Goodbye. Goodbye. Out of my house. Goodbye. 1 2 3. >> When she called me out of my room, she started threatening me and herself. And the past few days, she's been saying that she's going to kick me and her >> You tell me what the did wrong. Tell me what the >> Nothing. >> Nothing's going on. >> I'M SICK OF YOU AND YOUR >> GO TO HELL, MA'AM. GO TO HELL. RIGHT NOW YOU'RE >> KIDS. >> When officers respond to a call involving a child, they expect to find answers. But what happens when the danger doesn't come from a stranger, but from the parents themselves? >> What is this? >> You guys have a kid in the back. What is in this? Don't lie to me. >> There's nothing in it. >> What do you think that is? Rock? Crystal? What is it? All right, you guys are under arrest. >> These were the moments when cops rescued kids from evil parents. We begin with a case where a simple welfare check, after a report of children left alone inside a car, quickly revealed the danger those children were living with. >> Hey, where's mommy? >> You got three kids inside? >> Yeah. >> Go get your mama. Go get your mama out of the store. >> Stop. >> I'm not >> What do I got to push my >> My kids Well, I got kids at the house. I just came from the store. >> On June 1st, 2025, police responded to a call at a store parking lot in the state of Georgia, where three children were reported to be inside a car with the windows closed on a hot day without the presence of a responsible adult. But the parents' reaction would soon reveal there was more to this case than it seemed. >> There was three. >> Where's mommy? >> Hey. >> Hello, I'm Officer Nowell. >> Is this your car? Yeah, this is my car right here. >> You got three kids inside? >> What are three? Why do I have to sit down on the hood of your car? I haven't done I haven't done anything. >> Well, this is against the law, so sit down on the hood of my car. >> I used the bathroom for them. >> Okay, so you're detained. Sit down. >> I want to put my hands Well, I didn't even do that. I just want to ask you a question for you. >> Are y'all okay? Who drove y'all over here? >> She drove. >> What's your name? >> No, it's Blair. >> Um I don't want to give my name. >> You have to. >> No, I don't want to give my name. I don't have to give my name. I haven't done anything. >> All right, go ahead and stand up and put your hands behind your back. >> No, I'm not putting my hands behind my back for what? I ain't done anything. >> Sir, I'm going to ask you nicely, okay? >> Why do I have to put my hands behind I didn't do nothing. What What am I being detained for? >> Go ahead and put your hands behind your back. >> For what? I didn't do nothing. Stop grabbing me. How are you grabbing me? I didn't do nothing. Hey, I said go get your mama. Saniya, go get your mama out the store. >> Stop. >> I'm not >> What do I got to push him for? >> Pressure on the child. >> He is across the parking lot. >> Officers began actively searching for the children's father, who was later identified as 33-year-old Dejohn as the situation quickly escalated into an unusual escape attempt. >> Where did he go? Where did he go? Did you see anybody run? Hey, did anybody run in here? Did somebody run in here? >> Yeah. >> Hey, land. >> Did you see somebody run in here? >> He ran into a back door of the building. Somebody get out with the kids. He ran through here? >> I think he goes to the left. On your left. >> It's locked. >> Yeah, we got him cornered. He's locked himself in the bathroom. Come on. >> You see >> Oh, he's not in the bathroom? Did someone run through? What was he wearing? Skinny black and white? Black? Black male. We we need one unit with the kids. So, if the mom moves around, she don't take off. Can y'all step out while we deal with this? Like, clear people out. >> Let me identify myself. I'm the dad of the kids. >> Get Get what Somebody get lethal. >> Put your hands up. Put your hands up. I'm telling you, dude, we're we're going to break down this door and we're going to send in a K9. We're going to send in a dog. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> Hold on. >> Just go. >> What do you mean? >> Get on the ground. >> Get on the ground now. >> On the ground. >> On the ground. Do you not hear what that means? Get down. Put your head down. Stop moving. >> I'm not moving. >> Stop I got his left. I got his left. >> Another police unit had been dispatched to the store parking lot to protect the children, but it didn't arrive in time. By then, something far worse had already happened. As officers pursued the suspect, the children's mother, 33-year-old Santana, watched from a distance. Within minutes of the police leaving the scene, Santana drove away with the children, turning the situation into a race against time to find them. >> 137 109, where's the Mazda in relation to your car? I don't see a Mazda out here. >> She has a gray Mazda on the the right side of my vehicle with the three kids. >> Negative Mazda is no longer on scene. You said she's suspended? >> Yes. >> If he had anything in there, he flushed it. I cleared the whole bathroom. Yeah, trash can and everything. >> What the [ __ ] is my girl at? >> I'm going to tell you She ditched your ass. She took [clears throat] off running. >> See, what do you mean she ditched me? >> She She She ain't here no more. >> Like, why the [ __ ] did y'all even lock me up anyway? >> Cuz >> I ain't even do >> Obstruction. >> Obstruction. >> I got you. >> Put your feet in now. >> OBSTRUCTION? ARE YOU SERIOUS? >> PUT YOUR FEET IN. >> THIS don't prove >> up. You wiped your mouth. >> SHUT YOUR MOUTH. WHAT'S YOUR NAME? >> MAN, I'M NOT GIVING YOU my name. >> All right. >> I didn't do >> I'll write you another charge. >> Hello. >> Were you involved with all that stuff? >> No, I'm in the apartment. I'm doing instant cart. I'm working. I don't know what happened. All I hear is polices and I see my baby out the car. I hear people noises outside. I come out side, I see my kids in the street. >> Okay. You have a license on you? >> Yeah. >> Real quick, step out for me, okay? I appreciate you. Face the car. You don't have any on you, do you? >> No. >> Face the car for me. >> You can ask the people. >> Walk over here. >> My kids Bro, I got kids at the house. I just came from the store. What happened? >> You're under arrest. Put your hands behind your back. >> Y'all not even telling me nothing. >> You left the scene of an investigation while the deputy was out with you. >> NO ONE KNOW DEPUTY OUT WITH ME. You can get my phone. I'm on the order right now. I was working. >> You have a suspended license, so you can't be driving around without >> I got I got my paper in the car. >> Who do I call? >> This is not right, bro. >> your mom? >> Yes. >> What is your name again? >> Santana. >> As officers led one of them away, he broke down in tears, frightened and unaware of the danger he had been living under. But while the children showed innocence, Dejaun refused to cooperate, raising even more questions about what officers were about to uncover. >> I want to get them out of the car. >> You have a nice day. Thank you. >> One of the young kids put his thumb in the air. >> Y'all want Y'all want little badges? Yeah? You want to walk with me and go get some? Or we'll We'll walk together. It's okay, sweetheart. Come on. You can let them sit in the car. >> I don't trust y'all. >> You don't trust us? You trust the other officer? We got to We got to go over here. Hey, buddy. What's going on? You want to talk to me? >> You want to let my mom and dad away from me. They didn't do nothing. >> We're not trying to take your parents away, okay? We're trying to talk to them, all right? And they It's going to be all right, okay? >> Yeah, but I'm a grown woman. >> Yeah. >> I'm waiting at home. That [ __ ] is crazy. >> [snorts] >> Don't worry. You have other homies here. >> It's not safe. >> You want to explain to her what's going on? >> Who's that? >> The female. >> Baby was falling out of car seat, 1-year-old. Uh the other two >> two were left in a parking lot. >> Yeah, was the car running? The older children had crawled over and turned on the or turned on the vehicle. He's just angry. >> Yep. >> We got to We got to call. Kids are left in the car. >> you need to write me a ticket. I know you got to go. I WAS RIGHT THERE. >> THAT. >> THAT'S WHY I DIDN'T PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR KIDS in the car. >> No, you can't do that. >> I understand that, but I was just gone for a second. >> Okay, all right. Just walk and I'll come back and talk to you. Relax, the kids are fine, okay? >> As the conditions surrounding the case worsened, Santana had been driving at high speed without a valid driver's license. But when officers began to search the vehicle, they found more than they had been expecting. >> I was working. >> Two things. >> I was working. >> Where do you work [laughter] at? >> I WAS DOING INSTACART. IT'S ON MY PHONE. >> OKAY. You're driving on a suspended license for failure to appear in court. >> No, I got the paper for that. I just went to that on May the 23rd. >> Reckless conduct, you and your husband >> Reckless? >> You left three children unattended in a vehicle. >> Sir, I was working. He was in the car. >> let me tell you you can't leave three children in a car. >> WITH THEM. I GOT THE PAPER for my license to be reinstated. In the car, it's in the car. >> reinstated. >> I came out the store because I saw my kids in the street. >> A temporary permit? >> Yeah, to to to work? With Would your driver's license be suspended? >> My license is not supposed to be suspended. >> Okay. Oh. >> It's illegal in Georgia. >> Illegal to possess, but not carry concealed. I say it's fine. They're searching the car now cuz of odor. Whatever he had he he dumped down that toilet. >> Look. Now you got a badge just like us. Got to be careful, okay? You know why? It's pokey. I'm going to put it right here on your shirt. You're going to be a deputy. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. All right. Hey, so your daughter's going to jail and we need somebody to come pick her kids up. Are you able to come over here to The charges are on primary deputy but I know that there was some an incident with the kids being left in the car while the car was off in the parking lot of a grocery store. >> Is there any way that like we collect all this like food >> What about like is it small amount or just we just need to take it out? No, we don't worry about that. Okay, here we go. You didn't give it a name? >> No. We got DeShawn. >> DeShawn had several active warrants. Officers attempted to ease the situation by asking for his cooperation to explain his actions but he remained uncooperative refusing to even provide his name. There was no doubt that the children could no longer remain with their parents. >> Check a name through RMS, please. >> Everything with DeShawn David Edward Weaver Henry Ocean Laurel we have black male. >> Oh, look at that. You got warrants. You were being detained and you decided to run. >> being detained. I I I don't understand it. Detained for what? I ain't even done sh >> It's called reckless conduct. >> Reckless conduct? >> Your two older kids could have gotten in the front seat and put that car in drive. >> No, they didn't. >> Yeah, we're going to hang out here. It's nice out here. It's cold. Does it feel good in here? Yeah. You like being a big sister? Is it fun? Yeah. >> I love it. >> I'm sorry if we scared you. We weren't trying to scare you. We just got to figure some stuff out, okay? >> But why do my mom have to be the one to get >> Well, that your mom and dad did bad stuff. But they're what they're not bad people. They just messed up and everything's okay. All right, I promise. Couple grams of so far they're on the hood with some brass knuckles and a ashtray or something. Her license is still suspended for failure to appear. I got you. Well, there's still other charges that are other than the suspended license she's going for as far as I'm aware. I appreciate you. Mom's on the way. 30 minutes. She's not mom? Her mom's on the way. At this point it was confirmed that a bag found inside the car contained illegal substances that had been left in the vehicle while the children were alone. Dijon, in a sarcastic tone, attempted to defend himself and his unusual behavior suggested that he may have used them hours earlier. Is your baby baby in the car? Was he in the When you got pulled over just a second ago? No, we should have thought about that. With all those warrants getting in trouble running from law enforcement. All them warrants. You got a bunch of warrants. I'll tell you what for what right now. >> Yes. >> Driving while suspended. >> Yes. >> Uh battery. Related objects. >> Related objects? >> Yeah. Okay, now you are. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Hello. >> Mama, these folks crazy. >> The picture was clear. This wasn't a one-time accident. These children had been living around illegal substances, and it was only a matter of time before something worse happened. >> Charges? Y'all got >> From the car. >> And he was in the car. He was out there in the car trying to regain access to the car. I mean, if you can articulate him being in the car prior to her leaving. >> You said that they She drove them there, so >> Where was that in the car? >> There was One of these was on the ground in the back seat where the kids were, and one of them There was a little This little baggy was in that bag with the ashtray thing, and then this was just in the passenger passenger door. >> And let me tell you this. This is the crazy part. If y'all would've been cool and you would've gave me your ID, you have to go cuz of warrants. That's just how it is. But, she would've been in a much better situation. Yeah, when you took off, she jumped in that car. She saw my patrol car there, jumped in that car, and took off. Hey, I would tell you You smoked my ass around that corner. >> [laughter] >> I believe that. Oh, yeah? Yeah, I saw I saw that door open. I said, "Hey, nobody running here." He's like, "Oh, yeah." Hey, you Hey, bro, and you Hey, and you did me dirty, [clears throat] bro. I got a chest cold, man. And you done made me made me run across that damn parking lot. Hey, that taser don't play, though. You lucky. You lucky. >> God has a strange way of doing You tell the truth, bro. >> In the end, 33-year-old Dejohn and Santana were charged with reckless conduct, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and possession of marijuana. Next up, officers responded to a call for help from a young girl, a situation that would soon expose a deeply violent dynamic involving her own mother. >> I'LL TAKE YOU AND YOUR >> MA'AM, GO TO HELL. RIGHT >> YOU'RE MY KID. If you interact with my house, I'm going to call the cops. >> We got called here for a domestic, okay? >> I get it. >> All right. >> She got into a throwing. I didn't pick up the glass fast enough. >> On January 30th, 2026, officers responded to a call at a residence after a teenage girl reported fearing for her safety. The threat came from her own mother, who had allegedly tried to harm her. Upon arrival, officers met a woman who appeared to be heavily intoxicated. >> Ma'am, there's all this. Hello. Did you call us? >> No. >> No? What's going on? >> I don't >> You don't know? >> You want to tell me? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Bye. I'm going to explain myself to you one more time. >> Ma'am, she just came back out. >> I'm tired. >> Okay. >> I'm going to bed. Look at me. >> What's going on? >> Go away. >> Can you just talk to me for a second? >> to sleep. Good night. >> Okay, what's going on? >> Nothing. If you interact with my house, I'm going to call the cops. >> We got called here for a domestic, okay? >> There's nobody here but me. >> Okay, but what's going on? >> Remove your foot. >> Can I talk to you at all, okay? >> the cops. >> Is everything okay? >> Everything's fine. >> Okay. >> Bye. One. >> She just >> Two. Three. Move your foot out of my home. >> Ma'am, I have to >> You have to go. >> Can you Can you come talk to me at least? >> I am. At what point are you going to go away? This is my home. >> Ma'am. I'm outside before you get Get placed in handcuffs. >> What did I do? >> I'm trying to talk to We were getting called. >> I don't know what Do you want to go get your shirt on real fast? >> No. What are we doing wrong? >> What is going on? >> I don't know. You tell me. >> Well, I came here for a domestic >> me. >> I came here for a domestic, okay? >> Where is the domestic? Where's the domestic? Where's the domestic? >> Okay, I came here for a domestic. I just asked you about it and you said it was okay. And you just said right now, okay? So, I'm here for a domestic, okay? >> Bye, honey. >> Initial contact between the officer and the suspect, identified as Nina, was difficult. She displayed erratic behavior and as officers attempted to speak with her, it became clear that Nina's daughter report was credible. >> Out of my house. Goodbye. 1 2 3 >> Can you come with me and talk to me? >> I can't talk to >> Ma'am >> All of those things. Get up in my house now. >> Go back inside. >> 1 2 3 Get in Get in my house now. >> Want to go talk to you guys over there, okay? >> Get in my house now. >> All right. What is going on? >> I don't know. You tell me. >> I have no idea. >> Am I acting disgracefully? Am I distur- Am I Am I Am I interrupting >> Do you want to have a seat? >> Sure. >> Okay, let's go. >> What did I do wrong for you to come to my home? >> got a call for a domestic. >> For what? >> I don't know. >> Was I loud? No, I wasn't. I wasn't screaming. I wasn't talking to anybody. So, you tell me what I did wrong. >> Ma'am >> Baby. Baby. Baby. Baby. You tell me what the did wrong. >> Okay, what was the >> Nothing. >> Nothing's going on. >> No. >> All right. Are you Nina? >> Why are you at my house? >> Cuz we got a call for a domestic, ma'am. >> For what? >> Were you throwing things in around the house? >> No. >> Were you yelling? >> to come in my house? Come on, baby. Come on. >> Go ahead. Just go ahead and leave, okay? >> my hands. You want to take pictures? This is where you come this is it. >> I I won't go back. >> Is that good enough for you? >> I have no idea. >> Get out of my house now. Now. Get my kid and we're done. >> All right. >> As the investigation continued, the girl began to speak. Her voice carried years of pain and fear caused by her mother's actions. Her account became the strongest evidence of the danger she had been living with inside her own home. >> Did he get your information? >> Um no, he asked for my number because they live around the corner and um he just walked over there. >> Okay, so what's going on? >> So she it started off normal and she doesn't drink much but when she does she get like that and she doesn't like react normally to it. And sometimes she's okay and I thought that was like what was going to happen today and it wasn't and she started breaking things and I just like like I kept myself in my room. I tried to make my way when she called me out of my room she started threatening me and I and herself and for the past few days she's been saying that she's going to take a and to her dad's head which is my grandfather and I and herself and the majority of the people in our family she's been thinking that there's this program controlling her attached to her brains my Sorry and um she threatened me to cut her throat when I didn't pick up the glass fast enough. She cut herself on her like leg. I don't know if it was purposeful or accidental but I know that it was on like on her leg and she threw a glass at me and tried to with a piece of glass and she started throwing things and my full concern is the safety of myself and my cat. >> Where's the glass at? >> I cleaned it up it's all in that trash bag cuz she made me. It's like all over there. She broke a few things. >> Okay. The girl's testimony took a darker turn, revealing alleged attempts to harm other family members. What emerged was a pattern fueled by addiction, one that was [music] tearing the entire family apart. >> I think this happened multiple times. Different things. It's always her threatening suicide and the harm to others and me ending up either hurt or like this. >> Yeah. But nothing was physical tonight other than >> Right now, in the house. Now, in trouble. >> Now, in trouble. >> you got you got to go in the house, okay? >> Honey, baby, this is my home. I didn't call you. I didn't bring you here. I didn't call the cops. I didn't do nothing wrong. And me and my kid are going into the house. I did nothing wrong. I didn't call you. Give me my phone now. >> did call us, though. OKAY. >> WHO? >> UH >> WHO? >> I DON'T KNOW WHO. >> I'M SICK [screaming] OF YOU AND YOUR >> ALL RIGHT, MA'AM. GO IN THE HOUSE. RIGHT NOW, YOU'RE >> KID. >> GO IN THE HOUSE. >> Give me my kid. Give me my kid. Get out of my house. >> What is going on? >> You're at my door. I'm going to close my door. Give me my kid. One, two, three. Did I do something wrong? >> Yes. We are investigating something right now. >> What? Tell me what. >> Stop. >> Tell me what. Tell me what you're investigating. Give me my kid and get the out of my house, now. Give me my kid and get the out of my house. >> Yep. >> Give me my kid. Get out of my house. >> All right. At this point, the woman had locked herself inside the house. However, the arrival of a family member who had the keys allowed officers to continue the investigation. The man provided important details about the girl's life, including reports that pointed to ongoing confinement. >> Does she have any Do you have guardianship over her? >> No, but I want it. That's for damn sure. >> Okay, cuz we're probably going to have to with you know depending on what happens here. >> was on the >> You know she's up. >> Yeah, I've been there before. I talked to her before. >> And this is where the poor girl stuck in the middle of it all, you know. We told her just call us. She's We bought her a phone. She took the phone away. So now she can't get a hold of us. >> You wait there. Hang out over there by the car. >> goes good, I want to take and maybe get her a sandwich. >> Well, well, I what Like I said, depending on what happens here, we'll end up um getting a hold of DCF. Give me traffic for a bit. Delta 4. You want to get in the shield? I'm going to screen through the door first. >> And how do you screen traffic? >> I want lights inside. Is it Nina? >> Yeah, Nina. >> Nina! Sheriff's office. I got non-lethal. >> You got less lethal, and I got lethal. So you got hands-on. >> Yeah. Nina! Here's these. Just hang out >> for another minute more for us. Maybe if you want to hang in How about you go down to the car with him and make a call to DCF now because we're going to have to do the emergency custody thing over there. >> That works. >> Okay. >> Yep. Yep. All right, he'll be down with you. Hey guys, what's going on? Hey. Female's all pretty drunk. She ain't going to be able to walk. >> Okay. >> So, but she's going to be a big problem. Yeah, she definitely going to want a bunch of on the floor, so just so y'all know as you go in. >> In the end, Nina was arrested and charged with putting a young child in a dangerous situation and resisting arrest. Next up, officers uncovered a disturbing reality. A couple's dispute had escalated to the point where their baby was left alone, not by accident, but by choice. >> Oh my god, dude. >> The baby here. >> Alone? >> Yep. >> I need to go I think he's probably saying I need to go with the baby cuz wherever I'm going, have baby can't come. >> I feel like my child is being abandoned. >> How do you know that? >> Cuz she was getting ready to leave. See, she came back with a bag. >> I'm about to he's changing his story here. >> It was a bad decision and you will be charged for reckless abandonment and reckless conduct. >> On September 23rd, 2023, officers from Atlanta responded to an apartment after a man called 911 reporting that his girlfriend had abandoned their infant child at home. Upon entering the residence, officers began investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged abandonment. >> Hello. >> Don't don't worry about it. >> Atlanta Police, is anybody home? APD, is anybody home? >> Oh my god, dude. >> What happened? >> The baby here. >> How long? >> Yeah. >> Sleeping? >> Let's check the sign up. We need to sign up the baby first. Let me hear she's alive. >> I just don't get it. Did the door lock himself itself when we when we walked in? >> That's why don't don't don't don't close the door because it has an automatic thing. I think he opened from the cell phone. He never opened for us to get inside. >> Oh, so you opened with his phone? >> Yeah, I think so cuz it was open. This system you can open from anywhere. >> He's coming to get the child and we we good to go. >> Actually the number that he is at work he is going to be on the way bringing his number by as well. >> Did he give you any ETA? >> That is negative. I think already he gave me that ETA. >> But uh he's the one who's alerting us. Otherwise, we would have never find out about this. They were having an argument. So now I'm not sure if he's using this to hurt the young lady, the mother of that child because they have an argument. So let's say that she they both agreed [music] she's going to work, he's going to keep stay with the baby. >> And he left her and he >> And now he's he's changing the story and he's telling you something completely different. >> Oh, do you want me to to to ask her if this party she can contact the mother of the baby or the >> She doesn't have the number. Now, we can get that number from the leasing office if they're open, but they're not open yet. >> So, can you tell me what actually took place here? Please be honest as possible. We're trying to help. We're not trying to get nobody in trouble, but we need to find out what happened. >> Okay, so he's been telling me that we were apartment and he he had decided not to buy groceries to put in the house. So, today this morning I told him I will no longer stay with the baby and I'm leaving. So, I left him with the baby this morning. I went for a walk. Then next thing I know he called me and told me that he's going to call the police telling me that I left the baby here by himself. >> During initial contact, the mother, identified as 20-year-old De Santia Masters, stated that she had informed her husband, 30-year-old Everest Mark, that she was leaving. But as officers dug deeper, contradictions began to surface, casting doubt on who was truly telling the truth. >> It was from this week. We were having some argument about some cheating. >> When was this cheating? >> So, you left this morning? And what time you think you left the the house? >> Around 4:00, something. >> 4:00 a.m.? And uh and he was still here, right? >> Yes. >> So, you told him that you was leaving the house and you was And this this is This is your This is your daughter, right? >> Yes. >> Is your daughter with him? So, this is both of your parents is the baby. So, he agreed with you to leave and keep the baby leave the baby with him? >> No, he's been telling me I need to >> So, he asked you to leave? >> me I don't got anywhere to go. I don't got no family no friends, but he's been telling me to leave. So, I'm pretty sure he is He probably thought I need to go and I think he's probably saying I need to go and leave the baby cuz wherever I'm going the baby can't come. Can't come. >> Okay. So, you have no family in Georgia or anything? >> No. >> Where's your family from? >> Jamaica. I have my mom and two sisters in New York, but we don't talk. We not We don't talk. >> So, what was your What was your immediate plan right now? Where you was trying to go? >> I don't know. I was sitting in the park and somebody saw me and they offered to let me stay for a little while help me out. >> This morning? >> Yes. >> Okay. It was Was it far from here? >> No. >> You can't take the baby cuz you don't have nowhere to go, right? >> No. What do you think it needs to happen here for the good of the baby? So you're just going to leave for now until you get together. We're going to check with him. Are you breastfeeding the baby? Wow, this is tough situation. Sorry to hear all this. So you said he was still here, right? When you when you left the house? >> As officers worked to piece together what had happened, it became increasingly difficult to determine who was truly responsible. While Asantewaa insisted that her husband knew she was leaving, he told a different story, adding even more confusion to an already chaotic situation. >> So tell me what happened, man. We got you, man. All right. >> She said she was going to leave and do all that arguing and all this stuff, right? Which I'm not. Came back home like 2:00 in the morning. Took her out and out of the yard to be worked out by the mom. Well, I didn't really see her up and left. When she didn't leave the house, did I leave the house before? >> So you left the house last or here or she was she left first? >> She left first. >> Well, you said that you got here at 2:00 in the morning. >> Yeah, but while I'm getting ready, she was still in the house. When I put on my clothes, she was getting to go somewhere. We weren't talking, so I didn't ask her where. So that's why on my way to work, I called the police. I said I called 911 and said "Can I get a police officer at my house cuz I feel like my child is being abandoned." >> How do you how do you knew that? How >> Cuz she was getting ready to leave. You see she came back with a bag. She was getting ready to leave. >> She told you that you were going to leave the house, right? >> No, we had no conversation. No conversation. >> But how do you knew that she was going to leave without a without the baby? >> She said "I was just sitting in the night. If you don't pick up, I'm leaving the baby here. I'm leaving." So she came back with a whole bag. >> And her phone? She got people texting her tickets to my flight to get to Hawaii and all that. Let me see that again. >> I can't unlock it. >> Okay. >> That's her phone, but she got tickets to go Hawaii. >> Do you have her cell phone? >> Yeah. >> Why? >> It fell on the floor outside. Cuz when I was coming in, she was coming at the same time. So, I I came to her and I was like, "What happened? Why you left the child?" Whatever, cuz she called me and said, "Why you call me?" >> just find the phone right now? >> No, it was on the floor when we was talking. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, Mr. Mark, uh how you doing? >> Good. >> The baby's fine. The baby's fine. You guys are whatever issue How old are you? >> 30. >> 30. >> She's 20. >> Whatever issues you guys got going on, you don't have to figure it out, but we need to make sure that who's staying with the baby and for the good of the baby >> I don't think that's better for the baby. I don't think she meant to get the people involved. I think you shouldn't involve the kids in this. I ain't got time to do that. I'm facing eviction right now. I'm soon going to be homeless, just so you know. >> So, do you want us to get D-FACS over here? >> Yeah, go ahead. It is what it is, cuz regardless, I'm going to be homeless regardless. I'm back back to being homeless. >> Well, she's homeless, too. >> No, she got people in Hawaii. So, right now >> Does she got Does she got family in Hawaii? >> Of course she don't. It's somebody she met up with like yesterday for what I was to get for today, and she want to go. That's how bad it is. >> Are you going to keep her phone, or you want to give it >> No, I'm keeping her phone. >> Well, everything's cool with the baby. Your house, everything's good. We got great there. >> It's going to take a while to come. >> Well, we got to call at 6:00 cuz it's a 10-hour shift. I will tell I will tell you call >> Like 5:30. >> Yeah, yeah. The morning shift leave at 6:00. That's why they didn't show up. >> As more details emerged, officers realized the couple's constant conflicts may have put the child at serious risk. What once seemed like an accident was now raising the possibility of something far more deliberate. >> Ma'am, so you understand you're responsible for your baby, right? Uh you have something in mind, somebody to call and help you out? Cuz I don't think it's a good idea to stay here, cuz if you guys can get along right now >> I can't leave the situation, cuz I don't I I can't take her. >> Yeah, that's what you told me. But he's saying the same thing. Cuz he's about to be evicted from this property. So he's going to be homeless, too. >> He's getting evicted? >> That's At least that's what he said. I don't know. If y'all don't want the baby, I can let them know so they can take the baby to Grady and we can call DFS and they'll figure it out from there. >> Okay, so can I ask him to see what's up? >> He already told me. >> That he want He wants them to take the baby? >> Mhm. >> To Grady? >> Yeah, he He said He said he can't keep the baby cuz he got nowhere to go. >> So can I talk to him? Can I talk to him? >> to him. Please. We don't We We don't need no We don't need no argument here. >> Uh she wants to talk to you. Uh you want to talk to her? >> About what? About the baby situation? >> About the baby situation or the type of eviction? >> Okay, so do you want to give the baby up? >> The eviction process takes a minute, just to let you know, sir. Yeah, I don't care. >> Is you giving the baby up? >> You asked her mother to leave with the baby up. Give the baby up. >> I'm asking you where are the other parents. Are you willing to give the baby up? >> You're the mother, whatever you want to do. So if you want to give the baby up, we can do that. We can give the baby up. Me personally, I ain't got a job, so you can have the baby. >> Okay. >> At this point, the couple refused to cooperate. However, when officers brought them together for further questioning, their statements began to match, leading investigators closer to determining who was truly responsible. >> Well, we got We got cleared that you left the house this morning at 4:00 and you left a little later after, right? About 5:00. >> I left the house before actually. >> So >> the house last. I left her in the house with the baby. >> And what time you left the house, you said? >> the house like 4:15. >> 4:15? And she was still here? >> Yeah. >> And what time you left the house? >> I don't know what time, but he was here at the time. >> So you said he >> I was sleeping when I was sleeping. >> So y'all see somebody's Somebody is is changing stories here. >> Yeah, I get to be at work by 5:30. >> And what time you got to work? You clock in at work? >> Yeah, yeah. >> And what time you clock in at work this morning? >> They check the pass? I clock in at 4:00 6:00 but I was in the park a lot of rich guys. So we got to wait for the park a lot of stuff that we will show ourselves like 5:15. >> So she left last? >> Y'all cool with us taking the baby? >> We can we can call D-FACS social worker. We can we can get you help. You're not stranded here on your own. But But can you go be ready with them? Can she do that? >> You got everything you need? >> Yes, yeah. She's pretty much She's pretty much homeless. And from there I would I guess it would be easier for us to maybe call D-FACS. This is Saturday. Go and take a minute for D-FACS and get there. >> Life is going to be tough sometimes. Hey, fight it. Fight it. Don't worry about the situation right now. Just fight it. Enjoy your little little baby at home. Don't give that little baby a chance. All right? God bless you. I'm going to be praying for you, okay? >> As the investigation progressed and more evidence came to light, officers were forced to change their approach. What once seemed questionable was now raising serious concerns. The mother's actions were no longer seen as harmless. >> We can assist with resources and assist on on, you know, helping her out. But because you don't want your child, we're not a drop-off spot. That's That's That's not the way that works. Our guess our decision will probably be based on what y'all decide because at the current time the child has caregiver. But if if charges be pressed >> See See, that's that's what I can really establish yet because it will require more investigation and I'm stuck here with the baby so I can't move nowhere. That's why I got the detective coming so we can get it together. I can give you a call in a few minutes and I'll let you know what what's what's going to happen. >> Yeah, do that. >> I make contact with the special victim and they were ready to take the mother in custody here at Hughes Holding. But I also need to take in custody the father. He's at 180 Jackson apartment 3509. Can you help me out and see the you have a available unit to do that 23 for me so I can release cuz uh also D5 won't take care of this uh child if we don't have if we're not doing charges. We got the mother here. We're about to 23 her for uh reckless abandonment of a child and reckless conduct. So, if you make contact with him, it's just tell him that he going to be uh detained for investigation and just wait raise me or call me whatever. >> Based on the evidence, officers observed that Asanti's actions were not just a result of a stressful day, but appeared to be intentional despite the risks of leaving the child alone. Officers grew increasingly concerned as she showed no signs of trying to prevent a worse outcome for her daughter. >> So, what's the word? Anybody has spoke to you yet? >> He's so cute. >> Have you contacted anybody? What's your plan? What do you want to do? >> I don't know. >> Things are not going to be pretty if you start behaving like that, okay? I'm talking to you. He I I I I'm not supposed to tell you anything. But I I want to help you. But this all this situation you guys do it, that's wrong. We're here to enforce law, all right? Look at that angel. All right? So, what's your plan? What you Why Why you have in mind? Remember, we not here to to to put uh things in your life. We're here to help. If you be If you work with us, it's easier for you, not for me, all right? This is my job. I'm going to know everything sooner or later. All right? Because we have certain tools to find out everything. So, tell me, are you Are you planning to go out of state with someone else? >> For all of this for all of this, my plan was to leave her with him and just walk. >> You what? >> Oh, my plan was to leave her with him. Get out of my life. I don't care what it is. Let's go somewhere. It didn't matter to me. I just wanted to get out and kept her keeper. >> So, you want to leave the the girl with him? >> Yes. >> So, you know that he works, right? So, this is what I'm saying. We all those here, right? You're making a conscious decision. You left your child alone today. That's a You made a conscious conscious decision. But, you has a child not to do it, but you plan it and you you did it. Right? So, now you know that you this guy does have to go to work. Someone has to pay for the food, right? Is that Is that correct? >> Yes. >> All right. So, you left the child with him knowing that he had to go to work. Are you working right now? >> No. >> Exactly. >> Asantewaa, in an attempt to defend herself, brought forward new information about her relationship with Evarista, including allegations of possible crimes. However, this only served as further evidence that she was aware of the risks they were exposing their daughter to as part of their conflict. >> Before all of this, I tried to speak to him multiple times. I said, "Please, can we have a conversation about this?" I said, "Fine, you could go and do whatever cuz this this is what caused the problem, relationship." >> Okay. >> Cheating, whatever. I said to him, "Okay, can we have a serious conversation? You could cheat and do whatever you want. Just make sure your daughter is okay cuz I'm here taking care of her." He said he's not going to put food in the house. He won't pay the bills. So, what is What else is left for me to do? Cuz I'm telling him I'm willing to cooperate and take care of her. And he can do whatever he wants. That's what I tell him multiple times and he can tell you that. He didn't want to do that. So, then what am I supposed to do? >> Okay. What he want to do? >> It's like he wanted to have me there and just have me there suffering. He's very spiteful. He would rather have me not eating. He stopped paying my bills cuz That's what he >> Did you go talk to anybody for that? Like, a lawyer, police, or anything? >> Well, that's a psychological abuse that you're telling me. >> That's domestic violence. >> Yeah. If you're being victim of that, that's that's another story, okay? You didn't You didn't mention that before. >> I called the police at times about domestic violence happening between me and and baby. >> And he did? Did you spoke to someone? >> Multiple times. And they said I don't have no physical I don't think they should and the fact that he wants and he always wants me at the house and the fact that he wants me at the house and my name is not on the lease and I'm not paying on the rent means they can do they say they police always say they can't do nothing so all there's left for me to do is go. >> We're going to have a nurse to take care of the baby and you need to step out with us cuz we need some more information from you. You going to you going to stay with us. >> station >> Mhm. >> I'm not allowed I'm not going to leave her. >> You're going to be detained unfortunately. >> For how long? >> It will be up to the judge once we have spoken to the judge. Right now as the investigator I'm looking at this case you will be charged for reckless abandonment and reckless conduct. >> Ma'am do you have any family that you want to reach out to or have D-class reach out to in order to get your baby with some family? >> Give your mom a contact >> Her family is in New York and she doesn't have a good relation. >> She said >> So you would prefer them to put the baby in staff house to take care. Do you have any family that I can get to them? >> Not down here. >> It doesn't matter they didn't try to get the family here. >> Can we call can we call um Mark? >> No Mark Mark is going to be on the other car as well in the same situation like you have. >> No to tell him to make his cousin he has a cousin. That's the only family I know. >> We're going to call him later we we don't want to call him now. >> At this point officers went to the suspect's home. The investigation revealed that earlier that day Everist had requested a welfare check knowing the child would be left alone for hours. It appeared to be a calculated plan with one goal to target his partner. >> I don't want him to see us cuz he might not open the door he might walk back and go grab the door just cuz he he probably know but if he see you he know you can't arrest him. >> Hey Mr. Everist how you doing? [music] Step out for a minute let me talk to you. You step out for a minute let me talk to you. Step out for a minute. What's up? All right boss we we got to holler you, man. >> This is so much time. >> What's up? >> Can you put some clothes on, man? >> Yeah. >> You got no weapons back there, do you? >> No, no, no. >> So, right now you're being detained for reckless endangerment to a child. Uh y'all left the baby here. >> Bro, you put your clothes on at the same time, bro. >> Wait, I'm being detained? >> I just told you, man. >> What else did he say? >> He said reckless endangerment to a child um and reckless abandonment to a child. >> But I left before the lady. The lady um the lady would have left the house last. >> What lady? >> My lady. >> Your lady? >> Yeah. She left the house last. >> Um you left the child was in here by his self. >> You're not getting it. >> I know you're not getting it. You said you left first and you said she left second. >> Yeah. >> was in here by their self. Did you see the first officer that came, light-skinned guy? >> Yeah. >> Hispanic? >> Yeah. >> All right, so we're going to detain you and we're going to take you to him and you can talk to him. All right? We've just been instructed to come here >> and detain >> detain [music] you and take you to him. All right? >> The picture was clear. This wasn't a one-time incident. This child had been placed in the middle of a deliberate conflict and it was only a matter of time before something worse happened. >> So, you said you had to go to work? >> Yeah. >> So, and you went to work? >> Yeah, I did go to work. >> Well, what happened? Why you not there now? >> Cuz cuz I was I was the one who called the cops. I called the cops. I told the cops I feel like my girl abandoned the child in the house that I left in the house cuz I was already on the way to work. >> Well, why did So, when you left the house, she was here she was there? >> Yeah. Cuz when I woke up >> Can you prove that through your phone? >> That what? >> Like do you got messages or her saying something that's indicating that she's in the house? >> Well, I got messages on my >> Because the way it's sounding is like both of y'all just left and the baby was there. >> No, but I got messages on my phone saying she going to leave the baby in the house, though. >> After you were at work? >> No, that was like before when I came back. Like right before I came back. I was coming in. >> She literally came back with a whole suitcase and told the cops. She had a whole suitcase packed up. >> All right, bro. I'm going to kick it to you like this, bro. I'm going to be I'm going to keep it a bean with you. And this is documented. I don't agree with what's about to happen, but judges are pretty fair. So, when you get in the court, just tell your story, explain it, and you should be fine. Sometimes investigator, cuz this is all up to the investigators with special victims. This ain't us, cuz if it was up to me, I would let you go. I would get your phone, I would have you show me text messages to prove it, and then I would go talk to her, I interview her, I interview you, I look at all the evidence. >> So, I'm the one only being detained? >> No. She She going, too. But, bro, you you going to have to fight your ass off in court so you can have your child, bro, cuz you the only one with a job. And the way that the way the supervisors are kicking it, they saying Huh? >> When is that court date? >> Uh you going to figure it out when you get down there. >> I don't I don't know. >> All right, bro. >> In the end, Evaristo Mark and Asantewa Masters were charged with abandonment of a dependent and [music] reckless conduct. Up next, what began as a welfare check quickly led officers to a disturbing discovery. A baby found wandering alone in the hallway of an apartment building. >> Where's Mommy? Where's Mommy? Can you show me where Mommy is? >> My girlfriend left my daughter sleeping. She went to the bank. I came back and the police were with my daughter. >> So, we're doing an assessment so your daughter doesn't witness anything. >> Why am I getting arrested? >> You're for child neglect. >> On September 1st, 2024, officers responded to a call from an apartment complex after a toddler was found wandering alone in a hallway. Upon arrival, they faced a troubling reality. No one knew where the child lived, triggering an urgent search for whoever was responsible. >> Bianca? Oh. Oh, Mama. >> On which floor is she? >> She said like one sentence, and she's just very shy, so we can get her to >> Where is Mommy? >> Hi. Well, she wants to go with you, Bianca. I'll be right back, okay, Mommy? I'll come right back. >> She speaks English or Spanish? >> I couldn't tell which. >> Okay. Do you know her? >> Yes. >> Mommy? Where's Mommy? Where's Mommy? Where's Mommy? Can you show me where Mommy is? Go to Mommy. >> Go to Mommy. >> Okay. Go to Mommy. Okay, go to Mommy. Go to Mommy. Eat Mommy. Eat Mommy. >> She'll let me in her apartment, please. I'm taking her to the apartment. >> Mommy, go to Mommy. Eat Mommy. Um We're going to have to go to the company to see if they've ever seen her, like the landlord company. >> two workers that came and they said they've never seen They've never seen the girl. >> Yeah, but she could be in a stroller when she leaves. >> Yeah. >> The person in charge of these apartments should know who has a child about this age. I mean, I would guess. >> The situation became even more uncertain. According to the building security staff, the property did not have full camera coverage, which raised further concerns among officers about whether the child had been wandering alone throughout the building. >> I have someone bring me a fob. I have um her bringing me a key fob. She's going to check the cameras for me now. Um located on the sixth floor. Uh the lady was in her apartment. She heard the baby crying, screaming, running around the hallway. And she didn't recognize her, so I don't know. I just We're just knocking on the doors. >> So, um no front desk person? >> No. >> You recognize the baby? No Nobody? >> It's It's like no front desk. Where is the front desk? Is it in the that building you were telling me? Yeah. So, if you live here, do they really go over there at all? They might. Cuz I mean, if they're going to amenities or anything, they might. >> And you don't recognize the baby, right? Okay. >> And that's how I knew how are you. Um that's the other thing. We don't have cameras like on every floor. We only have them on the fifth floor. >> So, there's no cameras on the sixth floor? >> That's where they connect through everywhere. So, I asked the concierge to check if there's anything like the elevator cameras. >> I mean, it's possible the baby's not even from the sixth floor. It could have gone up on the fifth >> Exactly. So, I told them to check the elevator cameras and like sixth floor hallway cameras. Cuz if not, if it's if she's on the sixth floor >> Do they do they already know what the baby looks like? >> Yeah. Yeah, it's >> And none of them recognize the baby. >> No one recognizes her. At first, I thought it was >> of your residents have babies? Do you guys know? >> Yeah, yeah. She is. You let yourself out, didn't you? You let yourself out. Yep. >> Um management, do they These are all rentals, right? Management, did we send them a picture to see if they they've seen her before? >> Yeah, two of their employees came up and then let let them know and they said >> But employees how? >> I'm going to send the one that I spoke to. >> The ones that work here for >> I know. >> We knocked. >> I'm going to go get some water. >> Okay. We might have to hold her to do the other one because she's not she might not speak too. >> As the investigation progressed, officers checked neighboring units and finally located the apartment. What they found inside revealed clear signs of neglect, unsanitary living conditions. Moments later, the mother arrived, later identified as Luvia. >> Where Where were you? >> I think we can ask her which apartment she was in in the building. >> Which which apartment? >> Okay, ma'am. >> Do you have a dog? >> Yeah. Um but we have to hold on to her until we finish this investigation, okay? All right. So, just put her down on the floor. I know she's I know she's going to get a little worried, but that's okay. Okay. Thank you. Mike! We found her. Just be careful she comes out. Hello. Good. Um how are you? Oh, okay. Let me see Let me talk to you. So, did you Did you leave work early? >> Yes. >> Okay, got it. Cuz I understand that you usually get out at 11:00. Okay. Um let me ask you. From your knowledge, what's happened today? >> My girlfriend left my daughter sleeping. She went to the bank, came back, and the police were with my daughter. >> To the bank? >> Yeah, bank Citybank or something like that. To try out some ATMs in there. >> Okay. >> That's as far as I know. >> What time did she leave? >> I don't know what time she left. I forgot the text message. >> Yeah, no, you're good. No worries. >> I got a >> [music] >> text from her at 6:33. >> Mhm. >> And I asked what's happening, and she told me >> [music] >> But what did she tell you at 6:33? That she was leaving or something? >> No. So, I believe you guys were already here at that time. So, when I was in the elevator, I went to the bank to try the wireless ATM. And 7-Eleven, and Olivia was asleep. When I came back, she was outside of the door. >> Got it. >> That's my knowledge. >> All right. Um does she usually leave her alone? >> I don't know. >> Okay. Um I know I know we've already talked about the work schedule. I know she's off on Mondays, Tuesdays. You're off Wednesdays, Thursdays, but your mom And so, I know that you guys are, you know, doing your due diligence to make sure that the baby's taken care of. Um but into your knowledge, she's never left alone. >> No. >> Okay. >> At this point, the children's father also arrived, claiming the mother had gone to a nearby bank. But investigators uncovered a different timeline. She had left hours earlier to go to a store, raising serious doubts about their statements. >> And she didn't tell you Liam's stepping out at any point, anything like that? >> No, she didn't. >> And another question. I know you guys are moving. >> Mhm. >> Um and you guys were working on reserving an elevator. >> Yes. >> Who made that >> I believe she did. >> Okay. Got it. What time? >> I'm not sure. >> Okay. So, you never called to make the reservation? >> I called the office to ask them to confirm the moving The complex were wanting to meet at um like proof of rental history. >> Mhm. >> So, they sent an email to this complex and I called them to ask them if they could answer that and reply to that as soon as possible. >> Right. >> As soon as someone talked to the office today. >> Okay. You're going to be placed under arrest. >> Okay. >> So, we're doing it outside so your daughter doesn't witness anything. >> Why am I getting arrested? >> You're being arrested Okay. Any questions? All right. Is your phone is on you? Do you want it to go with you to TJK? >> No. >> Okay. So, you want it to stay with Gabriel? >> Yes. >> Okay. Just give it to >> watch. >> Thanks. >> You got it. As long as that you need the officer's phone. >> Um >> You know her number? >> You do memorize your dad's number. I know you memorize his number. So, so that way you can call Gabriel. Put your hands behind your >> to my daughter? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> With the evidence found, there was no doubt among officers about the crime committed by the children's mother as she had knowingly exposed them to danger. >> I have to do paperwork. So, we're going to finish the paperwork. Um what happens next we take you to the jail. You're going to get booked at the police station to finish paperwork. When we get to the station, you're going to be in a holding cell while we do paperwork. I'll take your handcuffs off of you. Um Gabriel, we get back in my car, go to the TJK. >> Okay. >> Um from there Just for reference >> Mhm. >> I did. Nothing in here, okay? If anything appears, it's going to be technically yours. You understand what I'm trying to say? So, you don't have anything else on you, correct? >> I don't. >> Okay. Close those good. I'll lower the window so you get air, okay? >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> I got it. >> Smells like this one right here. >> Yeah. Got the keys? You want to take your cup out, too? Open up a little bit. Do you understand? You want a cup of water or anything like that? >> No, I'm okay. >> Let me know, okay? >> In the end, Luvia was charged with neglect. Moving on to a case where a call led officers to a car where a child was found inside with their parents, [music] but something about the situation immediately raised concern. And what they uncovered soon revealed a far more shocking reality. >> Are they breathing? >> She's got an orange cap sticking out of her pocket. >> Step out. You doing okay? Okay, let's get out of this vehicle, okay? There's There's some dangerous stuff in here. >> On May 25th, 2023, officers were dispatched to a hospital after reports came in about a couple under the influence inside a car with their child also inside. When officers arrived, they found the troubled couple unresponsive inside the overheated vehicle. >> Is there a kid in the car? >> Yes, actually actually now. We're in fact There's a pit bull sleeping on the on the floor, too. >> Are they breathing? >> They're both of them. They're both of them nodding. She's got an orange cap sticking out of her pocket. Looks like a needle cap. >> Hey. >> Hey, step out. >> Oh, no. >> Step out. >> No. >> Step out of the vehicle, ma'am. >> What's going on? >> Are you breathing? Are you putting your pocket? >> We got him. Wait, they get in your pocket. Step out. >> I got it. >> [ __ ] I have a bad hip, dude. >> Get out of the vehicle. Stop putting your hand in your pocket. >> my hand in my pocket, dude. >> hand against that. >> a bad hip. >> Put your hand against that. >> I have a bad hip. Now, stop. >> Watch yourself. >> The couple was found in the hospital parking lot with their daughter in the backseat. All the windows were closed and the family had spent the night inside the vehicle. Adults putting themselves in this situation is already concerning, but involving a child makes it far worse. [music] >> What is this? Uh first of all, I'm going to read you guys your rights. You both have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights, not make any statements, make any comments. Do you understand? You guys have a kid in the back. What is in this? Don't lie to me. >> There's nothing in it. It's mine. There's nothing in it. Why are you asking him? >> When's the last time you used? >> A couple days ago. >> Okay. How long you been using? >> About 8 months. >> About 8 months? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You got anything, ma'am? >> I do. >> Is it in the vehicle? >> It is. >> We're going to need something for this kid and dog. >> Babe. >> What are you guys at the hospital for? >> I brought him up here last night. >> Have you ever been arrested? >> I have. >> For what? >> Plenty of times. Everything you can think of. >> This is the back of my hand. Go and stand in front of your vehicle, please. >> Babe. >> What else is in the vehicle before I search? >> I don't have anything. That's all I have. >> Okay. Did you search him already? >> No. >> Can I have it back then? What's this right here? A knife? >> Yep. >> Okay, I'm going to take this off you right now, okay? All right. How old is your kid? Hi. You doing okay? Yeah? Okay, let's get out of this vehicle, okay? There's there's some dangerous stuff in here. Come here, sweetheart. Want to go sit in my car for a second? You ever seen a police car? Yeah? You want to sit right here for a second? Alrighty. You want the doggie in here with you? Come on puppy. Get out there with the girl. I love you girl. >> While searching the mother, the officer found narcotics in her pockets, immediately raising concerns about the child's safety. After placing the child in the patrol car, the officer began questioning the parents about their narcotics use, trying to understand the full extent of their habits. >> What else am I going to find in this vehicle? Okay. But you got a needle with some stuff in it, so what else is in there in it? >> There's nothing in it. >> Do you have any possibly empty needles, anything in there? >> No, I don't know. >> Used needles? >> There is nothing in it either. >> I'm going to go I'm going to go through then, okay? >> I don't care. >> That's a good spot to hide that. So this is only used for >> No right everything is zero. >> Why is there crystal substance in it? Cuz the last I knew aren't crystalline. Yeah, you see that? >> No, I'm saying the the container. >> I'm going to test it. Is it going to test positive for >> I don't care if you test it. >> I'm going to. >> That's fine. Look the the thing that you got in your other hand >> Yeah, I believe that you also smoke you know wax out of it, but there's also crystals in here, too. I'll test it. >> No. Wow. >> These are morels, right? They do look like morels. That one does, anyway. Yeah, when you flip that Hey, I'm going to get her ID out and then I'm going to try to get some It's about 3 hours away. Get the kids. And all that. I need to get that. I think they're going to get >> Yeah, they're they're going. >> Okay. >> Um >> to start ordering them. >> Who Who's Who is this this cousin? >> Uh my cousin. >> Male, female? >> Female. >> Is she a user? >> No. >> She doesn't use? >> I don't know. >> Okay. >> What's her name? Angel. >> You guys make your own wax? >> No. That's donut residue. >> Donut residue? Donut residue in four different bags that are >> Well, I have a lot. Okay. >> Yeah, she's got a a bunch of other >> Okay. >> Inside the car, the officer found even more suspicious items amid the heavy clutter. And although the parents tried to mislead him, he was experienced enough to know that something wasn't right. >> This your ID, ma'am? The paper one? You have a regular one? >> See her wallet. Is this an empty purse here? I'll ask to see the wallet. >> This is going to take a while to go through. If that cousin shows up and they look like they're doped Can I just go ahead and do a CR-33 form? >> Yeah, we'll cover that when they get here. >> When they get here. Okay. >> I mean, they're >> I'm like >> over 3 hours away. >> 3 hours away? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's why I said we need to get rolling on that because family services will take that one. >> Yeah. Yeah, okay. I got you. So, what got us into this predicament, guys? >> My brother was [ __ ] with the guy last night. >> What What got us into this predicament? You know what I'm asking. Why am I here? You saw it sticking out of her pocket? What are you guys using to melt it with? >> I don't use anything. I hear >> Where's Where's the spoon at and stuff in here? >> I don't use that. >> Cuz I I don't We you could save me a bunch of time just telling me. I already found what I already found a rock. Do you normally bang it or do you smoke it too? Is that what the pipes >> I I'm in the banger. >> Do Okay. Does he smoke? >> Yeah. I mean >> Okay. Is that true, sir? I said, do you smoke or do you bang? >> I smoke. >> Well, that pipe's got meth in it, man. So You guys high right now? You lying? You guys got a kid in the back. >> Yes, I am. >> Okay. Car seat's not even in. Do you guys know that? >> Yeah, I am with her last night because she wanted to stretch out. >> Were you guys sleeping here all night? >> Yes. >> The car was in a deplorable condition and knowing that a child had spent the night there with her unresponsive parents surrounded by narcotics and filth made the situation even more disturbing. And despite the amount of evidence the officer found [music] suggesting illegal activity inside the vehicle, the parents continued trying to talk their way out of it. You don't have anything? Well Well, I found some Yeah. What do you I that is? It's a rock crystal. What is it? >> I'm I'm sure of it. Call it crystal. >> What do you say it is, sir? >> Probably crystal. >> Okay. Whose is it? Not yours, not hers? >> It's been a while since I've seen that jar. I don't know. >> Okay. Where's the rest of it at? >> The rest of it? >> Yeah. >> I have no [ __ ] clue. >> Okay. >> I don't know where the rest of it is. >> Do you have anything in your bra, ma'am? >> I don't have nothing. >> Okay. I'm going to go test this stuff real quick, okay? >> You doing all right, sweetheart? >> Yeah? I'll get you a sticker here in a minute. What are you doing? >> Puppy. >> Puppy? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Ouch. I'm a crazy. >> Oh, I know. >> Possession of paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a child since there was a reaching distance with her. And have the controlled substances. >> Okay. >> Seat belt being and um rotten food in the back. >> Yeah, so we'll talk about endangering. >> I know that's the side, right? >> The other side, yeah. >> Yeah. >> What do you mean by the seat stuff? >> Oh, I was I was just trying to Yeah, I guess what you're saying is that doesn't matter cuz it's parked here. >> Cuz it's in park. >> Yeah, I see what you're saying. Here you go. You can give that >> At this point, officers had seen enough and the parents were about to face the harsh consequences of their actions. >> All right, you guys are under arrest. Okay, possession of controlled substance, paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child. Okay, I'm going to let uh I'm going to let CD uh uh children's division know about this. Turn around, place your hands behind your back. You guys are going to be with each other in the car, so come on. Let me Turn around, please. Faster we do this, the faster I can get the paperwork in, the faster you guys get out. >> Just want the brown wallet. >> Yes. >> Your cell phone. >> Yes. >> And where's your phone, ma'am? You're going to need it to make calls. >> Oh, can you disconnect the fob to this right here? >> Yep. Um well, probably need to start it. It's closed. I don't know. Watch out. Just in case. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Look at that. This. >> They're passing out. >> Well, part of the lifestyle we're living. This is the good stuff. >> Yeah, that was the good stuff. Well, I'm trying to You guys I've been trying to get in a program. I'm trying to get in >> You're like seconds away from me freaking out. So, just stop talking and we'll go, okay? >> Trying to do it. >> We're going to go to jail. >> Well, >> You have a baby girl. >> I am. >> A beautiful baby girl. I mean, she's gorgeous. >> I know. >> All right. This is her phone. Um Let's go. Come on. >> I didn't lock it. >> Then have a seat. >> Are you guys married or just boyfriend and girlfriend? >> Is that your guys's kid together? >> Yeah. >> Are you guys married? >> That's her stuff. >> Whose is this stuff? >> That's all hers. >> Oh, I don't need that pink wallet. >> You don't need this? >> The pink wallet, no. I have a green wallet in my purse, but that's my ID, but I don't need an ID. >> She said she don't need it. >> Got it. >> Thankfully, officers reached the child before [music] something worse could happen. And in the end, the mother was charged with possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.