >> I didn't DO NOTHING. >> NO, CUZ I did it. I didn't do nothing. You want to know? I'm going to tell YOU WHY. >> PLEASE LET ME OUT AND LET ME KNOW THEN >> and I'll give you all rights to taste. >> Nobody's tased you. You got to stop. If you want to know why you're going to jail, you left your car in your children in a room. You want me to tell you? >> You want me to tell you? You want me to tell you? You got to stop. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> See people. >> Okay. Your kids in a car with a complete stranger for 8 minutes. Doesn't matter if she gave you a ride or not. What would have stopped her from taking off with your kid? I'm wrong. >> That is definitely wrong. I know you love your kids, but you can't your kids in a >> What am I going to >> the health and life of your children? That is the charge. >> But I'm going to get [ __ ] away from my kids for 8 years. >> You should have thought about that before I did what you did. >> The mother was charged with childment and resisting arrest. Under Arizona law, she could face up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Behind the incident may lie unresolved personal pressures, but no matter the reason, a child's safety must always come first. These four stories remind us how important it is for everyone to act responsibly when caring for children. Each case serves as a reminder that a child's safety must always come first. And sometimes timely awareness and collective care from families, neighbors, or law enforcement can make all the difference in a child's safety. What do you think is the most meaningful lesson from these events? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to like and subscribe to join us on our journey of exploring real life legal stories from different perspectives. [Music]