These adults became emotional when confronted with the results of their choices, not realizing how many times the [music] children had already been affected by those same actions. >> Look away from me. >> They were found outside no shoes >> like this. >> Yeah. >> Got a little corner baggie of a green leafy substance. >> Did not account for your 3-year-old for 45 minutes. >> Me the stomach. And I haven't ate all day. So it really >> in this video you'll see the delicate line between oversight and accountability, between parental love and responsibilities that still need to be met. >> Would you have to discipline her? >> She denied all concerns, unaware that the visible signs on the child's body were already raising serious questions. On December 24th, 2023, police received a call from a passerby reporting a 10-year-old girl standing alone in the road waving for help. She asked to be taken to her grandfather's house because she did not want to return home. The woman kept her safe in the car and called the police. >> Which you live in building 23? >> I do. >> Okay. And then she ran out when you were coming home. >> Um yeah. So I I don't know if Well, I guess you came from that way, but uh I came from the other entrance and I was going up the hill. >> Okay. >> Before I turned left to go down this hill, she was just standing at the corner waving me down >> like out on the street. >> Yeah. >> Okay. like the apartment complex road. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Um and so I pulled over, pulled out my window, and she asked me if I could drive her somewhere, and so I wasn't sure if it was her house or anything, so I just had her come sit in the vehicle so I could see how far it was and ask her all these questions. >> It's about an hour away. It's her grandpa's. I didn't feel comfortable without her mom knowing. So I I told her, "We're just going to call the police and see what they can do." She just doesn't feel safe going home. >> Sure. Does she know where she lives? Like her >> She does. Yeah, she uh she lives in these apartments just up the hill. >> Up the hill. Okay. Um and then I think just about to mention she has >> Yeah, I didn't She does have like a little her forehead. I guess it happened yesterday. >> Okay. >> Um >> she didn't mention anything about like mom. >> Yes. >> After we talked about it a little bit more, has mentioned her mom actually. >> Okay. >> And has history in the police system. I believe she said she would go to the fort, >> stuff like that. So, >> okay. She's just fine in there by herself. >> She's I mean, she's a little she's crying every once in a while. Probably just scared. >> Okay. Do you have your ID? >> Uh, I can grab out the vehicle. >> Yeah, that's fine. If you just want to get it and have her I can come talk to her. Which side is she on? As officers approached, the picture began to emerge that her mother was facing emotional difficulties and often directed her frustration toward her, spoken in a voice shaped by quiet endurance, something no child should have to carry. >> I I guess I'm just trying to get more information as to what what's going on here. Just try to figure out what's what's happening. Um, you ever talked to the police before? >> Yeah. Okay. >> And Anak was telling me that you you live around here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Kind of far. Um, well, I mean, just tell me what's what's happening. What's going on? >> Um, this morning I got up. >> My mom told me that >> while the house was probably like clean from the last I woke up, she told me to clean and today she said that we're going to go see Seattle lights. >> Okay. >> But then she like, "No, we're not going to go." And then um we went to take out garbage and she told me to look for something. She told me to look for shoe or whatever in the car and then I couldn't find it and I said it wasn't there and then she said then she shut up and then she put me in the corner and then she me and then me and she told me to stay in the corner and the top is all pin. >> Okay. >> She has PTSD for the military. Okay. >> And she always gets mad at me >> for no reason sometimes. When you said she's >> Sorry, I know it's hard, but could you like What does that What does that look like? >> Like this. >> Yeah. >> Sometimes she uses a fence like does this like that? >> And this morning when she told me to go to the corner, she pushes my head to like the wall quarter part. >> Yeah. >> And sometimes when she tells me to go to the corner, she goes to sleep and she forgets to tell me to get out of the corner and she forgets to tell me. So sometimes I just stand there all day until I fall asleep. And then the next morning she told me to get out of bed or get out of the corner. And then she tells me to start cleaning again. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. >> Me a lot. Even we used to live in with my grandpa. >> Yeah. >> He used to take care of when my mom used to work. >> Is that that's who you were trying to go visit now? You were trying to get to your grandpa >> so he could talk to her. He's the only person that she'll listen to. She'll listen to. But after a while, she just goes back to normal. >> Okay. Um that's >> I tried to go see my grandpa so I get home about what's happening cuz she said that she wouldn't care if I ran away. >> She's like cuz my other brother and sister she had to run away before >> and my dad left when I was three and my brothers and sisters is they're my half brothers and sisters. So their dad took them away and so my mom has a lot of trauma and their my dad used to be >> okay >> cuz he was a drunk. So, my mom had a lot of trauma and so she just takes it out of me. She told me that the reason why he left was because of me. >> Wow. >> Yeah, that's that's horrible. I'm sorry. >> Throughout the conversation, the girl did not exaggerate or accuse. She simply tried to explain her sadness in the language of an adult. It showed how children sometimes grow up too soon because of their circumstances. And in the end, her only source of comfort was her grandfather. Um, >> how long ago did you leave today? >> What? >> When did you leave the house or when did you leave your apartment? >> Around 3:25. >> Yeah. Did you like look at a clock or something like that to see what time it was? >> Cuz I I had my boots on cuz like I said, we went to go take out the garbage. We came inside. I didn't have to take off my shoes cuz you just told me to go straight to the corner. >> Yeah. >> And then she pushed my head in there and then I still have my jacket on and stuff so we didn't have to like grab stuff. >> You said she pushed your head in the corner. >> Yeah. hit like the wall or anything? >> Yes, it did. >> Could you show me where? >> Right here. >> Okay. >> And she hit me a lot and I I never I kind of afraid when I if you want to close your eyes. It's really bright. I just want to see it real quick. Okay. Sorry. Like a super bright flashlight. Um you said she hit you other than that today. She to me I fell asleep reading a book when I was supposed to be cleaning and she to me with her she had the shoes on. I don't know what she was doing. I think she was about to leave today and she's about to leave so she hit me really hard in the stomach cuz I was like this like and I had the book like this cuz I was like laying down reading the book in the stomach and I haven't ate all day so it really >> Do you have like markings on your stomach or burn any type or anything from it? I used to have a lot of where I lived at my grandpa's. She pushed me on my back and I got this huge my knee and started bleeding. >> Okay. Okay. All right. Um and then after so just after she pushed you into the wall like you were standing in the corner so she like she pushed you in there. >> Is that when you left? >> No. As soon as we got inside, I said that I didn't want I said that I didn't want to be there and I asked her if she would care and she said no. She didn't care. And then she said that as she said that she wouldn't care when word and then if I left. So I walked straight out the door cuz she was watch started watching a movie while she was getting ready. >> Okay. >> To go somewhere. I don't know where. So it gave me it was very loud. So I gave me I locked the door. And then I walked out and I made I had to make a lot of decisions cuz I wasn't afraid that I would find anybody to drive me to my grandpa and luckily I found her. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's a really good thing cuz really nice person. Um so that that's that's a pretty nasty bump on the head. Um I'd like to call a firefighter out here to like look at you just to make sure like you're okay like you know to see how bad that would you be willing to like talk to them, have them come out. They bring like a cool fire truck and everything. Show up in uniform. That's cool. Um >> my mom me a lot. >> Yeah. >> We used to live in a trailer because my mom couldn't afford a house. >> And the reason why I wanted to my grandpa because he used to take care of these before. >> Okay. When did you said this happened right right before you left? So like 3 >> at 250. >> Okay. Okay. >> So I stayed there for a good 40 minutes crying. She said, "Holy shit." She was on the phone with somebody and then she's like, "Oh." And she yelled at me and she put the phone on mute because I could hear it and then like quiet. She said, "Shut up." And then I quiet and I was like sniffling and she came out and then she pushed the head of the door and then I decided to leave. >> Gotcha. She turned out we were going to go see Seattle lights. We were going to go see Seattle lights. And then she's like, "Oh no, we can't go cuz you're such a crybaby. You never listen to me." Even though I never did anything cuz she was up back there. If she gets mad at you, no reason. If she picks up reason to get mad at you. >> Sure. Yeah, it sounds horrible. I'm sorry. Um, let me, like I said, let me let me call somebody just to make sure you're okay cuz anytime you your head, it it's it can be serious. So, we want to definitely, you know, make sure that you're okay. So, I'll call for that. Um, what's what's the name of your mom? >> Darla. Yeah, she went to jail before like three other times. >> Yeah. >> For she broke the sign on the reservation. >> She went to jail because u she said she she went to a PTSD and she started a sign. She went to jail before. >> Okay. >> So, I'm not sure if you like talk to her or something, she might get mad. >> Yeah, we'll talk to her for sure. >> I'm afraid if I go back to her, she's me again. >> Do you have like your grandpa's phone number or anything? >> I used to when I vlog. >> Okay. Do you know his name? Her words were reinforced by the visible signs [music] that concerned officers, prompting them to take the next steps to both reassure her and ensure her safety in line with the community's role in protecting children. >> We're just going to check out that that bump that she got on the forehead. Okay. >> Um stand in the corner. >> Um I wasn't going to stand like my head was on the corner. You pushed my head on the corner. I had to hit the door like >> I hit the door. routing. >> Is that the only right now? Do you have any other >> right there? Is that from from the same thing or is that a different It is the same thing. >> We're going to we're going to take her to the station, have her hang out with our staff over there. >> We don't have enough bodies today. Go to Mary Bridge. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, >> all right. >> I'll have CPS take her eventually. >> Yeah, we got it's warm. >> We got good people over there. So, >> you ever been been in a ride in a cop car? >> You just in the front seat. You want >> Maybe we'll turn the lights on for you. >> They won't even put you in handcuffs. [laughter] >> They made me wear handcuffs. Okay. So, that's the plan. We're going to take you to the station, okay? Where it's warm. >> We got a little nice game room and some snacks and stuff. Okay. All right. We got some We got some really nice people over there. All right. Okay. So, make sure you stay warm. Okay. Uh Okay. So, what you want to do is I can take her or I can >> Has anyone explained to you what's going to happen? >> Yeah. I kind of briefly told her we're going to take the station. Uh, >> so CPS is going to be involved in cordway. >> We called somebody to come and and help you out, right? Child protective services. Okay. They're going to come and you're just going to talk to you. They're going to right now we're going to take you to the police station and then they're going to meet you there. Okay. You're going to try to reach out to your mom to find out more what's going on. Um, but they can probably I gave them your your grandpa's information. So, they're going to try to reach out to him as well, right? Get in there cuz that's where you want to go, right? Okay, cool. And then they told you you'll be riding in one of our cars. You got any questions for me though? I know this this is a lot right now and there's a lot of people and a lot of lights and stuff. Um just trying to help you out. Want to make sure you're okay. You have >> Yeah. >> So, how you want to contact um after we drop off? Cuz she said that records can record and then we'll run out here and >> you guys need her phone number. I know her phone number. >> Your mom's number. >> Oh, that would be great. >> Oh, yeah. What's up? Dude, you're the smartest. We talk to grown-ups all the time that don't know all this stuff. >> Doing great. >> All right. What's your mom's number? >> That's Darla, right? >> Mhm. >> Cool. Okay. Absolutely. Like I said, we're going to go uh take you down a police station. But everything that you did right now, super brave, man. Just saying. Like it's probably one of the brave bravest things that you're ever going to do in your whole life. And you just did it right now. So, okay. Now you just got to ride with the police officers. Okay. We'll run some lights every now and then. Chirp a siren. Scare some people. Sound good. All right. >> In front of a car. He let me play with my music. He can play he can play you whatever music you like. All right. Thank Yeah, you're good. Thank you so much. >> With officers there to support her, the girls seem to gain the courage to cooperate and share the necessary information as a way to feel hurt again. >> How did uh this happen? >> Um my knee was like this when she pushed me down and then um when I did that it like hit my stomach and also earlier that day when I woke up she kicked me in the stomach cuz I started reading a book and I fell asleep and she kicked me in the stomach. Okay, let's see. It's okay if I use a flashlight. Yeah. Okay. Anywhere else that you think you might have any like marks or anything else that >> I think I show the officer this one and the other one right here. >> Can I see those, too? I just want to make sure we can take pictures of everything. Okay. >> Yeah. >> And where are those from? >> I've been having these from last time. >> Okay. And see this side, too. Okay. And then you kind of have like a little mark on your nose. You know what that's from? >> No. >> No. Okay. Can I just snap a photo of it? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Let's see here. All right. Got your cute little arms. Anything? >> I'll leave. I'll be out of here. >> Okay. Nothing. Can I check your back? Is that okay? And make sure if you've got an owie. You got such thick hair. Oh my goodness. Okay. I'm just going to snap a photo. Okay. >> Okay. I'm just going to I know they already kind of looked, but can you brush your pretty hair? There you go. >> Okay. Awesome, sweetheart. Do you want to watch some YouTube? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Come on. >> Coincidentally, at 5:11 p.m., about 90 minutes after the interaction with the child, police received another call from her mother reporting that her daughter had left the house after taking out the trash. >> Yeah. I walked up to I walked down to the playground and up there. >> What's your name? >> Darla. >> Are you looking for >> Yes. >> Oh my gosh. Okay. Come on. William 12. We're getting flagged down by Darla. >> Oh my gosh. Going to be in front of building one. You're looking for for >> Yes. >> Okay. Oh my gosh. She's looking for for Okay. You live right here? >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Thank you. >> Cell phone. >> Any ribbons on your door? >> No, I don't. Did you guys find my daughter? >> Come on. Come on. >> Did you guys find my daughter? >> We did. >> Where was she at? Hey, Darla. Right now, uh, at this time, you're under arrest for assault. >> For assault? We were I didn't do anything. We're trying to move our stuff and take garbage out. >> Okay. There you go. Go ahead and have a seat. >> There you go. Go ahead. Get your feet in. There you go. What happened to my daughter? >> Well, she's with us. We got her. She's safe. >> She denied all concerns and offered various explanations for the visible signs on the child's body. >> Well, they were moving stuff. They took out the trash and we were trying to I asked my daughter to go look and see if there's any open available parking and she came in town and I told me no. Then she said she was going to go to room. So I got up cuz we had a lot of stuff cuz the trash had piled up and every time we go to the door it gets in the way. So we took it down there came back up and we're waiting for a spot to >> Does she get [clears throat] upset with you? Like it sounds like sounds like there was definitely an argument that happened between you and her and I'm trying to find out the extent of it. >> You know, >> the only thing that came up was about she wanted to go back home. >> Did you have to discipline her? >> No. >> Have you disciplined her before? >> Oh, no. >> I mean, she's she's an 8-year-old kid. Like, yeah, you have. >> She's 10 years old. >> Oh, I'm sorry. She's a 10-y old kid. Like, yeah, you have. To say you haven't is is crazy, right? Every mother's disciplined their kid by the time they're 10 years old. She was riding around on her little We have Okay, I know it's kind of a mess down there cuz we were moving stuff. Sure. >> She was riding around her thing. She got her bike that we got from the vet center. And I told her that this isn't the place to go. She was like, "I want to take the bike. I want to go down there, ride down there at my grandpa's." I was like, "We can't go down there. We have here." And [sighs and gasps] >> all right, let me ask you this. Okay. Why? Why would we find, you know, markings on body? >> Because she's an active girl. She plays around. She tries sports. We were Okay. We were at a Christmas party. They were >> Okay, Darla. Darla. Darla, I'm going to I'm just going to pause real quick. I'm going to hit pause. Hold on. Hold on. Okay. >> I I just Darla, just just pay attention to what I'm about to say. Okay. We're We're the police department. Okay. We We Hold on. We've done a full investigation. We are still doing a very thorough investigation. Okay. and we're going to continue. So, I want to ask this. Okay. If we go in your apartment, okay, are we going to see that was abused, hit, anything at all? >> Okay. Saturday or Friday, we went to a Christmas party. They were lifting her up. Uh my friend's daughter, Jen, >> tried to carry her. She fell back with lift. The other 9-year-old who was celebrated who had just celebrated her birthday was trying to carry and kept trying to lift her up. They kept falling back and she had fell a few times playing around with them Friday. >> Okay. She fell backwards. >> Yeah, she fell backwards. You could you could call my friend. You could call my friend. They'll verify it that they were playing around lifting her up. The 9-year-old said that she could carry her mom. She could carry her brother. So, she was lifting them up and she kept falling backwards. >> Maybe I can take her over. >> She kept falling backwards. >> Well, let me ask you this. Okay. She's got a pretty pretty severe marks on the front of her. Okay. We go into your apartment and we start looking at those walls in there. Are we going to find evidence that her face was on those walls? >> What do you mean? Like, >> did you did you hurt her? >> No. >> Okay. Have you disciplined her recently? Okay. You're allowed to discipline your child. We're just trying to find out the extent of it to find out whether or not it's something that we need to be involved in more seriously and escalate this real high up or whether or not we can just have a plain conversation with it. >> She's been Okay. When we were at that party, I had her wear a mask cuz she's like been really sick. When she gets cranky, she like like at that party like I told her, >> just let's let's talk about today. Okay. She's got marks from today. Tell me how she got those marks today. >> I don't know. I don't know what she fell. I know she was playing with her friends and kept goofing around when on Friday. And today we were moving around the stuff cuz we went to the storage. We climbed into my storage looking for her her mouth, all the different stuff. Is she going to have any any markings from maybe shoes or anything? Have you have you her or nudged her with your feet at all? Pushed her with your feet? >> No. My I was walking around with flip-flops and then after I had called I changed to my shoes. >> Okay. Is she going to have any evidence at all? We're talking like fingerprints on her face. We're talking any type of footprints on her body. Are we going to find those? >> No. I I mean I've brushed her hair. I put Vicks. I gave I sprayed cough drop into her mouth. I've >> When you last saw her, did she have any marks on her face? >> She had a bump from when she fell at the party. >> Where was the bump? >> Um on her head cuz she had fell forward and fell backwards cuz one of them when the 9-year-old tried to lift up her mom, she said she could pick up. >> You just said she just fell backwards. Now she fell forwards, too. >> Darla, can you breathe? >> Walking around. >> Okay. You having trouble breathing right now? I have a brain aneurys and when the gets too high I start getting hitting my head. I fell before I fell at work and my head. >> Okay. How long ago was that? >> Uh in September. So they've had me on. >> Is there any issue? Why is there anything that you have any medical issues that's preventing you from breathing right now? >> Asthma. >> You have asthma? Okay. All right. >> My glass is really dry cuz I just been walking around looking for it. I walked around the building. >> Okay. All right, hang tight, darling. >> The mother was charged with third degree of a child. Under Washington law, she could face up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Children deserve to be cared for with safety [music] and compassion. When adults learn to manage their emotions and choose to listen, communities become more humane, places where every child has the chance to grow up in peace and well-being. just for not having a driver's license. A man turned a routine street stop into a major commotion and placed a child in an unsafe situation. >> Face away from me. Step out. Face away from me. >> On January 13th, 2025, officers conducted a traffic stop on a gray Honda after noticing the driver did not have a valid license. However, this minor violation quickly escalated when the driver refused to cooperate and drove away, creating a tense situation on the road. Go ahead. Hey, we'll get the we'll get the passenger out first. >> Passenger, stick both hands out of your window now. Step out to the sound of my voice right now. Look away from me. Look away from me. Look away from me. Look away from me. Lift your shirt up and spin around. Spin. Spin. Spin. Spin. Spin. Spin. Come back to the sound of my voice. Hands up. Back, back, back, back, back, back. Interlock your fingers on your head. Interlock your fingers on your head. Get on your feet. Get on your knees. Get on your knees. Get up. Get up. Get up. I don't care. Get in my car. Sit down. >> You want to call him out? >> Driver, open your door. Hands up. Hands up. Out the out the door. Hands up. Step out. Face away from me. Step out. Face away from me. Come backwards to the sound of my voice. Back. Back. Back. Back. Lift your shirt up. Turn around. Turn around. All the way around. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Walk back to the sound of my voice. Walk back. Walk back. Stop. Get on your knees. Land your stomach. >> Is there anybody else in the vehicle? Huh? Your baby? >> Are you kidding me? >> Baby, roll your side. Roll your side. Just tuck your feet underneath of you. Stand up. >> We're going to clear this car really quick. If you can stick him in the back of mine. >> Yep. >> He's got a bunch of I'm going to clear him first. >> All right. Come on. Hey, I like your car. >> Good baby. >> Hi, baby. Hi, Big B. All right. Okay. You good? >> Everything changed when officers discovered a baby in the vehicle. Their tone and priorities immediately shifted to soothing the baby and making sure he was safe. >> Hi. What's your name, buddy? Oh, look at all the snot you got coming out your nose. >> You can clear traffic if I can have EMS in route. Um, I'm not sure on any any injuries. Everybody looks 104, but there was a Batty 1012 in the vehicle. You okay, buddy? >> You okay? Yeah. I hadn't even caught up to him, and then I saw he came 1031 in this ditch right here. >> Is that Is that where he >> Oh, right here. Right here. Yeah. >> Go ahead. 34. They're going to be 10:15 for Fling to elude. [cough] >> Hi, buddy. How are you? So he did he try to swerve in here and smoke that? >> Yeah, he tried to he tried to make a right into here. >> Um but he he went off road >> cuz he was going too fast and it's raining. >> Can you sit with him? I'm going to read him Miranda. >> Hi buddy. >> Yeah. >> Hi. >> What is this? What? This? >> Yeah. >> All right. There you go. >> Hey there, Deputy Robin S County Sheriff's Office traffic unit. Let me read you something. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Do you understand those rights? I've read them to you. >> Okay. What is going on, man? >> Huh? Why'd you run? Huh? Do you have a valid license? You don't have a valid license. So, you ran for not having a valid license. That's the only reason you're going to put yourself her in in jeopardy because you don't have a valid license. Could have been a simple court date. >> Do you realize you could have that kid 164. >> You were at 117 m an hour. >> I flipped around on you when you were doing 80. >> Turn my lights on and you you sped up. You were doing 117 mph. You couldn't stop in time because you went through this ditch because it was raining. There's a kid in the car. You could have killed him. >> Yeah, everything's clear. Yeah, there's a little one in here. So Jerry said they went to turn in. You can see where they ran down the side of the ditch over there and smoked the whole front end of the car. >> I don't know what they were doing. He was in the apprehension phase and he said he clocked him at 118 once he turned around. >> What's up, dude? Hey, let's get something to wipe your face off with. >> Yeah, you got boogers all over you. >> Here. Here. Let me see. >> Are you okay? Do you need EMS to look at you? >> You're good. All right. >> Yeah. He was going so fast that he tried to make a right turn Randy here and he went right here through the damn ditch before he did before I even before I even caught up to him. I was still way down there trying to catch up to him. >> He was doing 80. I flipped around on him. He saw my white and he doesn't have about he didn't have a val license. That's >> too fast. He's >> good. Why? >> He's He looks okay. He's got snot hanging from him, but he he seems okay. Ma'am, are you okay? >> Yes. >> You're okay. Do you need an ambulance to look at you? >> No. You don't have an answer. Is that your child? >> Why did he run? >> He was running from milk. >> Yeah, >> I was eating me some hamburger helper. >> He was doing I turned I flipped around on him at 80. He was doing 80 and he saw my lights and then he decided he was going to take off on me at 117 mph. That's why you guys went airborne right here. You went through this ditch. >> I was wondering why he had went through >> cuz he he was trying to run from me. There's a kid in the car, man. He could have killed all of y'all >> for no reason because he doesn't have a valid license. That's the only reason he ran. >> You have any ID on you? >> Deputy Smith has something for you. >> Hey, I like >> Good thing I wore these shoes today. >> That's yours if you want him. >> Yeah. >> You want him? >> Yeah. >> Well, it's yours. >> Yeah. >> You got to give him the name. >> You got to give him the name. >> Yeah. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a small amount of a prohibited item. What might have resulted in a simple citation became more serious due to leaving the scene [music] and placing a child in a potentially unsafe situation. >> You have any guns or anything on you? >> Are there any in the vehicle? All right, go ahead and have a seat. All right. >> Sorry, Gary. I'm coming. >> Oh, you're good, man. I I was not uh not expecting that. >> I wasn't expecting that at all. I >> I just And I was in the apprehension phase, man. I I was trying to get up to him. >> And then I >> Well, he pretty much did this on his own. >> He He did. >> That's for sure. So, he started taking off before we even l >> Right. He was already doing 80 and then >> loosen them. They I I've checked. I can fit my fingers through them. They're not meant to be comfortable. You don't have anything on you legal that's going to get you in trouble, do you? >> No. >> No. Okay. All right. Just sit tight. >> Hey, Josh. >> Yeah. >> Do you got a bag? >> Yeah. >> The little man is her nephew. I don't know what the relationship is. >> It's He said it's his son. I thought I turned our phones off. Is it still on? >> Excuse me. What's going to happen? >> You're going to jail for playing to elude reckless driving. She's probably going to be be able to go um to go home. Is that your kid? >> No, sir. >> It's not your kid? >> No, sir. >> No. You >> want to go to jail? >> Oh, yeah. Maybe. Well, we're about the little one first. Got a little corner baggie of a green leafy substance. >> So, he's going to jail for fleeing looting and being a >> reckless driving and probably DWLS >> um with a child in the car. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, him with you know. Okay. >> All right. Sounds good. >> Hey, under the driver's seat there's a corner baggie. I'm just going to rip it out real quick just to let you know. Oh man. >> Oh man. >> Oh man. Oh man. >> Hey Josh, after you're done with that, you can untetain her. >> Okay. Was she held against her will? >> No. >> Okay. >> Okay. Go ahead. Step by for me. >> I don't know her number. >> You don't know her number? >> It's in your phone. >> Okay. All right. Hey, EMS. Going to check you out real quick. Okay. >> All right. Talk to this lady right here. Okay. Hey, how you doing? >> Is she released or? >> Huh? >> Is she released? >> Yeah, I guess so. We're currently Jerry. >> Yeah, Peter said undetain her. >> All right, guys. You have a good day today. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I got it. Okay. Hey, this is Deputy Var with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. All right. Hey, how long is it going to take you to come get your child? >> Okay. So, where are you at? >> At work. >> Okay. Well, you're going to have to leave work and come get your little one. Okay. All right, let's explain. >> Well, she's already explained it to you. >> You explained it to me. >> So, do you own a Honda Accord? >> Yes, I do. >> Okay. Well, not anymore cuz it's totaled out. You're going to have to come get your get your car and get your kid. Okay. And we'll explain it to you when you get on scene. Okay. >> The male driver was charged with child fleeing and [music] eluding, reckless driving, and driving while his license was suspended. In your opinion, what would be a fair outcome in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below. While the parents were asleep, the outside world kept moving, but it was not a safe place for a 3-year-old child. >> I got him. Then I asked him, "Where's mommy? She's sleeping." "Okay, well, where's daddy? [music] He's sleeping." >> On March 26th, 2025, officers were called to a local school after staff found a 3-year-old boy walking alone on the grounds without any adult nearby. >> Just information, the child's been picked up by their parents. >> Mr. Hodgej, could you come to the office, please? Yeah, he rode his bike up here. No shoes. He did have a coat on, though. >> Yeah. >> His name's Michael. >> Does he have siblings that go here? >> He's got two siblings. I'm Marcus and Na. >> Hello. >> Hello. How are you? >> I'm all right. >> Thanks for coming. >> Deputy Myrael. >> What's that? >> I'm Deputy Myrael. >> Hi. Brian Hodge, superintendent. >> I don't know if I've met you. >> Nope. I'm kind of new. It was my first school school year. >> Awesome. Yeah. A good deal. Yep. >> How she filled you on all the details? >> Kind of. Said uh he rode his bike up here, no shoes, had a coat on, and then they picked him up >> not 5 minutes ago. >> Was it mom or dad that picked him up? >> Dad. >> Dad. Okay. >> Didn't seem didn't really to me didn't seem too concerned about anything. Um >> he basically ignored you, I think. >> Do you know are they living over here at 127? >> 123, isn't it? >> Right here on the corner, I believe. >> 127. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought it was 123. >> Last time I was in 127, there was 8 ft of water in the in the basement. >> Oh god. >> The house it it was like falling apart. I've cleared it a couple times cuz the doors and windows were all open at night >> here on the corner >> on it's on all the way down on the corner on the south or north side. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Interesting. I didn't think that house was livable. >> Come on in. >> Sorry. >> Hi Christian teacher. Hello. >> Hello. >> Scoot behind you. >> Sorry. >> I'll scoot in front of you. I'm going to take you down to the >> You found the kid. >> Yeah. We're out on the playground and I see him riding up on this little bike. Gets to the corner and a car comes by. So, I'm thinking, well, that may be his parents. And then they just went on by him. And then he pulls up and come and I was started walking over there and he comes up towards the playground as I'm walking towards him and he's He stopped on the you're talking the corner of Jefferson and >> he stopped at this. Yeah. Like at the southside and then he got to the sidewalk and then there's a little turn that the sidewalk comes towards the playground and that's where I got him. Then I asked him, "Where's mommy?" She's sleeping. Okay. Well, where's daddy? He's sleeping. Okay. >> So, >> have you guys ever had this ever happened before? Have you ever seen him before ago? >> Yeah. They just started here. Well, he didn't. His older siblings. >> Any concerns with the other kids? >> I don't know them. >> Okay, fair enough. All right. Well, I got everything I need from you guys. Um All right. I'm gonna go see mom and dad. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you guys. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> At the home where the child lived, the parents were going through a difficult period. A recent move, ongoing home repairs, and a life marked by instability and exhaustion. But the law does not weigh circumstances by fatigue. For a three-year-old, 45 minutes without supervision is a stretch of time filled with significant risk. >> How you doing? Are you Cody? What's going on today, man? >> Oh, my little one decided to go to school. >> Okay. Where were you when he decided to go to school? >> In the house playing. >> Okay. >> He was playing with puppies. >> He just took off on you? >> Yeah. got on his bike we just picked up last night and took off. >> Okay. Where's mom at? >> She's inside right now in the bathroom. >> How long was he out here unsupervised? >> Uh say about 5 minutes. We had the door open so we could see him, but he decided to >> How long was it before you noticed he was gone? >> Oh, I don't know. Let's see. Cuz we just bought this place and I'm trying to fix it up. >> I've been in here a couple times. The basement still flooded? No, I drained that. >> Okay, [laughter] >> that was a pain in the butt. Wasn't that long. Usually he's just laying around right there with the puppies. >> How long is not that long? >> Uh about 10 minutes. >> Okay. Did you look anywhere for him before you found him at the school? >> Yeah, I was looking around block and everything. >> Okay. Cuz he's from what they said, he was down there 30, 45 minutes. See, >> that'd be about time me walking around the block trying to find them. But I don't get service in the house, so they can't call me. >> Okay. I guess they said they called you and mom. >> Yeah, she got the voicemail. >> You generally let him just hang out unsupervised. >> No, usually you just right there playing or he's in the house playing on his tablet or whatever. >> Okay. How long have you guys lived here? >> Uh, we just moved in. Um, we finally got it finalized beginning of March. >> So, more more than a week. >> Yeah. >> Okay. He's not registered in school anywhere. >> No, he wants to go to school so bad, but it's unreal. He's got um he goes April for their screening. >> How old is he? >> Three, four, four. >> Okay. >> Brother and sister go to Ashley, right? Okay. Is it brother and sister? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I thought he was older. No, >> I was just going off school age. So, >> is this mom? >> Yep. >> Hello. >> We're here asking about Michael. >> Yeah. >> So, you want to tell us artist? >> Yeah. >> You want to tell us your side of things? >> I was upstairs working on clothes. >> Okay. >> And he was just hanging out in the backyard unsupervised. Okay. Do you know how long he was at the school or how long he was missing from your yard? >> That long. I mean, he literally maybe about five, six minutes, he made him disappear and then the school called me. I get >> the school had him for 45 minutes. >> How do you have 45 minutes? >> Yeah. They said they were outside with him for about a half hour and then they called us and it took me 15 minutes before I got there and you guys were pulling out as I was pulling in. >> Okay. The school called me at 9:37. He went missing around. >> So they had him for from what they said they had him for a half hour before they called you cuz they they didn't know who he was until they brought him in and his brother walked by. >> Yeah. He was listed probably like around 9 9:15ish 9:20ish. >> Okay. So timeline adds up. He was down there about 45 minutes. You guys didn't even realize he was gone for 45 minutes. >> I was upstairs for we just moved here recently. We usually have chain locks on the doors in our old house cuz he likes to escape, but we let [clears throat] him play outside. >> Well, then someone should have been with him as a three-year-old. To not account for your three-year-old for 45 minutes, that is a big problem. >> The teacher who found him said he almost got hit by a car. >> Seriously? >> Yeah. He was riding down the road and a car pulled. >> Did you really ask seriously? We wouldn't be standing if your driveway if we weren't serious. I apologize. I do. >> You don't have to apologize to us. It's him. >> I know his brother has OD anger issues and he likes ran away and he must watch him. But we're we're at his doctors trying to figure out. >> Well, this isn't about brother. Brother wasn't here to coach him. He was in the backyard unsupervised and took off and you guys had no idea. >> Yes. >> So, going forward, when your child, [snorts] your three-year-old is outside, are you going to leave him unsupervised? Just while you guys are in the house. All right. You guys have IDs on you so I can just make sure everything's pretty sure they're already attached. >> Nothing. I'm going to grab my phone, make sure my statute's correct. >> Even though no serious consequence occurred, both parents received citations, were required to appear in court, and the situation was referred to child welfare services for continued follow-up. >> All right. Can you get mom out here, too? Okay. Um, I'm giving you both tickets today for child. Okay. The fact that your child was if it was couple minutes, that's one thing. 45 minutes. And the fact that they said that uh Hamilton's got you by car. We're giving you a court date. Okay. So, it is a class A misdemeanor. You do have to appear in court. Your court date is going to be April 15th. That's going to be in Nashville at 10:30 a.m. Okay. So, here's your license. Um, writing one for both of you. You guys can take it up with the judge, explain your side of things. Um, I don't know what's going to happen from there. I'm going to tell you I do I am a mandatory reporter, so I will I have to report this to DCFS, so they'll probably contact you as well. Okay. >> Okay. >> You want to give that to her? I don't know what'll come from that, but I do have to tell them, you know, what was told to me and what I encountered. >> Okay. >> All right. Any questions for me? >> No. >> Okay. Please, if your child's outside, keep an eye on them. >> Yep. >> I would much rather come out here and write you a ticket. I don't like writing you guys tickets, but I would much rather that than come deal with a child that got hit by a car because their parents couldn't keep an eye on them. Okay. >> All right. If you guys got any questions, call the sheriff's office. >> Both parents were charged with child class A misdemeanor. Under Tennessee law, they face up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. No one is perfect, but awareness and responsibility can make a real difference. By paying closer attention to small moments, we can help build a community where children grow up safe and cared for. Some moments in everyday life may seem insignificant, but a single poor decision can lead to consequences beyond control. >> Now, and have the two kids that are in with the space heaters. I mean, kids get into everything. >> On January 28th, 2024, police received a call reporting two young children, ages four and two, barefoot and wandering outside an apartment without adult supervision. Officers in the Department of Human Services, DHS, responded quickly, but found no caregiver present, only neighbors and witnesses. >> Did you guys call or >> Sorry, I don't know English. >> No English? >> No. >> Who called? Who lives here? >> You guys do? >> No. >> No. >> Police department. Police. >> I don't see anybody. See if you can get information out the child. And then you just get their info on the Did you call? You called. >> See? Okay. Honey, how old are you? >> Sonia. >> How old are you? >> You're four. You know where mom went? >> Where'd she go? >> You called. >> So, do you understand? >> Caprena English or No. No. Okay. So, we're going to take the child with us. We'll get a hold of mom and dad. Okay. Well, I'll take her then and we're good to go then. Okay. >> Is she tired? Oh, man. >> Thank you guys. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. They were found outside. No shoes. >> She was found out. >> She was in both of >> She was inside sleeping and >> No, she was still outside. Naami. Ni. [clears throat] >> Nimi. Okay. >> When the children were brought to a safe location, the mother later arrived. She explained she had stepped out briefly to take out the trash and stopped by a neighbor's home, but parts of her account did not fully align. When trust is uncertain, explanations become more difficult and even small details need careful clarification. >> Come have a seat in here. What's going on today? >> So, my boyfriend was at the laundry place and I was like, let's take the trash out cuz I was cleaning. So, I left the kids watching the TV. So, I went and took the trash out. >> You have ID on you? Okay. >> Cuz I got to make sure you're kids first. You know what I mean? >> Can't stop shaking. >> You can't stop shaking. >> I can't. You're 23. Okay. >> Turning 24. >> Turning 24 month. >> Oh, yeah. That is true, isn't it? >> Well, happy early birthday. >> Thank you. >> So, I'm going to read you something real quick. Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say, Ken, will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney and have your you understand the rights. Do you wish to talk to me? >> What's that about the kids? Yes. So, this is officer McGill. He's the one that contacted you. And then this is >> My name is Stacy. Stacy. I'm with the Department of Human Services. >> Okay. So, what happened today? >> I was taking off and then when I came back, I guess she opened the door and the kids was gone. Like, I did not even see the cops or anything. They were just gone. So, I started panicking. I was looking for a number to call. So, that's when a number just called me. I was like, and he was like, "The kids." I was like, "What happened to the kids?" And he's like, "They're at the police department." And he was like, "Can you come down here?" >> Okay. So, they're in their living room watching TV. Then what happened after that? >> I don't know. Maybe the younger one opened the door, but I'm sure I closed it before I left. >> I think she like >> open and they both because there's no way the police would just come in the house and take them if they weren't out or something. >> Okay. You went to take the trash out during that time? >> Yes. >> Okay. How many bags of trash? >> Two. >> And then you went where? >> I went to um my next neighbor friend to say hi cuz I work all week. Okay. >> Sometimes I just go and say hi. >> Where does she live? What apartment does she live? >> The next building or the next >> apartment? Apartment. >> So, what apartment number is that? >> Mine is 27. I think hers is 28 or 29. So, when I got the call, I was shocked. >> You were shocked >> cuz they were 9 and a half. They were gone talking to police and I was like, "What?" I called my boyfriend cuz he's doing laundry cuz he left me home with the kids and they're not they're not there. >> The laundry place or whatever it's called. So, how long has he been there? >> Like 1 hour cuz take a while to do >> 1 hour from when? Like I don't know when. >> Say since he left home. >> Okay. When did he like >> he left me sleeping so I I didn't like check the time cuz I woke up and then start cleaning, gave the kids breakfast, put them on TV, and just took the trashes. >> Okay. Is it cold in your apartment? >> Kind of. Cuz the the thing is not it don't work. It don't work. >> The heater. I use my two fan. I bought to you know >> the little space heaters. What do you think of what would happen if a kid touched those? >> They don't usually get close to them. >> But they were on, right? >> Yeah, cuz I know I was going to be back. I wasn't going to take forever. >> You weren't going to take forever? >> No. >> So you went and got trash. I'm just saying this. You went to take the trash out. What time was you think that was? >> I wasn't looking at the time. Honestly, >> you weren't looking at the time. >> Li. Okay. Well, I don't want you to lie. So, if we got there around 1:30, a little after 1:30, what what time do you think you took the trash out? >> I'm not sure. >> You're not sure? Okay. Did you see two police cars there? >> No, >> not at all. >> They were already gone. >> Okay. So, >> I guess >> so. You How do you know the police were there? >> I didn't know. I got a call. I was >> And that was it? >> Yes. I was like going knocking on people apartment asking them if they seen two kids. >> Okay. And then when I was going out, I I received a call >> office calling me talking about department. I was about to call the police and let them know about my kids and then they call me. >> Okay. You only lived here about a month. Okay. I think you're lying. >> I did live here. I came here. I think I moved here was this month. >> That's just me. I don't think you're telling me the truth about that. >> I came here December the 24th and I spent Christmas here. So, >> okay. Were you here prior to that? ever >> before? >> Yeah, before December. >> I used to leave here and I went back in. >> Okay, that's okay. That makes a little bit more sense. Well, cuz I'm thinking you just stayed here the entire time. So, that's what that's what I'm trying to figure out. >> What time was it that you went back to your apartment and saw that the kids weren't there? >> I was in shock around like 15 something. I start panicking. I start knocking. I was not looking at the time or anything. I was just worried about my kid. >> You had two space heaters on in that apartment. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. at the studio. That one had a heater on that had one of the children's beds in there. >> Yeah, that's what I one of them sleeps. >> Okay, which one sleeps there? >> Oh, the older >> is that Julia? >> Sonia. >> Sonia. Okay, she told me Julia. That's what I'm trying to figure out. So, >> Sonia and Cynthia. >> Sonia and Cynthia. Okay. >> Order Sonia. Small one. Cynthia. >> Okay. Well, she told me Julia. So, I don't know what. But maybe she doesn't like me. >> I see. >> Okay. No. So, that's what we're trying to figure. So that there was a heater on in that room which was only a couple feet away from that bed and that was on. >> I was in there before I left. >> I was cleaning that room >> but it was it was glowing so it was on. I know that. And it was warm cuz I shut it off for you. >> Okay. >> Okay. And then there was one in the living room. >> Yeah. The one I use. >> Yeah. There was one in the living room that was on as well. But you can't take the trash out and have the two kids in with the space heaters. I mean kids get into everything. Right. >> Right. And even if you're taking out the trash, which is a whole another building, pretty much a building away. >> Yeah. >> And we get called there. There's two police cars there. You don't get worried. You know what I mean? There's two police cars there. We walk out with your children with more than three or four people around holding your children. That's what makes me nervous. Do you see where I'm coming from? >> No, I apologize. >> And we were there. The door was wide open. And we see nobody around. Nobody in the studio. Nobody in their bath in that bedroom and nobody in the bathroom or the kitchen. Everything was dark in there. [snorts] So, as a parent, and I'm taking it as a different parent, we're kind of we're kind of mad and frustrated. Do you understand where we're coming from? >> She appeared increasingly overwhelmed as officers continued asking questions. >> Yeah. >> So, that's that's where we're coming from. >> How long were you over there visiting with your friend? >> I usually go to say hi. just was telling me woman talking about stuff and or just listening be the good friend and I was like okay next time because she speak a little English and stuff so I just we try to understand her she's >> what's your friend's name >> I don't know her >> you don't know her name >> we just see each other outside say hello hello hello sometime she come no one can say hi okay >> how are you >> it's just a little concerning do you understand where we're coming from leaving your kids at It will never happen again. >> Even if I take the trash, I'll just >> take him with you. That type of >> I wait until >> Yeah, wait till he's there. But the problem is >> Have you been arrested before? >> No. >> Has your husband been arrested? >> Uh, that was along, but they dropped it. >> They dropped it? Why did they drop it? >> Cuz he went to a therapy, took the classes, paid the money, and >> Okay. So, he had it. What charge did he have on him? Do you know what the charges were? Okay. Was there aangement on there? >> Yeah, they dropped that one because uh >> that's what we're trying to figure out. Okay. You can't you can't believe in your kids like that. >> I would never. >> So, >> I would never. >> The situation suggested the children may have been without supervision for up to 30 minutes. Officers viewed it not as a simple oversight, but as a matter requiring serious concern. I'm not clear like how long you like when you left the apartment to go take the trash out and you went to your friends and like how long total were you gone from the apartment do you think? >> Six seven minutes. >> Six or seven minutes >> or I really don't remember. I >> It's just hard for me to believe that if you were only gone for six or seven minutes, somebody found your kids, the police came, took your kids, that that only took six or seven minutes. >> No, because we had headphones or listen something. That's why maybe I didn't hear that whole way. >> I guess my point is I feel like that all would have taken longer than six or seven minutes. >> Maybe it was longer like 8. >> What time did you guys get called? >> Was that about 1:36 1:40 something like that? >> And do you know how long like the kids had been found by the time you >> They said like a half hour at least. And then on the dispatch call it said an hour and a half of crying. >> So at least anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. >> Yep. >> Okay. Do do you understand that the time frames don't m match up there as to what you're saying? >> If they were crying, I was in that in the house for that hour. Kids are always crying. They're always, you know, fighting each other. They're little. So, kids cry. I don't There's I was in the house for that hour. >> Is it Samuel? Is that the kids's dad? Okay. Where is he at now? >> He was doing laundry. So, I panicked and told him to come pick me up cuz we only had one car. >> So, he brought you here? He came from the laundry because how was I supposed to be here? >> So he brought you here? >> Yeah. I asked him if he can bring me. >> He didn't come in with you though. >> No, not in here. >> Is he out in the car? >> Do you see where we're coming from though? >> It was I know. Well, it's What if one of the kids got You know what I mean? >> Or walked out of the building and walked away knocking. I'm like >> I know. But I'm just >> I was I'm just going to call the police now because like I found a case. So between >> I was about to call then I see a phone number. I'm like and then I I answer and he's like hey are you Nema? I'm like yes. And he start telling me I'm like oh okay I'll be there. >> So I'm just saying between him calling you at the time and the time we got dispatched that's an hour. [snorts] I'm I'm just saying that's the time frame about approximate. I'm not saying exact minutes, but it's about an hour. I mean, that's a long time, right, of not knowing where you're I mean, >> I was in the house. Kids cry, kids fight. I understand. Yeah. >> To a lot of kids. They yell, they scream. I was I'm always cleaning. I'm not going to go clean with them. I always leave them in the living room and they play. They just yell, do whatever. Cry. Okay. >> When was the last time the that one-year-old took a nap? Do you remember? >> She woke up with me. Like, >> what time was that? 10 something. >> Okay. >> So, she don't usually take a nap until 3. >> Do the kids go to daycare? >> No. >> Do you or your boyfriend? >> I work opposite shifts. >> You work opposite shifts. >> Works night during the day. >> Are there times that the kids have ever gotten out of the apartment by themselves before? >> No. Never. No. Cuz I'm always there or their dad is there. >> I will never do that. >> I mean, clearly your four-year-old knows how to get in and out of the door, right? I bought the little thing that um >> the the [clears throat] childproof thing for the knob. Okay. Is that on the door now? >> No. No. I don't put on the door when I'm home. >> Is there any history of any like or alcohol for you or your boyfriend? >> No. >> No. >> Do you think that they're old enough to be left home without any adult supervision? >> Okay. Do you understand why we're concerned? Yeah. >> Um like what could have happened within either the space heaters or getting out of the apartment? Okay. Did you say that the kids have had like lunch today or? >> Yeah. Yes. >> So, the 2-year-old was asleep when you guys got there, but had been out earlier. >> I don't know if she came out or she was maybe I don't know exactly, but she was sleeping on one of the other like tenants that was there on her shoulder. >> Oh, she wasn't in the apartment sleeping. >> She was in the apartment sleeping, but the four-year-old had the bed and it was probably this distance from the space heater. And so, that kind of made me nervous. It was on full blast in there. I think it was pretty close to full blast. So, >> I mean certainly we can do like some education stuff with her, but I mean as far as like stuff like that in but >> you want to talk to dad? >> Yeah, if you guys want to go want to talk to dad real quick and see I can keep her bus. >> Okay. >> During the review, the father acknowledged he was aware the children were home alone when he and the mother briefly met elsewhere. >> Hi, how are you doing? >> Good. And you? >> Not too bad. We just had some questions we need to talk to you about regarding this whole situation that happened. Okay. >> Mhm. >> She said that you went to go down to the laundry place to do laundry. >> Yes. >> Um do you know roughly what time it was that you went down to go do that? >> 1 something >> around 1:00. Was she awake at the time when you left? >> Yes. >> Were the kids awake? >> Yes. >> Do you know what time uh she woke up today? Your girlfriend? >> 10 or 11? Between 10 and 11. >> What time did she call you? Let you know that the kids weren't in the apartment >> couple minutes ago. >> Like so I know we've been up here for probably about a half hour or so. >> Oh yeah. Um, can you check check the phone and see what time it was? >> 2:48. >> I called her at 2:36. >> I can't really recall how many minutes it's been. That's why I said I don't >> but I was just um like what the time stamp was that she called you and you came back from the laundry man. Can you um I So I I'm not going to take your phone, but can you pull up your um call history so that I can just take a look and see? Or did she text you? Um did she she must have texted you? >> No, that was all chats. >> Okay. So, how did she let you know that the kids weren't there? >> I was at gas station when she told me that she was a gas station. >> Did she use a different >> No, we were the laundry, right? And then >> was she with you at the laundry man? >> No, I was I was a laundry she told me that she's going to be at the gas station, so I went together with her. >> Did you meet her at the gas station after she called you about the kids? >> Yeah. >> So, like she walked to the gas station? >> Yes. >> What time did she tell you she was going to go to the gas station? >> Uh before I left home for laundry. And about how long were the two of you at the gas station? >> About 20 minutes. >> Did you buy anything while you were there? >> Yes. >> Okay. You left the gas station? >> Yes. >> And you went back to the apartment? >> Oh, yeah. Uh I checked in on the laundry how long it's going to take. And I set up a timer and I kept the apartment to know to see where the kids are. >> When she met you at the gas station, did you ask her where the kids were? >> No. >> Where did you think the kids were? >> Home. >> With who? So since since me and her were at the gas station, so she was home alone. I mean they were home alone. >> So you knew the kids were home alone? >> Yeah, because we both at the gas station. >> Okay. So do you guys make a habit of leaving the kids home alone or >> Oh, no. No. >> Okay. >> Just today. >> But you felt like today it was fine for the kids to be home alone. >> No, we did not. Cuz I was alone and she was at home. >> But you made arrangements to meet at the gas station and she didn't have the kids with her. >> Yeah. I thought she was going to come with the kids. Okay. >> Well, she said going to take a walk, so I was like, "Okay." >> And what happened when you got back home? >> Uh, the the kids were not home anywhere. >> So, when you guys got back home, you were with her when she realized the kids weren't there. >> Oh, no. She came back at gas station. So, she knew uh she knew it. That's why she came by gas station. >> So, when she came to the gas station, she already knew that the kids >> Yeah. when she came back. Yeah. >> You got the laundry going. >> Yeah. >> You went over to the gas station. You met You were there for about 20 minutes. >> Yeah. You went back to the laundry place. >> Yeah. >> Where did she go? >> Home. >> And then the two of you met back up at the gas station. >> Yeah. >> How did you know she was coming back? >> I didn't know that she was coming back. I just met her over there. >> You just s happened to see her walking over there? >> Yeah. And she told me the kids are missing. >> She has a cell phone? >> Yes. >> And you have a cell phone? >> Yes. >> But she never called you or sent you a text message saying that? >> No. I think she was in panic. I don't know. As more information surfaced, family members unintentionally helped clarify the timeline. The children may have been alone, not just for several minutes, nor only half an hour, but closer to an hour, a long time for very young children to be without supervision. >> The problem is is we were outside your apartment. The door was wide open. We didn't know if something happened to you or to Sam. We didn't know. You know what I mean? I didn't know if you hurt again. I don't know if he got I don't know if there was a homicide. I don't know. You know what I mean? And we just have kids outside screaming. >> I'll never put it in. >> I know, but I'm not saying you would put them in at all, but when they're left with these opportunities, we don't know. I mean, we could have gone there and I'm just I'm totally making this up. She could have stuck her hand on there and been burnt for a half hour, 45 minutes, and nobody knows. You know, they could have tipped it over and started started the apartment on fire. I mean, I know you're wondering what's going to go on, right? >> I don't know. It's up to those two, okay? And we're going to find out, okay? But we got to be Apologize for >> I know I know you >> popping again. >> I know. But you got to take some deep breaths, okay? Cuz I don't know either. >> So you need to start being a little more honest with us right now. We got two different stories. We've got your story and we got a totally different story about where you were at from from him. So when you left the apartment, where did you go? >> To the garage. >> Did you meet him anywhere? >> The gas station. >> So how did you get to the gas station? Wow. >> Did you buy anything while you were at the gas station? >> A drink. >> Drink. So, you didn't go to a friend's apartment to say hi? >> I when I came back, I said I said hi to her and I went back and then there was no kids. That's why I went back and start knocking and I couldn't find when we went outside. That's why I got a cold. >> That's a big time window that you just totally left out of your story about where you were where you were went and what you were doing. 20 minutes at the gas station and just call it 10 minutes walking each way. There's 40 minutes that you were gone and you left the kids unattended. There's almost an entire hour that you left out of your story. Was there anyone there watching the kids when you left? >> No, I know I'll be back. I want to take home. >> But it took a while. Is that gas station just right around the corner? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Like how far do you think that gas station is? >> Cuz I was running now walking. >> But it's a couple blocks away, right? >> Yeah. And the two of you were at the gas station for a little while. >> Please help. >> Not only the not only did you leave the kid leave the apartment, but you left and walked a ways away and you didn't have anyone there watching the kids with a space heater on. That could have tipped over and started a fire. They could have gotten burned on it. >> A lot of things could have happened. We're thankful that nothing did happen. >> Did you and um >> Forgive me, please. Did you and did you and Samuel have plans to meet at the gas station when he left to go to the laundromat? >> Just told him I wanted a drink. >> Did you tell him you were going to meet him there at the gas station? >> I just wanted something to drink. That was so >> Okay. So, when you met him at the gas station initially, you didn't have the kids with you, right? Okay. And so what did he say about the kids >> to go back and watch the kids? Not if the kids. >> Okay. How long were you guys at the gas station? >> I don't remember. >> Okay. Cuz according to him, it was like 20 minutes. So there didn't seem to be really any urgency to get back to the kids who were home by themselves. Does that sound about right? >> Oh, I didn't know I was going to get I was going to get cuz I know the kids wasn't with anybody. [clears throat] So, what I would like to do is a safety plan with your kids. Is there any family friends appropriate people that can that the kids can go stay with temporarily? >> Oh, his friend. >> His friend. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Cuz I mean, we're not going to resolve this whole thing today. And I mean, you came in here and you haven't been very honest about about what happened. And so, >> nervous. >> I understand. So, [laughter] >> you're good. >> So, talk to me about any family or friends that they would be comfortable with that are appropriate that they can stay in temporarily. >> I'm taking care of them more than something or smelling again. [laughter] I got my day. Don't be >> Well, we need to come up with a safety plan. That's what we're trying to do right now. Okay. >> You'll be safe with me. There only you. I don't know what I would do without them. >> We're We're past that point, honey. We got to figure out a safety plan for them. >> I take care of my kids every day. I'm not we're not saying you don't, but we got to come up with a safety plan. >> Right now, we're determining that that's not safe for them to go back home. >> Not safe at all. >> So, tell me who who you have that that would be [clears throat] a safe and appropriate [laughter] person to to temporarily have the kids stay with them. >> Stay sick. >> Okay. What's her phone number? And how do you know Stacy? >> Uh, church. >> You know her from church. Okay. So, I'm with Nema. Do Do you know her from church? >> Yes. So, I mean, yeah, we kind of have an emergent situation today where we're needing to figure something out. I um I mean, if you want to talk to your husband and then I could give you more details. If if that's something that you're interested in pursuing or willing to pursue, I guess talk with him and then just get back with us as soon as you can and we'll see what other options we can pursue. What's the other person's name? >> Nick. You can ask him about his phone number cuz I don't remember in my head. >> Nick, can I just stay with them, please? At this point, we're going to have to do the safety plan. Okay. >> They are safe. I just made one little mistake and I did it was I would never do like something like that again. >> Okay. I'm going to go out and talk with him a minute. Okay. >> Given the circumstances, instead of immediately making permanent custody changes, social workers focused on creating a safety plan to protect the children while giving the adults an opportunity to reflect on their responsibilities. >> Do you want to talk to him and see if he would be able to take your kids temporarily? >> Oh, yeah. But how long? >> Well, that I don't that I'm not going to be able to answer right now for the foreseeable future till we kind of work through this. >> Who's Jesse? Is Jesse the pastor? >> Yes, >> he's the pastor now. Okay. Is is Stacy his wife? >> No, [clears throat] no, no, no. Her husband is not a pastor. >> The pastor's name is Jess. >> That's what I was wondering. >> So, we got to come up with a safety plan. >> Please. >> I know. I mean, it's not that [laughter] >> here. Well, let's see if we can find somebody else just in case. Okay, take a deep breath. >> Everybody have their own family. >> I know. >> Everybody know everybody have their own >> I know they're in and then your your mom and dad are in Kentucky. I know that. I know that. >> My the pastor Laura. >> Okay. >> We're close. [laughter] >> Here. Let me Can I write that down and then I can give it to her? The pastor Laura. Okay. Is she with the church too down there, hun? >> Yeah. >> Yes, she is. Okay. Okay. Well, how long have you known Laura? >> She bought me a stroller when I was pregnant with Sier. >> She what? Hun? >> She bought me a stroll. >> Oh, that's Well, that's nice. Good idea. >> We That's Hun. That's up to That's up to this Stacy over here, hun. Okay. >> I can't do anything with them. >> I know. No, there's an officer with them. Okay. When I last saw them, they were coloring. Hun, before I came in here. Okay. Why didn't you just tell us about Come and go, hun? I'm just >> They [laughter] were going to take the money. >> They were going to what? >> I was going to be back. I just needed something to drink. >> You just needed something to drink. >> I don't know if I'm pregnant. That's just crazy that he was like, I can't go back there now. And I was like, I just going to go and get it. >> Okay. Okay. [crying] [laughter] >> I know, hun. I know. Is there anybody else other than Laura, too? >> My friend just gave birth. It's too much. I can't have two more kids. I've never got any trouble with my kids. >> You've never been? >> Never. No. >> Have we ever been called there other than that domestic? >> No. >> No. Okay. Have you ever been stopped by the police and traffic stop? No. >> I'm a good mom. >> I'm not saying you're a bad mom, hun. I'm not saying you're a bad mom at all. But we got to You got We got to look out for everybody, too. >> They said they can stay with him. >> Who is that? >> Uh Daniel. >> We haven't heard back from Stacy yet. >> Okay. Well, do you know Daniel and Ednus? Okay. So, they're >> the one I told you about. >> They're willing to take the kids. So, I'm just going to do some background. >> Make sure that >> Daniel and Ed, you never told me that one, did you? >> That's the one I just told you. She had a baby. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah. >> Your daughters are adorable. >> There's the other. Just in case. Just >> They're not alone. No, they're not. >> They're with the sergeant. So, it looks like they have a 5-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a baby, like eight months old, maybe. Yeah, we're good to go with that. I'm going to do a written safety plan with you guys, just that we're agreing agreeing that the kids are going to go there right now temporarily. Okay. >> How long? >> I can't tell you exactly how long. I mean, >> like months. >> Oh, well, I I hope it's not months. I mean, I I think we can >> like weeks. >> I think we can work to resolve this sooner than that. Are you guys okay with me transporting the kids over there? >> Can I say that >> that [laughter] I mean that's up to I mean >> it's up to us. >> I [clears throat] don't care. I >> She's going to need a diaper trip. >> Do you have any diapers in your car? No. Um >> let me go ask him if he can run home and grab some. >> Yeah, they're just a couple. >> And then do you want to see if he'll come in then? And I'll have him sign the safety plan. >> Yeah. So if you can just like initial there and then sign. >> A difficult decision was made to temporarily limit the adults contact with the children allowing the family time to regain emotional stability after a stressful day >> and date and >> I can. >> So if you don't mind like initiing and initially under she did. >> Why this happening? >> So why is happening is because the kids were left alone for a significant period of time today. They got out of the apartment. There were space heaters on. So, there's some concerns about their safety remaining at the home right now. >> So, we can't do anything about that yet. She's getting getting the diapers changed and everything. >> Ginger diaper. >> Well, we've already got that taken care of. >> So, Stacy's going to be moving her car and getting the kids. In the interest of the kids' well-being because they've been through a lot today, we're not going to let you see the kids today. Okay. The kids have already been through a lot this afternoon. I can't imagine how dramatic [laughter] this is for them today. >> She is very shooken up and understandably so. But to keep the kids from be getting even more scared and more stressed, we're not going to let let her see the kids today. So, you are being going to be arrested and charged with child and today. >> Okay. We're going to be taking you down to P County Jail. Can you stand up for me? >> No, please. >> No, there's this isn't something that can be discussed or debated or changed that is happening. Nea, [crying and laughter] I need you to stand up for me. Okay. [crying] [laughter] >> [crying] >> I give you an opportunity to give each other a hug and everything. Okay? I'm not trying to be a be a pain in the butt about this. Okay? I need to see your wrist. Yeah. >> Do you have any weapons on you or anything that you shouldn't have? No. Okay. This question I have to ask just to make sure. >> Okay. We're going to go this way. Okay. >> The mother was charged with two counts of aggravated child. In some states such as Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Nevada, this charge can carry a potential sentence of more than 10 years in prison. Beyond legal responsibility, this case serves as a reminder about care and proper supervision. When adults choose to make positive changes, children gain the chance to grow up in a safe and hopeful environment. Cocoa Beach City experienced a similar incident involving a mother who faced legal [music] trouble while asserting her rights during a police interaction. >> You're not going anywhere. You're being detained now. You're refusing to provide me an ID. >> On December 18th, 2024, a mother called the police, stating she was in potential. What seemed like a simple call for assistance quickly became tense when she did not fully cooperate with children present beside her. >> All right. Do you have your ID? >> Yes. >> Okay. I just want I want to get you out of this road. I was going to have you come and pull right here. >> Absolutely. I >> can I give it to you when I turn around? Does it matter? >> That goes to you. What's your badge number? >> 89. Are you okay? >> Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just asking I'm just asking you. Why is that irrelevant? I'm trying to tell you that I'm in trouble. >> Okay. I want to see your ID. >> Okay. And I want to know if your badge is on. >> It's is on. I don't understand why we're here to help you. I just want to get you out of the road. >> I'm not being combative, sir. I'm just saying I'm being followed. And I'm get in. We had to leave in a hurry. I'm I'm not on I'm not >> I'm not saying any of I'm just telling you that I've been up for days because >> all of this help concerns me because I have kids. So, I am asking you for your identification. >> Okay? And I will give it to you as soon as I ask you where you can escort me to the battered women's shelter. >> I'll get you all the information. Now, I'm asking you again now. Now, we're we're changing this. Can I see your identification, please? >> No, you cannot right now. >> Okay. >> It's irrelevant. I I I just believe you can defend to open my door >> right now. You're being detained because I'm I'm the right. I have no probable cause. >> 89 to 43. >> You have no probable cause. >> You be 51 here. >> Don't shut the car off. >> I am not doing >> I'm concerned about the children. Shut the car off. >> Why? >> Shut >> I'm the one that's being chased >> and I'm here to help you asked for was a police escort >> for for No, listen. I am going to get >> battered women's shelter >> and I need to see your identification. I'm trying to get you all the information for you, but I don't know who I'm talking to. >> Why does it matter? >> Because it does matter. I don't know if you're off to help, right? >> If I'm what you if I have a warrant. >> I don't know. >> I don't. >> Okay, you're saying that. But now >> you can run the place if you want to. There. Everything's legal. >> You don't have a license. So I'm not escorting you anywhere. No. Now you don't have a license. >> I never said that. >> Let me see your driver's license. If I'm escorting you anyway, you have kids in the car and you're driving. Where's your driver's license? >> I was not driving when I had kids in your car. >> You're in poss. You're in the middle of the street, so you don't have a driver's license. >> The children were not secured with seat belts and a car was blocking traffic, making it difficult to provide identification. >> I was talking to the woman to ask her to use her phone. >> No, you were. >> I never said that to you. >> You're putting words in my mouth now. >> Baby, can you sit back in your minutes? I don't know why you're looking at me like I I did something wrong. >> I'm not saying you did Why are you so guilty? I'm not saying you did anything wrong. >> I'm I'm in a severe situation. >> Okay. So then So when when we're here to help you, why don't you oblige and so let us help you? Why you're >> asking for my ID and and cutting me off when I'm in the middle of telling you my story? Why? >> Because I want to know who I'm talking to because you >> and I want to know who I'm talking to. >> And I I've already given you my name and my badge number. >> Okay. So, can I finish my story before I give you my license? >> We're not playing this game. >> I need your with you. >> I need your driver's license. >> Do you work for NASA, too? >> What's >> Do you >> Do I work for No, I work for Coco Beach. What does NASA have anything to do with this? >> I didn't know if you work for NASA. >> Do you even know where you are? >> I'm not from here. I just >> Okay, but this isn't NASA. This is a city. >> Cocoa Beach Island. NASA Police Department has their own police. I have rights. >> I'm not saying you don't. >> I didn't do anything wrong. I just asked for assistance. >> But but you're concerning me now when you have kids in the car and that's is concerning me. >> What is wrong with it? >> Because you don't know where you are. You're asking us if we work for NASA. You're all over the place. >> No, I'm not. >> I've asked you numerous times simple instructions. Can I see your ID and you want to fight? >> She also referenced her personal rights [music] during the interaction even though traffic safety concerns were involved. >> Is there something I can help you with? Well, I wanted to get you out of the middle of the road because there's I'm not in the middle of the road. >> You are in the middle of the road, ma'am. I >> I pulled up slightly because the car that was behind me has been following me. >> Those are a couple of kids. They're going back to work. >> How do you know them? >> Because I talked to them. >> Okay, ma'am. Now, >> because they're Okay, >> your ID, please. >> You know them, right? I I'll just look up where I've got on my own. >> Look up. No, you're not going anywhere. You're being detained now. You're refusing to provide me an ID. I don't have I don't You didn't pull me over. I asked your assistance. I'm not trying to be mean. You came at me with an attitude when I'm trying to explain my situation. >> No, I asked you for your identification so we can move off to the side of the road. We're out in the middle of the road. >> I'm legal. >> You're not go You're not going anywhere. >> I was parked on a side street. >> You're not right now. You're in the road. >> I'm not in the road. >> What do you call this? This is a road. This is a road. This is a street. >> This is a side street. I'm not in the middle of the road. We can come back. We can go back and forth. You know what? I'm calling my lawyer. Put your seatelt on. Put your seat belt on because now we're leaving. >> You're not going anywhere, ma'am. >> You don't have the right You don't have >> You're not going anywhere. You're not going anywhere. >> Your body cam's on, right? >> Yes, it is, ma'am. >> And I'm going to uh record, too. I know my citizens right claws. And I know you're being very suspicious and combative with me. You won't even listen to my >> I'm trying to listen to you. How if I say I need to go to a domestic shelter, wouldn't she want to be concerned for? >> Yes, but you're also >> need to know who I am and cut me off and then say, "Has she anything to say?" >> We just want to know who we're talking to. You're not So, up until this point, you're not in any trouble or anything. >> But he his approach and the way he came at me, I broke the law. I did something wrong. >> We're not saying that you broke any laws. We're just trying to figure out who you are. >> Neither am I. So, so why do you have jurisdiction to ask for like to run a warrant? You can figure it out. >> Can we help you if we don't know who you are, >> right? >> The situation escalated from a routine assistance [music] call to one requiring police intervention. >> How old are you guys? >> I told you all they did is they they took the seat belts off because they were wondering how they were looking at the puppy. >> How old are you, little one? >> You don't have to answer him. >> How old are you? >> Three. >> Three. >> I'm a responsible mother. >> She's 10. >> I had to leave the house. 610. >> I had to leave the hospital. >> Okay. I'm not saying you didn't. You called us to help you. We came here. >> You put 20 20 cars. >> What you doing? >> We came here to help you. >> You need this many people to escort someone >> right now. It's not an escort. >> You're acting. >> We want to find out what's going on. >> All of this is because you're acting erratically. We're trying to figure out what's going on and we can't help you because you're not cooperating with us. >> I'm not I wasn't even erratic. I said people are following me. I'm not being delusional. I'm not. >> Okay. >> I'm not I haven't had sleep cuz I >> And you were talking about the blue car that was behind you, right? Blue, green car. >> They've been following me in circles. They live in in Sherwood Park. >> I just talked to them and they said that they were trying to go back to work, which is where >> I don't know where their work is. I didn't ask them. But I >> But you interrogating me, right? >> We're trying to figure out what's going on. >> So you thought that I was them? >> No. >> So what? So you must know them. >> Sorry. >> Okay. >> This is irrelevant. I'm calling my lawyer because I haven't broken the law. I asked for your assistance and now you're you're trying to pin things something on me that I haven't done. >> I'm not pinning anything on you. >> You can't cuz they just took their seatelt off. I don't drive with my kids. Their safety is my most important. But they were wanting to see the puppy. They got up when the lady was trying to call for me because they're jamming my phone. I'm free to go because >> No, you're not free to go. >> Yes, I am. >> No, you're not. >> Yes, I am. Cuz I haven't broken any laws. >> You're not free to go. Yes, I am. >> Yes. >> Baby. >> After repeated requests, officers had to ensure safety, which was witnessed by the children, adding to the tension. >> I know you want to drive right now. Listen, >> can you get please get in the seat belt and then we go get lollipops. Okay. Mommy can get in trouble when you don't have your seat belt on. Okay. Come on. You're going to be a good girl. Okay. We had to leave in a fast way. >> Okay. Excuse me. >> It's okay. >> So, I'm going >> No, you're not going anywhere. >> You don't have the right to miss. >> You have You're not driving seats. >> We didn't see any kids in the car seats when we pulled. >> No, no, no. >> Step out the car seat. >> You are not. >> I didn't do anything. >> Stop. You're breaking the law. I didn't do anything. I was parked in the car. Was not moving on the roadway. You were right on the roadway. >> You are literally in the middle of an intersection. Stop. >> You got I'm going to tell my lawyer. I'm not even doing it. >> Okay. >> You have no trouble. No problem. >> I ask you to get out of the vehicle. You can get out of the vehicle and start. You guys, I asked you. >> You're You're breaking the law. >> No, I'm not, man. >> Yes, you are. I have rights as a citizen. >> And you're You don't have the right to resist. >> You're doing it. I didn't even resist. >> And then we had problems basing the kids not being car. >> I was not driving. The car wasn't >> in the way of traffic and you can't do anything. You can't >> because that's against the law. I guess you guys know who she is, huh? Have a seat. Have a seat. >> Have a seat. >> You're You're sit down. Yeah. Okay. >> Sit down. >> Have a seat. Have a seat. Please. >> Don't make it harder for yourself. Just have a seat. >> You guys are >> Stop over me when I'm talking. You're not I didn't say you guys >> have a seat while we figure out what's going on. >> You're going to get brain. Just have a seat. >> That's That's right there. I didn't even do anything to you. What is wrong with you? Do you see? >> Do So, you know him, huh? >> Know who? >> Mhm. >> In the patrol car, she [music] continued discussing her rights. The officer's patience eventually wore thin. >> What's going on? >> Huh? What's going on? >> What's going on? You're going to jail. >> That's That's if you say so. I'm not going to argue. That's what court's for. That's what court is for. >> I'm not going to There's no statement. There's no >> Hey, you're not going to reach >> probable cause. You can't take me to jail. >> County Jail. Ma'am, >> where? >> Bavar County Jail. >> Yeah. On what charge? >> Resisting. >> I didn't resist jail. >> Yes, you did, ma'am. And do you identify? >> That's not a crime. >> Yes, it is. >> No, it ain't. >> Okay, if you say so. >> Say whatever you like, but I didn't for so long. I have rights to just like >> I know you do. >> You I've told you you're being arrested for for resisting. >> I didn't resist yanking me out of the car. >> I asked you to get out of the car numerous times and you refused. >> You asked me and I refused because you had no probable cause. >> Two kids without seat belts, which is a violation. You were not parked and you were feeding the flow of traffic. There was a car behind you that was trying to get around you. You're in the middle of the road impeding the flow of traffic. >> The road would be in the middle of this main road. I was on the side road on the public side of the road to a woman because my phone doesn't work. >> This all could have been avoided. >> Yeah, you would have communicated a little bit better. >> I tried my best. You did not want to listen to a word I had to say. >> Is this a prison or a county jail? >> Tony, >> how could you legally arrest me on that alone? because it's a misdemeanor resisting. >> You didn't give me your ID. You failed to identify. >> I don't have to. I didn't do it in my >> You were in the Okay, we're we're going over and over this like it's a margo round like we're at the circus. >> No, actually it's not simple. I was in a car >> on the roadway a side street in the city of Cocoa Beach with children in the car. A car that engine was run. No, the car was running. >> It's called standing >> and it was not moving. >> Standing in the middle of the road. You're impeding the flow of traffic. Now that's my probable cause to identify you to write you a citation. You refuse. >> I would actually >> you are not in control. Okay? I don't know where I don't know where you think you are in control of any of the situation. I don't care. You don't your rights. >> You don't care if my about my rights. >> You have rights. And right now you're in the back of a police car. Your rights. You can you you can go to court and fight your constitutional rights all you want, but I'm >> I'm done. I'm I'm done listening to you. The mother was charged with two counts of resisting an officer without violence, traffic violations, obstructing a roadway, and two seat belt violations for minors with a $1,000 bond. Initially, she pleaded not guilty, but after legal proceedings, some charges were dropped. She ultimately pled to lesser offenses and paid over $45 in fines. It's important to understand that exercising your rights should always be accompanied by following laws and safety regulations. Know your rights, but always follow the law to avoid legal trouble. Charlotte County started with a routine school pickup, but quickly escalated into a tense exchange between a parent and police over cooperation. >> I ride my bike. >> What do you mean if I run your name? What's going to happen when I run your name? >> Nothing. >> On January 24th, [music] 2024, Charlotte County police received a call from a school reporting a parent driving in [music] a concerning manner. Officers arrived promptly and approached the father who appeared anxious repeatedly explaining [music] himself and occasionally interrupting the police. >> You know, God's, you know, God's people. Even Even God's people. >> How's it going? What's going on, son? >> I'm fine, man. >> Okay. Can I talk to you for a sec? >> You're good. You're good. We're good. What's going on? >> Nothing. What's the problem? >> No, I'm just checking here to pick up the kids. >> Yes. I was just talking to one of the demons. >> Okay. Any issue when you came in? >> No. >> No. No. No. Not that none that I could recollect. No. >> Okay. Did anybody have to talk to you when you came in? >> No. >> Okay. Did you come in too quickly? >> No. Normally when we come in there's a line already and we have two kids and my son's 10 and my daughter is two. So, and they go to the same school. They both go here. So I and I was just talking to talking with him about parent pickup and other programs with the school as far as >> Okay. So basically what happened is a call came in. There was a concern for you um whether this is another parent that called in. I'm not sure by >> because it would it would be my wife which she >> No, I'm not saying your wife didn't call. >> Is it okay for me to move over here? Cuz >> you're fine right where you at? Why do you need to move over there? >> Well, I'm I'm not going to lie, man. I picked up both of my children again. They're He's 10 and she's about 3 years old. I've never had this. >> No, no, but I'm asking why did you want to move over there? >> No. I You need to just No. No. Just comfortable for you cuz I've never had this kind of conversation. >> Well, there's not a confrontation. You're not letting me talk. >> No. Well, no. I'm >> You explain myself so you understand why I'm here, sir? I'm asking you. Are you good with that? Can I explain myself why I'm here? I've been okay all I've been nothing but cordial with everybody here. >> Nobody said you weren't cordial. Nobody said you fought with anyone. Nobody's implying that at all. So, >> but ma'am, I've never seen >> We're going to try this one more time. Are you going to allow me? >> But ma'am, I've never seen a officer talk to any I've been here for years picking up my son and my daughter. >> There's a complaint that came in on you. Yeah, but you're not giving me the opportunity to talk >> on my name. >> I'm going to ask you one more time. Are you going to allow me to speak and tell you what that is? >> I will. But but the fact that you you let me know that there's a complaint on me. >> Do me a favor and stop talking for a second. Talking for a second so I can explain why I'm here. Let me explain to you why I'm here. Somebody called in that you drove reckless through the parking lot. >> No ma'am. >> You were kind of slurring your words and you were uneasy on your feet. Now our concern is if you were possibly impaired, >> man. That's >> that's what I'm asking you. Okay. But you're not allowing me to even talk. He denied the concerns which led to a disagreement over driving and attentiveness. >> I promise you every and my wife and myself and if not me and we've never came like that and I was just in >> Where's your wife? >> She's at She's at work. That's why I'm picking up the children. >> I'm not worried about your wife. I'm talking about for you right now. So there's no Correct. Are you under the influence of any >> No, but are you under the influence of any alcohol? >> No, but I was just talking to He's right there. >> I don't need to look. I'm looking at you. I want you to talk to me and don't worry about him. >> No, I'm not worried about him. But you specifically said people were talking about me. This is a >> back up a bit. Don't get that close. There's no reason for stay right where you're at. >> Ma'am, I was before I even encountered you or seen you. I was speaking to I have never been aggressive with him or anything. So my daughter comes out at 2:30 and my son which is at work does not drive. >> He's I would say 10 11 years old. He comes out at at 245. I never came with no disrespect or or any kind of aggressiveness. I was actually before you came to see >> driving. Nobody said you were aggressive with your mouth because ma'am I was not. >> Nobody had to slow you down. No, >> nobody here in any line had to slow down. >> Ma'am, I promise you when I actually have access to the vehicle, I drive. And when I don't, >> what does it mean when you have access to a vehicle? What does that mean? >> Meaning when my wife, she works corrections. Okay. So, she works at Charlotte County Corrections, not Airport Road at the jail. When she has a vehicle, it's either she has a vehicle and I walk. Okay. Are you understanding? mean that she >> No, this is simple. >> So, but what is the problem? Because this is every day. So, what all I want to know is what I did wrong and I >> I just told you. What did I tell you that you did wrong? What did I tell you that they alleged you did wrong? Speed >> in here. That's what I told you, sir. >> Why was I why when having a conversation with and again as as parents of two children here because of the politician going on, I don't even know his position, but I was speaking to him. He didn't mention >> he's not he's not the person that called. >> No, but he didn't mention no speeding. That's number one. Two, and I'm not blaming her for anything. I mean, if she called and But once I reached to this premises, as of today, nobody said anything. All I >> I'm telling you I'm telling you what the complaint to the sheriff's office that came in is that you were speeding through here when you came in. They had to slow you down. And there's a concern when you exit vehicle that you could be impaired. That's what I'm telling you with the complaint. Ma'am, I promise you that is incorrect because when I pull up here to pick up my daughter and my son and I called earlier because again my son is almost 7 to 8 years older than my daughter but they still go to the school. There's a voice record of that that yes he is coming here and when I came here I spoke to them >> back up a little bit. Back up in my space though okay you can't be in my space. >> That's all that's fair to ask. The father did not fully follow instructions, creating a tense interaction with the officers. >> Ma'am, when I came here, I was speaking with that one individual that just went in there. I did not speak. I ride my bike in here. I don't always drive because if you run my name, I ride my bike. >> What do you mean if I run your name? What's going to happen when I run your name? >> Nothing. >> No. What's going to happen when I run your name? >> Nothing. >> May I have your driver's license, please? >> May I have your driver's license? So I can run your name, sir. >> Do you not have one? >> Is it okay if I look? >> You're going to have to hold for another unit. Bear with me for one second. >> Let me just Yeah, just hold on. There's someone else coming here because I have to be freed up. So I'm available for other calls. Come on over here, sir. Where are you walking away to? >> I'm moving out the way. >> You're not in anybody's way. You're getting >> No, be but no. The way you're calling things out looks like I'm doing things. I'm not calling anything out. >> I called in advance. >> Why are you yelling? >> I'm not yelling. >> You're yelling, sir. You're yelling. Why would you be yelling? I'm not yelling at you. Don't put your hands in your pockets, please. >> So, I I I can't even have proof of this confrontation right now. I'll put my hands up. >> You don't need to put your hands up. >> Do you want to search to make sure? >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Wait. Wait. >> Then keep your hands out of your pocket. >> I will. Look, my hands will be up cuz you will embarrass me and not only me, but my two children. >> We're not here to embarrass you, sir. I need you to stand right over here. Do not go out. >> Ma'am, you just gave me permission to empty my >> First off. Stop. >> Ma'am, you just gave me permission. Ma'am, you just >> 217. What's your location? >> She just gave me permission. >> I'm not going to tell you again. You're not emptying your pockets. I told you to not put >> Ma'am, you just gave me >> I told you not to put your hands in your pocket. If you put your hand in your pocket, >> so there's something. I'm trying to talk to him. He's very uh easy. >> Sir, that is not Hang on. Just let her brief me. >> Okay, let her let her brief you. He insisted he was fully fine, but his behavior prompted the police to pay closer attention. >> You don't need to put your hands up in the air. >> I'm going to put it to put your hands in the air. >> She gave me permission. >> You never get permission to empty your pockets. Just put your hands down. >> Any type of Put your hands down. What's your name? >> She gave me permission. >> What's your name? What's your name? Is it >> I've never seen no parent go through this. >> Okay. Well, put your hand down. >> I'll put it down. >> Let me figure out I never seen no other parent. >> Okay, hang tight. No, I I know. >> Listen, take a seat for me. Just sit down, Trist. >> Sit. Sit down. Just sit right there. You know what? Go ahead. Sit right there. >> I've never seen no parent go through this. >> Okay, just relax. Take some deep breaths for me. >> I'm fine. >> Do you have your driver's license on you? Do you have your driver's license on you by >> Do you need my driver's license to pick up my children? >> Well, I want to know who I'm speaking with. That way, I can >> The school can identify you as that. The school can identify me and identify you. >> Well, I don't work for the school. I work for the sheriff's office. >> Neither do I. >> Neither do you. What? >> I And I called I called the school in advance. And >> you don't you can put your hands down. >> No, sir. Cuz >> she's she's >> No, she she made me aware. >> Okay. All right. Well, I'm I'm talking to you now. Do you have >> And there's no disrespect. I >> Okay. Do you have >> as a security officer in in New York, not here in Florida, cuz I was never even given the opportunity to, but >> Okay. Okay. Where's your wallet at? Is it in your back pocket? >> It is in my back pocket on my I believe my left hand side. Hold on. >> The hanger. It's Do you have any sort of weapons on you by any chance? Guns, knives. >> It's on my left hand. It's on my left hand side. >> You don't have any weapons on you by any chance? >> No. No weapons. If anything, there might be a pen. Okay. >> And that's But there's no >> a writing pen. >> There's no there's no there's no nothing. >> The situation could have been resolved quickly if he had cooperated and presented ID. But he chose to provide evasive explanations, prolonging the encounter. >> So, what's your first name? Let's start off with that. >> What did I do wrong pick up my children? >> I would like to be respectful and address you by your first name. That way, I'm I'm Deputy Kimberly with the sheriff. >> What did I do wrong to pick up my children? >> I'm getting I'm getting ready to explain it to you. >> You I did explain just that person complained of, which is what I was trying to >> which I did. >> I'm Deputy Kimberland with the sheriff's office. Okay. The reason we were called out here today was because somebody feels like you might potentially be intoxicated picking up your children >> and that they had to stop him. I don't know if that was in the call but when they >> Ma'am he was going too fast and they had to slow him down. >> Ma'am, I never I never there's speed. >> I know. Sorry. I was just telling you what the people >> No, I understand that. But that's what I'm saying. This is >> his bike in here. But he has access to Yeah. So when I asked him for his license, >> but I never did. All I did was and I called earlier to pick up my son and I never even got out the vehicle. I never even got out the vehicle. I >> You were out of the vehicle when I got here. Was that just to talk to them? >> Cuz you were standing outside. >> My My daughter I don't know the age cuz we we pay like 7 $600. She comes out at 230. My son comes out at 245. >> Okay. Today is um Wednesday. Wednesday and Thursday gets out later because he has honors choir. Okay. Today he would have honors choir but he has a doctor's appointment for his air infection. So I already before I even reached here, we called the school in advance. >> Hey, we're going to No one's arguing that you're here to pick up your children. I told you what the complete I promise. My ma'am, I promise speeding through the parking lot. And the fact that I'm having a difficult time even having a conversation with you concerns me if there's anything going on. That's why I asked you, sir, did you have anything to drink tonight? >> No, ma'am. Ma'am and just No. No ma'am. No. >> Are you a diabetic? >> No. And to be honest, >> these are my concerns if there's, you know, just in case. Ma'am, I I promise it was some kind of prescription because when I do get help, I'm >> What do you mean when you do get help? >> His actions seem to put personal concerns above the children's safety. >> All I know is, ma'am, I'm eligible to pick up my son and my daughter. >> All go back to when you do get help is what type of do you have to get prescription medication for? >> That doesn't matter because >> it does matter if you're driving because it does matter for your safety and your children's. It absolutely matters. >> It does not matter >> for the community safety. >> So, can I can I call my can I call my son and my daughter's aunt for them to come and get the >> Absolutely. First, I need your ID first. I need to verify who I'm speaking to. >> N. So, that's not an option. You can't refuse that. >> I'm going to refuse that cuz you know what? I've been here for years and I have never seen I've come here for years. >> I've my son, no disrespect, sir. And again, I have not risen up. I have not done anything to exercise. >> I need your ID. >> You guys never came here and asked nobody else for ID. >> Okay. So, this is the way it's going to work. Okay. >> Once the police lost [music] patience, the father no longer had the chance to resist. >> Let me You guys have never came here. And guess what? When my little sister came here to pick up my son and my daughter. >> Yes. Yes. They came here. She came she came here on two different in I'm not even going to get up because she came here on two different instances and signed her name there. We've never caused trouble. So right now for for me to pick up my children >> Nobody says you're causing trouble. >> No, you she just said it. >> She just simply >> She said she said >> she explained to you what the complaint was. >> To do you know what the complaint was? >> I don't know because I'm not in law enforcement. I'm a parent. I'm Sir I'm not in law enforcement sir. I'm just a parent picking up my daughter and my son my son is in fourth grade and my daughter is not even in first or second grade. She's so they have a big age gap. >> Okay. >> And again for the past 3, four, 5 years whether they have changed leadership and I'm I don't want you to keep looking at my hands like and that's why I'm going to stand my ground cuz I'm not looking at your hands. I'm looking right at you in the face. >> But ever since I Our car look, >> she's opening the car illegally. No, illegally. >> No, I'm not doing nothing. No, I'm not. Sir, I'm not Sir. Sir, I'm not doing Sir, I'm not doing nothing. Sir, I'm going to go sit back down. >> Sir, I'm just simply stating that you guys Sir, I'm not doing nothing. My hands are right here. They're still watching. >> My hands are right. >> Hold on. Don't do this in front of the kids. >> I'm going to talk to you. Hold on a second. >> What did I do? >> Just stop. >> My hand. I did not >> going to do that in front of you. >> I didn't do anything. >> Ma'am, I did not do anything in front of nobody. Ma'am, I've been picking up my I've been picking up. >> Listen to me. >> Listen to me. Ma'am, I've been Ma'am, I've been call >> Ma'am, I've been picking up. Despite observations suggesting unsafe behavior, the father still denied any issues. >> I'm not even >> Why are you telling me to relax? Because you're >> No, ma'am. I ma'am, I've been Ma'am, my son is in in in fourth grade. >> Okay, I understand. >> He's been coming to school for years. I understand that. >> What did I do wrong? >> You got multiple things. Obstruction for one. >> Obstruction. >> You don't want to provide your name. You don't want to provide your ID. We're here for an investigation. You don't want to cooperate. So, you're obstructing our investigation. >> I've never done that. Ma'am, first off, stop yelling. Ma'am, I'm My concern is that you're impaired. >> Excuse me, ma'am. >> Can you Wow. >> Ma'am, I'm not impaired at all. I >> I can smell the alcohol coming off. >> Yeah, you can smell it on your body. >> I can smell it on you, >> sir. I'm not impaired at all. >> I understand that. Do you want to come sit down right here once we get done searching you? >> I mean, I can stand up and speak with you. >> He's not going to have a license either. I can speak and stand up here on his bicycle normally. So, >> so there's a problem that I come and pick up my >> children driving in a car. >> Yeah, probably. >> I've never right here for me. Okay, >> I will. But you don't have to hold me like that. >> Why? Because >> because I come here. >> The tension continued until he was [music] safely escorted to the patrol car. >> I've listen >> I've never done nothing to you. I've never No, I'm I'm Sir, I've been listening. >> I know you're in handcuffs. >> But what did I do? We're here for an official investigation. Okay. >> Sir, I've done nothing to nobody. >> Okay. We are here for an investigation. >> Sir, I have done >> investigation. Okay. Sir, you identify yourself. Okay, that's it. >> Are you kidding me? >> Sir, >> stop for a second. >> Sir, no. No. >> Sir, can you take a seat for me? >> Take a seat. Where? On the floor. >> Take a seat on the bench real quick. Let's sit on the bench real quick. Sit down right here. >> Before you do that, call my wife on corrections. We will. She works in corrections. >> Yeah. Before I sit down, call my wife on No. Before I sit down, call my wife on correction. >> You don't You don't bark out orders. Do you understand? >> I'm not barking out orders. I'm barking on my rights. >> You'll have your rights. >> Yeah, cuz you're embarrassing me in front of my children's classmates and myself. >> Take a seat. Okay. >> No, I didn't do nothing wrong. I'm not taking a seat. My sergeant like that. >> I'm not stepping towards nobody. >> Relax. Sit down. >> Sit down. >> Just sit down. >> I didn't do nothing wrong. >> Why did I do that wrong? I didn't do nothing wrong. I don't know who this is, but watch him. >> He works at the school. He works at the school. >> Relax. >> Yo, >> bro. Wait. He just said he don't know who you are. >> He about to [ __ ] you. >> What you doing? >> No. He's a He works at the school. Why am I going in the car? >> What did I do? >> You're good. >> What did I do? >> So, you can relax. We're going to use >> I'm relaxed. >> We're going to use this as a breathing. >> No, wait. No, wait. What did I do? >> Get in the car. I'm not going to ask you again. >> Nah, no. No. My wife My wife works corrections and y'all will lose your I didn't do nothing wrong. I'm not sitting in this car. >> I came to pick up my daughter and my son. What did I do wrong? >> Relax. >> Get in or we're going to pull you in. Get in the car. Get in the car. >> You're not willing to lose your job over this. >> Come on. >> Come on. Go ahead. 147. >> Sorry. No. No. Listen to me. Listen to me. >> No. The school needs to listen. >> Listen to me. >> This is why. >> Yo, this is what you're going to do to a parent. >> Can you come here for a second? >> This what you got to do to a parent? >> Come here. >> Inside. He repeatedly explained that he was there to pick up his children and maintain that he had done nothing wrong. >> Listen to me. >> This what I got to do. No, >> I'm done doing this. >> No, we're going to have somebody help us. Okay. >> I can't. No, I'm not doing nothing here to do this in front of the kids. >> No, I'm not. I came to pick up my daughter and my son. What did you guys come here to do? >> Come here, >> Chris. Don't in front of these kids. >> No. What y'all come to do? >> No. What? Look, look. Nope. Nope. >> Watch your head. >> No. No. >> Sit up. >> Sit up. >> No. >> No. >> Slide back out. >> No. You say like that. >> I came to pick on my children. I [screaming] came to pick on my children. I came to pick on my children. >> I am Wait, wait, wait. >> Wait. Can Wait. Wait. Let me ask one question. My wife who works. >> We'll call her. >> No. Call her right now. >> We will. Sit up. N. >> You don't sit up. Don't call her. >> Call her before I get in this car. Call her before I get in this car. Call my [screaming] wife that works in corrections. >> Where does she work at? >> Charlotte County Corrections. >> Okay. >> Nah. Pull me out. >> The sheriff's office or the prison? >> She works in the prison, bro. >> No. >> Lay down like that. He can lay down like that. >> No. >> Oh, he's got his feet jammed in there. >> Yo, y'all going Yo, what did I do? I didn't do nothing. >> Hang on. His head won't go in. Hang on. >> Yo, what? The father was charged with DUI, [music] resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license, disturbing a school function, and child. Under Florida law, he could face up to [music] 7 years in prison and fines of up to $8,500. Unsafe driving not only puts children at risk, but challenging authority in front of [music] them can create confusion and stress, potentially affecting their sense of security and trust. Hopefully, what remains after all this is not just emotion, but awareness. Children deserve to grow up in a safe environment where adults mistakes do not become lasting burdens on their memories. [music] When each person takes responsibility for their actions, communities become more caring and stories like this are less likely to repeat. If you found this content meaningful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to keep following our journey. See you in the next video. Hey. Hey. Hey. [music]