when I myself that's pretty much only when I get mad. He got me by the arm and dragged me. >> You thought I was lying to him. I guess bro, >> you okay? It's all right. It's going to be okay. >> Parents are supposed to be a source of safety for their children. But what happens when officers meet young individuals trying to escape from those they should be able to trust. >> CAN YOU TELL US? I came up this morning cuz when she had struck me in the face when I opened the door, John and he protected me and brought me up in the air. >> If she comes back, guess what? Cuz they ain't going to call the police if she strikes them. >> These were the moments when officers realized that children ran away to escape [music] their parents. We begin with the case of a report involving a mother and her daughter that led officers to uncover something they weren't prepared for. >> A hug. >> A hug? >> Yes. >> Okay, come here. >> I want to myself. That's pretty much only when I get mad. He got me by the arm and dragged me. I don't fake my I do not fake her. I don't know what she's acting like she's afraid of. >> On July 7th, 2024, officers responded to a residence following a report that a young family member claimed her mother had acted aggressively when she tried to step away. What officers encountered inside the house would raise questions about what had been happening behind closed doors. >> Hi, >> somebody call police on me. Yeah, I figured I was going to call myself because my daughter will not come out at the bushes and I got two up here. I bet that I can't leave up there. She's got an epilepsy problem. Okay. So, she's got she's got a lot of brain damage. >> Okay. >> Call whoever you want to to confirm this. This is what she does because she sees specialists and Sorry, I'm stressed out. >> Just take a breath. >> She sees specialists and stuff for her mental her brain damage and stuff like that. >> What she does when she's about to have major seizure, >> but I can't leave these here alone. So, I keep going back and forth and it's tripping me out because >> Do I need to call >> my boyfriend is their grandfather and he like left to go get her seizure medicine. He hasn't come back. >> Okay. Do I need to call um the ambulance to come check her out? >> No, because she she probably will be okay cuz he's supposed to be here with her medicine. It's not that she showed any other signs other than she's been doing a lot better in the last few days, but I don't think so. I mean, I know to call him if I have to because I've had to do it 100 times before. I got to go check on these. Can you watch her for a second? I mean, I don't know what to do. I can't see these up here. >> Yeah. I mean, if you can I need you to come right back. >> I got to bring them down here with me. Okay. Can you grab your ID, too, please? >> No, I don't think I got it. It's in the truck. When he gets back, you can have it done. I'll tell you who I am. >> She stood down. She was sobbing. She was crying. She was, you know, she she's talking, but she's >> trembling like she's terrified. >> Okay. She was all by herself. >> All by herself. The way how she spoke is, you know, she's getting a in the house. Okay. >> Long story short, your mother came outside searching for her because you're hearing >> she said I'm >> Yeah. >> That's what >> And you heard it. >> Of course. >> Okay. >> I'm the one that came upstairs when she meet. >> I'm going to beat you. >> That's what she said. >> Let me tell you why I called. >> When she was halfway up the stairs, she saw me and the cousin with her. She went back downstairs in her apartment. >> Okay. >> You know, she didn't come up for her. >> Okay. As the mother and her daughter entered the apartment complex, the witness who [music] had called police shared what they had noticed. But when officers approached the girl, the mother's reaction suggested there was more to the situation than initially appeared. >> Stay over here. Okay. >> Come out of the bushes. This is ridiculous. >> I'm going to talk to her. I need you to stay over here. Okay, >> let's get >> I need you to stay over here. Okay, >> come over here. >> I'm going to move over here. I'm on my way. It's my like I don't know that she's allowed to push like that. She's got mental problems. >> Okay, >> I'll show you. Well, I can't because the old man left me here, took my phone, so that's why I couldn't call you guys when she came up missing. >> Okay, that's fine. >> It's not fun. >> It's fine that you didn't have a phone to call us. It's the situation is obviously not fun. >> We had to show her um scared straight videos because of her what she does is is terrible. It's like dangerous. >> I said, "What do you mean?" >> Like she'll climb up to the top of the building, the building in the backyard. She's got seizures. So, she's able to pop them off. She has 16 a day sometimes. freaking that she'll go do the most dangerous thing she can find to do where we can't find her. I've had to call the police like seven or eight times to come find her. She ran off to the store on her daddy the other day, run off to the store way down the road and tells them that she's been tied up and we don't live together, but I know for a fact he didn't tie her up. >> Can I come close to you? >> You okay? >> That's okay. Are you okay? >> Okay. We're going to have some nice people come check you out just to make sure you're okay. All right. >> Okay. >> Do you want a hug? >> What? >> Do you want a hug? >> Are you saying hide or hike? >> No. Do you want a hug? >> A hug? >> A hug? >> Yes. >> Okay. Come here. >> It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. My name's Kayla and I'm going to help you. Okay. >> Do you feel okay right now? No. >> Okay. What's wrong? >> I mean, right now, I don't really know what to myself. That's pretty much only when I get mad. >> What are all these scratches on you? >> That's from my dead dog. He always likes to rustle with me. >> Your mom said you have seizures sometimes. Do you feel like you're going to have one right now or? >> No. >> No. >> The girl's tone of voice was something the officer could not ignore while trying to speak with her. It suggested that something else was happening. >> Can I see your arms real quick? So, what happened? Did you come run to the bushes by yourself or what happened? >> It started out on the stairs, but then I heard my mom and then when she found me and and and left me for a minute, I ran to the bushes where where she couldn't get me by the arm, she she got me by the arm and dragged me. >> She did? Let me see your arm. Where did she drag you from? Where on your arm? >> Right here. >> Do you think you can walk over here for me or do you want to walk that way? >> I want to walk this way. >> Okay. I don't want to be in front of people right now. >> That's okay. Does anything hurt? >> It hurts right here and right here from when I was bended. >> Okay, that's it though. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't spank my I do not spank her. I don't know what she's acting like she's afraid of. Nobody spakes her. She's got seizures. I mean, we've loved and care for her ever since she caught it when she was 8 months old. It's all about attention cuz these little ones were getting attention, too. She didn't want more children, too. And I understand if you want this to listen. >> No, you're not in trouble at all. You're not in trouble. Okay. >> Ring about. >> No, you're not in trouble. I promise you're not in trouble at all. Okay. >> Well, you see, my grandma told me that if I start feeling emotional, like sad or mad and need a long time, not to hide, but to just go somewhere. So, I went on the steps and my mother got furious and started running at me. >> Okay. I was just doing what I was told. >> Okay. Of course. Did you get hurt at Did your mom hurt you at all? >> She kind of made my arm go. She popped. >> It popped. Okay. Has she ever done anything like that before? >> No. >> Okay. Did she say anything here? You can wipe it on your shirt if you need to. >> No, cuz it doesn't belong to me. >> What's your last name? >> Did she just walk out or was it unlocked? >> Did she just walk out? >> Was it unlocked? >> I don't know. >> Okay. She just got out. >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean she's capable of opening the door. >> At this point, the girl's testimony began revealing new details about her relationship with her mother, adding another layer to the case. >> Did your mom say anything to you like she was going to hurt you or anything like that? >> Uh, she said cuss words and and she said, "When I find you, I am going to whap your a word." >> Okay. >> And she also said she was going to f word my butt up. >> Has mom been drinking at all tonight? >> I don't know. I just came to visit. >> You came to visit? >> Yeah. >> Where did you come to visit from? Do you live with someone else? >> I live on my grandparents. >> Do you come to mom's house a lot? >> No. >> No. >> Everyone for this reason. We don't get along much. >> Okay. >> We have the opposite kind of things. She's uh lazy and stuff and I'm energetic. >> I have some napkins in my car. You want to come get some napkins? >> I'm embarrassed to show my face in front of those. I don't. >> No, don't be embarrassed. It's okay. Do you feel okay around your mom or are you scared around your mom? >> I'm a little bit scared around my mom. She easily gets upset. >> So, you know how you said she grabbed you today? Has she ever done anything like that before? >> Yes, she has. And so is my dad. >> We're going to go this way. And I have some friends who are going to come just check you out to make sure you're okay. All right. >> Can you get through that way? >> No. >> Let's go this way. Hello. >> So, she didn't have a seizure. No. Um, her mom said sometimes when she's going to have one though, she goes and hides and she was in the bushes. So, >> I mean, I don't go and hide anymore. I used >> Okay. Okay. >> But now I just when I am ready, I just go sit somewhere close to where I am. >> Okay. >> And that's what I did. What I did, I went to sit by the steps >> for a little break. >> Okay. >> And she still got out of me. I just followed the rules. >> Okay. They're just going to look at your arms like I did. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Well, let's stand in the shade. I'm sorry this is too hot for you guys. Let's go stand right here in the shade. >> I mean, still at the same point like she was there. My daughter gets mad as she goes off. She's going to do it again now because we are. >> When officers questioned the mother, she pointed to her daughter's alleged mental health struggles, but her explanation would soon raise new questions. >> Come over here in the shade. It's hot. >> Are you okay? I hope you're in the shade enough to where it's >> Yeah. I'm just going to have a hard time getting all these thorns out of my butt. I'm just kidding. I know that's my father would cool her down to sit down, but then I sat down and I >> She's having anxiety. She's flipping out. She does it almost every day. I mean, we have spells like this four or five times a week and the police are usually coming. I've had defects. They dismissed my case because there's nothing there like that that they should they see. They come I let them investigate the home, everything. And it gave her brain damage in three parts of her brain. And two years ago they took out her singular jarus which is the right side of the brain that performs the functions of making um simple judgments. Okay. So when you're talking about inhibitions and her and she's going through puberty too because she's >> she doesn't look like it but >> her hormones are crazy and then her little head she's got brain damage still and several other parts they didn't remove plus her medication. And then she's also going through her dad and I splitting up too. So I can't take that away from her. She's just going through a lot. >> Okay. I got you. Um, a lot of people don't get it and we're in public. They often call the police. Like her grandpa that you just talked to, the husband of or I don't know who you talk to, but he almost went to jail the other day for the same thing. And this is an old man who has never done anything wrong in his life. Both of them. You have to rrestle her um or she will run out in front of a car. She'll she butcher knives. I'm saying she'll do things to herself really bad to herself. So, >> okay. >> I get really freaked out. And then when he he left and didn't come back for a long time, I began to just cry and panic and then everybody got more upset and >> Okay. Did you say anything today that would like make her scared or anything like that? >> Yes, because whenever I came outside, I was like, "Oh my god." She was s I said, "Okay, fine. You can have a little pool or you can sit here on this on this stair." Okay. >> I go out there and she's gone again. So, I mean, I'm like, "What am I going to do? I can't leave this here." And I see her now. I can have a panic attack, which I'm diagnosed with. And >> I'm supposed to be on medication, but I don't take it. >> Okay. >> Meanwhile, the girl revealed details that left the officer visibly shaken, hinting at something far more difficult to hear. >> My name is Bradley. Okay. >> Yeah. Uh, that's my friend over there that you were talking to. Okay. What else going on? I know you've already talked want to talk about it, we don't have to. Okay. But if you want >> It just breaks my heart. >> It breaks your heart. What does >> My mother just explained it to me when I hear that one of my friends may have ran off. We can't find him. They can't find her. And I was already concerned enough about him from the start when I thought they would not want to be my friends anymore before one got lost. I have a lot of concerns in my mind like will they still want to be my friends? Will they be will they be able to find my friend? Will I be able they still spend the night? Will something bad happen today besides my friend get lost? And will I be able to still film with women? >> Oh, they would love to be friends with you, too. I promise. >> Yeah, but >> you're you're you're super cool. You're super nice. We're We don't have any people that are missing right now. Hold on just one second. Just stay right here for me. Okay. I'm going to see if I can get you a napkin. Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> There you go. >> I think I'm crying cuz I can't get my mind off of my friend. >> Okay. I promise you, we will go and try to figure out what's up with your friends and see if they're missing. Okay. The officer began to suspect that the claims about the girl's mental state were an attempt to undermine her allegations, but that explanation would not hold for long. >> Did you like grab her in any way? >> Yeah, cuz Yeah. Yeah. I was trying to I was trying to get her arms off the um the rails of the stairs so she would go in. She was trying to run upstairs. I've had a wreck recently, so I am not able to chase her at all. I can't. I used to be able She's fast. >> Yeah. >> Did it hurt or did she say anything like >> She didn't say it hurt or anything. I mean, she just fights really hard cuz she's freakishly strong. >> Okay. Yeah. And um I think I seen I seen a scratch right there. I don't know how that happened, but it might have it could have been, but it wasn't intentional. But as far as like physically hurting her, no, I do not hurt or Well, I'm really just not a fighter myself. >> To be completely honest with me, is there have you had anything to drink? Any sort of use in the past or anything? >> Oh, in the past, but I've been off probation. I had um I had tampered with like something like as a like a younger adult and I had to go to prison and literally since then I've had a clean slate and I'm this way this has been like stuff like you know over 20 years ago. >> Okay, I got you. >> And I didn't like it to start with. >> Okay, if you don't mind me asking what was it? >> Um I used to smoke really heavily and I've tried almost everything. Like, okay, I've tried almost everything but one time. And uh >> Okay. >> I totally realize I do like and I do still smoke that, but I don't have any or nothing like that. I don't buy it. I don't have the money for it. But if somebody offers it to me, I'll >> to make things easier on everyone. You're going to have to go to jail. >> Why? >> You're going to have to go for toxic threats because everybody has >> said I was going to spank her. >> You said you're going to tell my boyfriend, please. >> You will be able to call him. You will be able to call him. >> I don't know his number. He's got my phone. >> Calm down. No, I need to tell him. >> Calm down. >> This is pretty stupid. >> Okay, calm down. I'm going to go ahead and put >> She's not going to see it. >> Travis. COME HERE. GET GRANDPA. Get >> Come here. >> Get calm down. I'm trying to do this not in front of >> We trying to make a scene or what? >> You're making it worse. >> I need to get him out here. >> You're making it worse. >> At this point, the mother became nervous as she challenged the officer's decision. But when officers returned to speak with the girl, another intriguing piece of information about her past began to emerge. >> Let me ask you some more questions. So you were saying that there was >> I love you. Tell them the truth now. You tell them the truth. >> So we found both of them. >> Okay. >> All right. LET'S GO TO THE CAR. >> COME ON. COME ON. I got to tell him. Can you come to the car, please? Can you come to Stop pulling me? I got broken bones and god. Come on. >> Hey, >> stop pulling me. I got broken. >> Sit in the car. >> I'm trying to. Travis, you said he can come to the car. >> Yes, he can come to the car. COME ON, >> TRAVIS. >> Can you grow up? >> No. I need to tell him something. >> Well, we're getting in the car and going to jail. That's what we're sure. >> Well, we're not out here, man. >> You want to quit yelling like that so you don't You're looking bad in front of your Get in the car, please. Don't touch me. I'm getting >> Get in the car. >> Get in the car. Quit. >> What are you doing? >> I don't know. Your mom was upset with her, so they're going to figure out what to do. I think they just wanted to get in the car with the cold air. >> Are you going to arrest her? >> I'm not um the investigator here, so I don't know exactly what they're going to do. I just wanted to get to know you a little bit. So, your friends are found. They're fine. Okay. Can you tell me about your mom a little bit? >> When my mom and my dad are together, they can get furious. Except right now, they're broke up. >> Okay. Do they ever hit each other? >> Yeah, they fight. My mom says that one time my dad punched her in the nose and started bleeding. Actually, I had myself locked up in the room and and it was so loud I could hear the whole thing thing through the door. >> Okay. Did anyone hit you today? >> No, they just tugged me by the arm. She was trying to force me back in the room when I was trying to get a little bit of quiet time from those children. They already almost hurt me two times, but they did hurt me one time, but they almost did it a second. >> Do you want to talk to her? She's going foristic threats. >> Yeah. For threatening to hurt her daughter. >> Threatening to hurt the daughter. >> You can talk to her. I'll roll down the window. >> As the girl continued speaking, she provided more detail about her mother's behavior, but none of the officers expected to hear those things. >> Are you ever scared of your mom? >> Yeah. >> Why? >> Because she uh she uh I mean, I can't really say it. I'm going to have to say letter word because they're they're bad words. >> How old are you? I'm going to leave that up to you if you'd like to say a bad word. You're not going to be in trouble with us. I promise you. >> Okay. >> But that's you do what you need to do to describe it. Okay. >> Okay. Because uh she'll go come out here and be all like, I'm going to your butt up. Or she'll be all like, I am going to kick your >> Okay. And has she ever done those things? No, she like she just likes to yell at me to scare me. >> Okay. >> And I think that's kind of getting her in trouble. It's making me think that it's going to happen and then it makes me tell people that it did happen. >> Do you believe that it was going to happen today if you came out of the bush? >> Yes, I did because she was stealing it from the top of her lungs. >> If I open this door, are you going to do anything? >> Nothing. I'm going to have this water. >> Okay. I promise not. I'm not I'm not combative. I'm really not. Here, I'll hold it. I just Can you take one hand out, please? I want to chug this whole bottle. >> I can't take I can't take >> It's really tight. It's really tight. >> They're not actually. They're actually extra. >> This bracelet can come off if that's what's hurting me. I can't let you sit here and hold the water while I'm sitting here trying to >> That's inhumane. Somebody's going to hear about that. Thank you for the water, though. >> You [snorts] were saying today that your mom grabbed your arm and was like pulling you, right? >> And it popped. >> And it popped. Okay. What do you mean it popped? >> She kind of popped a bone or something. Yeah. You know when you tug your arm so hard that it goes >> your shoulder? >> Yeah. When you tug your arm so hard that it goes >> Mhm. Does it hurt now? >> It Well, really this is the one that popped. And right here feels weaker than the the same spot on this arm, but it doesn't hurt. It just lost a little bit of energy. >> Okay. Does that happen a lot where she'll grab you and pull you around or things like that? No, because I don't see her much. >> At this point, officers continued trying to calm the girl down, but she was about to say something that would catch them completely off guard. >> I'm wondering if they'll take for me to come back. I was kind of looking forward to our plans today. >> Um, I don't know, but you can talk to grandma about it. She might be able to help you figure it out. >> Yeah, your mom and grandma will be able to figure it out. This isn't a permanent thing. This is just for tonight. I don't live with any so it gets kind of fun when I get to hang out with kids >> for sure >> cuz my life it's like a solid of rock. Um no one but apparently anyone plays I can say that people play with every once in a while but most of the time it's sitting around and watching television. >> Yeah. >> This is boring. >> You like to be outside? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh, I like to run around and play, but I have no kids at that house. So, it can get very boring. So, every once in a while, I just want to stay with my um close to my age. >> That makes sense. >> That's why you're so excited. >> Well, I'm sure you'll be able to come back at some point. >> Yeah. Yeah. Plus, it's been a long time since I played with the pool, too. >> Were you at the pool? >> Uh, we were going to be in the pool. >> That's why I'm wearing this. >> I like your swimsuit. class can get a little bit boring and lonely. No wonder I can be so dumb sometimes because my life is so miserable. >> We're trying to help you out and make you feel I think you're going to be a little bit safer with grandma. >> Can I know what makes you think that? >> Yeah. >> What makes you think? >> You know how you said that mom said she was going to beat you up and you said you were kind of scared? Yeah. I don't want you to be scared. That's why >> pretty much I'm not scared anymore. Earlier we were hugging and we were both crying and making each other feel safe. >> That's good. Well, I bet grandma's going to help make you feel really safe, too. I just think it's the best thing for right now. Mom's kind of yelling at everybody. She's kind of mad at us right now. She's not mad at you, but she's mad at us. >> But before I go home, can I go inside and change? These aren't my clothes. >> Of course. You'll gr when grandma gets here, she'll she'll take you inside and you can change. Okay. >> When the mother's boyfriend argued with officers about the other incidents, his comments revealed a troubling attitude toward the girl. >> Will her grandparents be able to come to and get her stuff from your apartment? Is that okay? If they come, >> there's nothing in there. >> There's no clothes or anything. Can she get her medicine? >> I'm going to get it for Thank you so much. >> I just went and picked it up from the grandparents right before a float to go swimming. >> Okay. This happened about a month ago with her with the grandparents about to be here. Jerry, the same thing happened. She did the same thing. She freaked out, spazzed out, ran off, and he had to grab her. He was going to go to Cop County Jail, but he didn't go to Cop County Jail because the simple fact that, you know, the police came out like, "Well, take her to go get her evaluated at the hospital. If you could get her evaluated before this time at at Kennstone, will not arrest your ass, not go to jail. >> She get out." No, >> I'll get you out. Don't worry about it. Why you talking about money now? What are you talking about? I said I get you out. It don't matter. You don't have to worry about that. You ever been bonded out before? No, you ain't. Cuz nobody's bonded you out ever. But I'm going to b you out. think you're sad? >> Yeah. >> Why are you sad? >> This is not how I plan my day to go out and I did not plan my mother to go to jail. >> Well, sometimes things happen. Those things happen for a reason, right? You You didn't decide for any of that to happen. You didn't make your plans not happen. And you didn't make your mom get in trouble. >> You're right. I was trying to get a little quiet time. >> And you did everything just fine. >> But I don't know who's going to look after my friends. They're little. >> Her boyfriend's like grand, right? you. >> Does she treat you like she treats them or does she treat you a little worse? >> She treats me a lot worse. >> A lot worse. >> It's so hot. I got your floaty and your uh medicine. And he said that you can keep the swimsuit. So, y'all are good with taking um >> Sheila. Okay, perfect. Do y'all have any questions, comments, concerns for me? >> No, we go through this a lot. >> It was really nice to meet you today. You okay? They're not mad at you at all. I promise. >> Right now, it's arm. Okay. >> Her arm is okay. So, >> I promise they're not mad at you. It's okay. >> No, they're not mad at you at all. >> Where's your shoes? >> At this point, the situation seemed to be reaching a resolution, but the girl was about to make an unexpected move. >> You don't mind. I cut >> you. Just stay over here. Okay. >> We're not going to run off. Okay. >> Well, these people are driving me nuts. >> No, they're they're not trying to. Okay. You're going to go with grandma and grandpa. Okay. >> Do I best to do this? >> Yes. You're going to make things worse. Well, stand up. Get out by from under the bush. >> Well, I can't erase the words from Popo. That just won't hurt my heart. After what Po said, I was anything. >> Well, he just wanted to know what happened. >> He just wanted to make sure you're okay. That's all. >> That's not what I'm talking about. Why? >> He didn't answer. Okay. >> I'm not mad. >> You're bossy. >> I'm not bossy. >> Yes, you are. Okay, come on. Come on. We'll we'll go get you some more shoes. >> Come on. We'll go right now and go shopping and put some shoes. Let's go or it gets too late and they'll be closed. You ain't going to have no shoes. Come on. >> What's going on? >> I just want a piece of paper and to know what floor they're on and what number their door is. >> Okay, >> that's all I want. The signal to how to get there. >> Okay, I will get your uh grandparents to get that for you. Okay. >> Uh-huh. I promise. >> Do you think you can get out of the bushes for us? Just so you can get in some cool. >> Yeah, because that's all I was I went in the bushes cuz I was heartbroken. I thought >> That's okay. >> See them again. >> It's okay. It's okay to feel like that. But you're going to be able to see them again. Okay. >> You think you can come out this way under here and we'll get you in the air conditioning where it feels a little bit better. Thank you for talking to us today. It was really nice to meet you. You got it. Thank y'all so much. >> Of course, her her main concern was just that whether you guys want her to come back here or not, that's up to you guys. She just she felt upset saying that. >> I don't think I don't think 10 people will let her come back. True. >> Maybe, maybe not. >> She's a handful. >> I hope you have a good night. Okay. >> Go watch a good movie or something. >> We going to make you do. >> In the end, the mother was arrested and charged with mistreatment. Up next, a young individual was found alone in an apartment complex parking lot, but officers had no idea this would lead them to a much deeper family situation. >> When I'm trying to help her find a kid, he refuses to go with mom. I don't know what happened in the house. She's walking. She went back to the apartment without the kid. >> So, you just let him >> I didn't I can't chase. I'm a little older. >> Your job is a mother to take care of him. Okay. >> On September 23rd, 2024, officers from the Orlando Police Department responded to a call from maintenance staff at an apartment complex about a child. What led the child away from home would soon become the focus of the investigation. >> Hello first the one apartment running go for the street. >> Sorry for the one apartment running everything go for here it come back for look the come back for the month. No, that was bad. That was bad. >> Yeah, I was ma'am. >> My maintenance manager was in the office for me. He called her call him because little kid ran out of the apartment >> and he wanted to go to the street and he would not listen to him. So they I asked what apartment. So I went over there. Okay. >> And mom is screaming on the phone and I told her, "Put your shoes, honey. Come and pick up the kid cuz he's going to the street." So she started swearing at me when I'm trying to help her find a kid. He refuses to go with mom. I don't know what happened in the house, but he doesn't want to go out. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um, she's walking. She went back to the apartment. >> Went back to the apartment. >> Yeah, she went back to the apartment >> and she called her mom because I told her that I was going to call, you know. I'm like, I'm trying to help you here. I could have called the cops >> without the kid. >> Without the kid. >> Go. >> I don't know who she is. She's not supposed to be living on the apartment. I'm the assistant community manager. She's not in this apartment. >> Yeah. 80 802 >> 802 What building? >> 5228 52. >> You stay here with me. >> I think you can talk. I believe he was talking to them. >> Daniel, let me talk to this girl. This lady talk to you. I can talk to her. >> Yeah. >> Hello. >> Hey. >> Um, do you >> Uh-huh. How's your hand as well? >> Um, >> where did your mother? >> I don't know. She went back to the apartment. >> Upon arrival, witnesses who had stepped in to help told officers that the boy was found without his mother nearby, raising questions about what had happened before they arrived. >> I tried to get her so she can come and help me get him because my maintenance personnel >> told me that he ran out and he was on Lake Margaret >> and she started swearing at me and I'm trying to get him right now. to other tenants in 95. They don't know if they're there now >> and he his dad. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. They're going to be giving >> Yeah. I'm just going to call now. >> Hello. This is Officer Charles. How are you? >> Okay. So, give me a little breakdown. What's going on? So, your father and is he currently staying with the mother, I'm guessing. Okay. She does she have full custody? What kind of custody does she have? Are you able to come pick him up since you guys have no custody agreement? You're 40 minutes away. >> Okay. If you get heading this way, due to the fact is even though he may mom does have custody, you guys have no custody agreement. So I think it' be the best bet since she just kind of walked off from him that you kind of maintain and look after him until we kind of figure out what's going on in regards to this. All right. >> Hello. How are you? >> Hi. How are you? >> Hello. Officer Charles Police Department. >> Yes. >> Are you the mother of the kid that's running around? >> Yes. So, what's going on with that? >> I told him I was going to take his iPad. He left with the phone. >> He was like, "You can take my iPad." And literally bolt it. >> Okay. Um, and so you just let him So, you just let him >> I didn't I can't chase. I'm a little older. >> Okay. >> Like I can't chase after my son. That's why I was screaming after him and people start. >> So, you're having some other people watch your kid right now currently. That's what you're doing. >> Yes. >> Why is that? >> Because they were there. >> Okay. >> I asked them to come. I asked him to to come with me and he was like, I don't want to go. I don't want to go. You don't >> And your son has autism, correct? >> He has a speech impediment. >> That's what your your uh the father of the kid said. He has autism and type 1 diabetes as well. >> While some officers spoke with the suspect, officers questioned the boy about what had happened. What he told them soon raised concerns that went beyond the initial report. So the fact that you have him just sitting out there without proper guidance and with random strangers, right? Your job as a mother to take care of him. Okay. >> Their job is to maintain a facility to sell the apartment complex. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So you should be out there with him. >> Absolutely. Make >> sense. I understand you may have some complications going on, but he is still your child. He's 8 years old running around shirtless of a complex. >> Okay. Do you want to work your way this way? We had the father coming right now to come pick him up. Okay. But that's not okay. Do you have your name by chance? my name. Tell me. >> Do you have a driver's license? Actually, if you want >> I have a um an ID. Isn't >> Okay, that's fine. >> If you want to come in, you can >> I'll stay right here. Hey, buddy. >> Yeah. >> You okay? >> Is that dad on the phone still? >> Yeah. >> So, what's going on? What's going on? Why do you want to Why don't you want to stay with mom? too worried her mom actually hurt me and then she would walk my daddy. >> Repeat that song. I can't hear you. >> No, I really hope my mom going to hurt me and just and just go to sleep and not just anymore and then >> not see my dad anymore. >> Okay. So, you want your dad to come pick you up? >> You want your dad to come pick you up? Yeah. >> Okay. >> You said mommy not too nice. >> One second. >> No, no. We We just brought her here. Don't worry. You're going to go You're going to go with dad. Okay. So, what do you mean by mom? What do you mean by mom's mean to you? What do you mean by that? >> Huh? >> When you say mom's mean to you, what do you mean by that? >> Cuz I told him he's going to take our never have it again. >> It's from God. >> Okay. >> At least I found it in there. >> I know. >> Okay. I'm going talk to you again. >> Okay. Okay. So, I want to better understand what's going on. Okay. Because the fact that you left him right outside here. >> I left him. >> The fact that he ran away from you, right? >> At this point, confronted about her unexpected actions. The mother adopted a more vulnerable demeanor, attempting to present herself in a different light. >> Help me understand. Okay? Maybe your point of view, maybe I'm seeing it, cuz the way we the way we approach the scene did not look right. Does that make sense to It makes sense because all we got Let me tell you what we heard. We came on scene. We spoke with the property manager, whoever it was, make case and the property, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Maintenance person and they advised that you were out here with the child. >> Mhm. >> You began to yell at the property manager in regards to some incident with regards to the child. >> Mhm. >> And they proceed to walk into the apartment. >> I did. >> Why is that? >> I was angry. >> Okay. >> I'm going to be honest. >> Okay. So when my child left the house, right, >> it was a like I don't want to call it a threat, >> but it was like, "You're going to if you don't obey, I'm going to take your iPad." >> Y >> and he jolted out the ran. >> I'm ran out the room after him. >> Okay. >> I couldn't see him. I'm like, "Daniel, Daniel, Daniel." This is why everybody called the the leas and consultant when she came here. She was very respectful, very nice. I was rude, >> you know. I was like, "Shut the f up. Don't talk to me. Don't, you know, >> you're just kind of mad about the situation." >> I was upset about this situation. It has nothing to do with her. >> She did exactly what she was supposed to do, her job. You know what I mean? >> It was just I'm angry because I don't understand like why did you run out of the room? Why would you run out of the house? You can get hit by a car. >> Yeah. you know, and then you as a mother. Okay. >> And then when I saw people like adults around him and I still I was like, "Daniel, come back. Daniel, come with me. Daniel, come." >> And he was like, "I don't care." Like holding on to the iPad. >> I was like, "Okay, I'm going back to the house. I need to charge my phone." >> Like I need to because if I need to call his dad cuz this is who y'all talk to, right? >> Yeah. >> I need to call him. >> Yeah. >> My phone was 0%. I need my phone on at least 2%. You know what I mean? >> With a reality check, the officer confronted the mother about her actions, something she would soon have to face the consequences of. >> Did you tell them to stay with the kid at all or you just >> Yes, I told them. I was like, "Stay here. Stay here. I'll be back. I'm leaving. F you." Because I was upset. >> Okay. But see, that's where probably miscommunication comes. You can't tell someone stay and f you that I'm leaving, right? Cuz then she like, "Okay, I guess I guess she's not coming back." Make sense? >> I know. So >> I know >> um passion for me. >> She's stating now that she didn't lead the child. Just leave. She >> She didn't call the police. >> Huh? >> She didn't call police. She knew where he was and she walked back. >> Exactly. I was I was saying what she was saying, but like she >> meet the statue. >> Yeah. So, what are we going to do? >> I'm going to do 10:50. No, not 10:15. Um, >> I'll do 10:15 off that. >> So, let's go get a Let's get that lady on a statement. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I want to make sure cuz what she's trying to say is like I told I told I told Get the first >> I told lady Do you know where she she's in this building? >> Yeah. >> Hell no. >> After him. >> Okay. >> After him. And then after you couldn't catch him doing what you did, >> but then I ran back to the house. >> Okay, that's ran. >> You know how long he was gone? >> He was only gone for like a minute, not even. But I ran cuz how can I I'm going to bake on somebody's door. >> Uh >> yeah, >> cuz she being >> Yeah. Okay. Are you willing to fill out a statement or anything like that in regards to instant or no? >> Am I willing to do what? >> Do you want to fill out a statement in regards to incident at all? >> No. >> Okay. All right, man. So, let me place a notice. Okay. >> For what? >> Good job. Okay. >> In the end, the mother was transported to the Orange County Jail where she was charged [music] related to the child's welfare. The charges were dropped in court. Next, when a young boy called the police for help, officers started to uncover what kind of mother had been responsible for him. >> My son is a liar because he has a point of like my son. Hey, no man gave for him. >> If she comes back, guess what? Cuz they ain't going to call the police if she strikes them. >> Stop. He again. >> On May 5th, 2023, officers responded to a 911 call from a boy who reported needing help with his mother. But officers could never have imagined the kind of mother they were about to face. You won't say I sit there with this boy and I'm not trying to sit there and play with it. >> We can hear some yelling at some. >> Hi. Did you call us? What happened? Yeah, I need to go up here and get my son. Well, what? Tell us what's going on. >> I don't know, but I have custody over my son. So, come on. Is this your apartment here? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Here. >> We're allowed to come in. >> Yeah. Wait. Tell Tell us what we're coming into, though, cuz I don't know what I don't know what's going on. >> Tell us why we're here. >> No. Come here. Cuz my son keeps What? What's your name? >> No, you. Come on. I'm not going to follow you into any more rooms until you tell me why we are here. >> My name is >> Okay. So, what's >> My son is a liar because he has a point of like he has a good grade point, Alex, but he's mad. >> Mhm. And then so what dude had came down to it and now you want to sit over there and you want to lie to me. I have custody over you. I am trying. I am doing this as a woman as a single woman on my own. Ain't no section A. Ain't no link car. I am doing this. >> I got you. What's he doing today that's defying you? You know we got to drop right here. >> We got to do >> we're still talking right here and then we'll come. >> No, you need to come over here. Right here. >> Where are we going? And what are we doing when we're going? >> Right here. >> We can talk first. I don't I have no idea what this is about. >> He is alone. >> Upon arrival, officers noticed the mother appeared uneasy. As the conversation continued, however, her frustration became increasingly difficult to conceal. I >> understand like this dude is supposed to be doing this and that and the third, but come on now. I'm your mother. And then guess what? I have to be I have to be the cool person. And then I have to be the authority person. And then I have to still be within whatever it is to be a parent. >> But first of all, that's my child. And now he is mad because now I have to be two sides. Just cuz I'm a woman. I have to be two sides. I have to be authority. Then plus I have to be friends with you. Damn. Plus, I have to >> How old is he? >> He's 13. >> Okay. So, you're trying to go to apartment B to get him to come back into apartment A. >> He who lives is that what I'm understanding? >> I don't know. Are you going to come over here? >> I'm happy to help you. >> I I First of all, you're not you're not going to snap your fingers at me. >> And I'm not trying to ask to, but this is my son. Hey, no man gave for him. >> Can we understand? So, we're here to his father went over there to the military, got blowned up, and was up and I stayed here. >> At this point, officers suspected the mother might be under the influence of something. They asked to speak with the boy, and she agreed. But her reaction to what happened next would take the situation in an unexpected direction. >> Let's go talk to your son. What's his name? >> Where's my shot? >> Hey, y'all. >> CAN YOU TELL US? >> STOP. YOU SEE WHAT I'M SAYING, BRO? That's why That's exactly why he's up here. That's exactly why she >> That's exactly why he's up here. >> Exactly why. >> Thank you. I told you. Go your ass downstairs, get you some sleep, and sleep that junk off. You're doing this in front of your kids at that point. >> And then Okay. >> No. And then Okay. You going >> right now? You're being detained for trespassing. >> Detained for in my own building. Okay. >> Y'all need to go for her and [ __ ] >> We have no idea what's going on. >> I got her kids. And then no, you are lying. Bring >> us another call. >> And then >> we'll get we'll get the story once we get her. >> Okay. So, she's got her daughter is coming too in a couple more minutes from school. So, I was going to bring her up there, too. >> We'll get the story in a second. I I truly have really no idea what's now. I'm not detained. >> No. To her. >> So, now I'm not detained. So, you detain me for what reason? So now you have a false detainment because I live in the p in the building. So what are you saying here? Don't live in here. >> And so what is trespasses, baby? You gave me a whole thing. >> Where does this door down there go to? >> And then here. No, we going >> it goes outside. >> Yeah, we going to go. Here we go. >> We are not ready to walk downstairs. >> Oh no. The mother attempted to force her way into the residence where her son was staying. But as officers moved to restrain her, the situation became increasingly difficult to control. >> Let's go. Let's go, Miss Lenny. We're going to wait till we have someone else that can help us walk you down the stairs. >> And let's go. >> Let's go. >> We're not ready to go >> because No, you going to have to because Yes. Everything is being on recording. >> Yes, we have body cam. >> Yes. And then you have body came and so do I, too. >> We just spare you. We see her down the stairs. >> Okay. >> All right. Take me down the stairs. If I don't get my son, I swear to God. >> That's on you. >> Some accountability, responsibility, >> and then some responsibility. >> We don't want you to walk slow. You any permission. You are alive. And now get me off of your retainer and my son. >> Step out the door. It's time to go. >> All right. >> I think this was pretty much it, right? >> Yeah. >> No, I didn't. And then I put it on 15. >> Uh, yeah. Keep going, JR. I got to go ask that guy a couple more. >> And did I put it on recording? >> Did I say I was going to do you? No, I didn't. Come on. And here you go. And here you go. >> I ain't never said I was going to do to you. No, I ain't said I was going to do to this woman. Oh, now you >> step outside. >> I'm sorry. or somebody else. >> I ain't never did anything. >> So what did I do? You trespassing. >> You won't lie. I'm trespassing on where I live at. >> The mother appeared to be cooperating as she asked officers what would happen next. But what followed would quickly change the tone of the encounter. >> I never did anything. Mommy. >> So what did I do? You trespass. >> No lie. I'm trespassing on where I live at. >> You telling me I trespass on where I live at? Trespass on where someone else lives. Get in the car. >> You go. You >> time. Go on. Just get in. Just get in. >> Don't resist. Okay. >> Hey, you can talk to >> Get up. >> No. >> Aren't going to do it. >> Hey, we're going to stand you up. >> We're going to stand you up. >> Hold up. >> This ain't going to cut it. head. No, >> it's not. It's going to happen eventually, so you may as well get >> bomb. There is going to be there's going to be Yes, you can. >> You got to get up off the ground first. >> No, one thing. >> You can't bind out from the ground. >> One thing at a time. Come on. Stand up. >> Yeah, my tooth is tooth. >> Yeah. >> Are you Are you Are your feet? >> Yeah, it is. >> All right. Can you stand up for us? >> No. Get me out of this. >> What would get you to stand up? Get me out of this [ __ ] >> You stand up. >> And I still have it on recording and whip it. >> That's all right. That's all right. We're going to have to put you in the car if you don't want to put yourself in the car, miss. >> It's your last chance to stand up. >> Please don't kick me now. >> Please stand on your own or you're never going to bother. >> Will you stand on your own, please? I'm >> not. >> Will you stand on your own, please, miss? Put her in. There we go. >> Don't Don't kick us. >> Do not kick. >> And three, two, one. >> Ready? >> Yep. >> All right. All right. >> I mean, I wouldn't >> I just leave her in there. >> As the investigation progressed, officers turned to the boy, hoping to learn more about what had happened. what he revealed would shed new light on the case. >> I just hear everything going around. >> He already say >> is a good person, but she's had a lot to drink. >> Yeah. Well, we can ch >> Yeah, we can tell. So, we'll we'll be taking care of it. I appreciate it. >> Tried telling her something and now we're here. >> Yeah. Sounds good. Well, thank you. No worries. >> Appreciate it. >> How's it going, bud? So, what happened today, man? I came home. >> She was already drunk. Mhm. I went, she started talking to me about some stuff and I happened at the library. Me and my sister like cuz there was some kids at the library cursing. So me and my sister went upstairs to like from the team room to the kids room and we was playing AC and so she got mad like about something. I don't know. >> Your mom got mad. >> Mhm. I don't know. So, you just came home from school, noticed that she was drunk, went to the library with your sister. >> No, that was yesterday. >> Oh, that was yesterday. >> She was talking about stuff that happened yesterday and so when I tried to go in my room and just like, >> you know, block it all out. >> Okay. Was there something going on in the library that she was upset about? >> I don't really know like cuz I told cuz she says my sister like I had told my sister to lie about something, but I ain't tell her to lie about nothing. >> Right. Okay. So, she's just Is she usually drunk all the time? No, >> no. >> She's She was trying to do his two week 75 day challenge like to not get drunk >> and to not drink none of that. >> But >> what happened today? When she start drinking? >> Last night. >> Last night. And it just gone came on to today then. >> Mhm. >> So did you stay here with your neighbor for since yesterday then? >> No. I came up this morning cuz when she had struck me in the face when I opened the door and let John in and he protected me and brought me up. >> The boy's testimony revealed how his mother's problems had fueled instability at home, but the concerns surrounding what might happen next were far from over. They're cool, man. I I can keep them until whenever y'all can get her back. I They'll be good. >> What she >> So, I mean, are you going to press charges for her? >> She's just drunk. >> Okay. So, she she's just detained right now. Okay. >> Um, she was just trying to rush through the door. She's obviously not allowed in here. Um, >> yeah, there's a lot going on. So, okay. >> She just trying to hurry up and get my hair done so I can go cuz she's really mad >> about the whole situation. >> No, >> she's just upset the chaotic. >> Okay. So, obviously she's not under arrest right now. Um, you don't want to press charges. >> The fish tank. Y'all need to put her somewhere so she can sleep that because if she comes back, guess what? >> Cuz they ain't going to call the police if she strikes them. >> You know what I'm saying? >> So it's like >> we don't we don't have we don't have a fish tank. >> Y'all need to y'all need to keep her for a while cuz all she's going to do is start back more chaos and more mayhem. >> So like how do you think now legal aspect? So you don't want to press charges for the criminal trespass. >> Oh. So we really don't have anything >> man. around trying to do it, but bro, she can't be in the same They can't be with her right now. That's all I'm saying. >> So, when did you get back from DCFS? >> Probably like three months. >> What? Three, four, five months ago. Yeah, she had a >> Yeah, she had she had the social work lady coming over to make sure that everything was in order and stuff. And I guess after a certain period, she was able to get her kids back, right? >> But still, it's like this is an ongoing thing. He's not good when she's >> No, she drinks every day and that's crazy. He just so happen to be home from work and then he has to deal with that all day while they at school. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean it's like that every single day. She's always causing chaos. Everybody in the store knows about her. So, this is just a matter >> she's downstairs. At the station, the mother remained unwilling to back down as officers questioned her, pushing the tension even higher. >> All right. >> Yeah. What are my charges? >> Trespassing and resisting a peace officer. >> Okay. As long as you're cooperative. >> All right. But look though, bro, you should have been over there with him. >> I don't dude. No, bro. That's what you're talking about. Why are you talking to right now? >> Yes. I'm telling you, you should not be upstairs. >> Turn around and walk in. >> Remember I said, >> you're going to get an eye on this. >> Yeah. Here. >> And I'm telling you, he's >> I think I think she thinks she's talking to JRock. the general what I'm what I'm getting. >> I'm telling you, you should never ever have let him be over there with him. And that's why I stood on the on the way a woman should do. Would you honestly let your son be over there with a man who honestly had five domestic violence and they don't want to tell you? >> And I'm telling you, >> I'm hearing you. You need to or he's going to be a a statistic. >> Can you take off your hoodie >> here? And I'm telling you that. >> Yes, I have a hoodie. You should have brought him down and let him see >> what it is supposed to be like. >> He didn't come in to our >> But I'mma hold your shirt down. Take your hoodie off. >> Please, big bro. Go over there and talk to Gabby. >> I'm not going for it. Let's get the hoodie off. Yeah. >> And then you go back. So get your No, you got to take it off. >> Place that in your glasses on the cover for me. >> You should. You left him within the wrong. >> During the confrontation, the mother's voice grew louder as she challenged the investigators. With each passing moment, the situation only got worse. I tried to tell you when I tried to get my kids. >> Okay. I tried to get my kids. My son was arguing against me. >> Are you all done with the wand? >> You should be able. >> No, I don't have any. If he goes through that [ __ ] it's going to be the same cycle again. >> I will never give a [ __ ] here. You got to leave that stuff here. But you can tuck in your Okay. But then But then you lied. So, bro, now you >> We're going to go on number four. I don't even know who YOU'RE TALKING TO. >> NOW YOU allowed a child to go. >> I didn't allow anybody to do anything. Okay. This way. Please. >> Okay. Don't touch it. I'm not going down. >> Down on the bench and stay there. >> And I'm telling you, this is going >> You don't even KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO. >> Watch your fingers. Watch your fingers. Watch your fingers. >> STOP. >> WE WERE SLEEPING ON THE GROUND. STOP. >> SIT DOWN BEFORE. >> GRAB. Grab me one more time. ONE MORE TIME. >> ALL RIGHT. >> I SAW IT. >> Please do not let >> down again. Stop again. >> Knock it off. Please stop. >> We're going to go check on him. You stay right there. >> Did she grab or push or anything on you to >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, then I'm calling for a felony arm then. >> In the end, the mother was charged with resisting arrest, trespassing, and assaulting a peace officer. Up next, officers received a call from a boy who had been seeking help after an incident involving his father. But the investigation would soon raise questions about what had been happening at their home. >> You okay? It's going to be okay. I'm going to have the medics come check you out. Come here, burn my car. >> The kid is he disrespects me, lies me. What would he do? I raised six of them. >> So, this is more than discipline. >> What do you mean this is more than discipline? On March 12th, 2024, officers from Marian County responded to a gas station following a report of a boy seeking help after running away from home, but officers had no idea how far the father would go. >> What's going on? >> Um, his father. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Uh, his father was just at the light, but he went by. He um left him at home and and he ran up here from home. >> 668. You can have my birthday. >> He's 16. He ran here for help. >> You that How does that happen, man? >> He just He thought I was lying to him about some I guess bro was having a bad day or something and he started taking out on me cuz Oh my god, bro. Hell no. >> What your dad's name? What? What? What kind of truck it is, brother? >> You okay? It's all right. It's going to be okay. I'm going to have come check you out. Come here. Burn my car. Come here. I just want to kill him off. >> Yeah. >> You like take me to like a million number houses or something. I just I just want to get the out of here. >> That's That's his truck. >> That's his car right there. That >> Which one? This one? >> This one? >> Is that him? >> That one? That's him right there. >> Come on. Step out. Put your hands on the car. Put your hands in the car. You beat up your kid. >> Listen, man. I don't even like that. >> Yeah, the kid is >> He disrespects me. Lies me. What would you do? I raised six of them. He lies to me, man. >> Okay. >> Who are you? >> That's my fiance. >> Okay. >> That's my fiance. >> Okay. >> He threw at me. He lied to me. Listen, I picked him up at midnight from his girlfriend's house in a different direction. >> We'll talk. Give us investigation. >> We ain't got to talk. I raised six kids. I know. I don't want to be lied to by one of them. Not >> I ain't got no s. >> The boy's condition immediately caught the officer's attention. Then unexpectedly, his father's vehicle was spotted nearby. The discovery raised new concerns about what could happen next. >> Take a seat, man. Hey, >> where do you live at? >> I don't want to talk, man. I >> I listen, I I can tow your car. You want me to tow your car? Okay, I'll >> car I'll tow it. I'll just came from. >> Okay, that's what I'm asking you. So I can if I can let her take the car. >> It's her car. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Tell me exactly what happened. >> Her son lied to him about >> Okay. >> where he was going to his girlfriend. Okay. >> Yeah. So, we went out, we went out there last night to pick him up, and we sat out in the forest for an hour waiting on his son and his girlfriend and his girlfriend's mom to bring them to us cuz where they live, our car couldn't go down the road. >> Okay. >> So, anyhow, that's what started it. >> That's what started. >> And then what happened? >> I just I just >> Oh, and it it And what happened to his lips and stuff? >> I mean, his dad threw a cup across and he threw it and instead of it the wall >> it in his lip. >> Okay. So, he threw Was it a cup? Like what? Glass cup. >> It was a metal cup. It wasn't like he was throwing it. I get you. I get you. But moved over and it just popped him in the leg. I told Donnie, I said, "Stop. Let's leave. Let everything calm down. Give me a second. I'm sorry. >> At this point, the father's girlfriend continued sharing details about what had happened that night, drawing even more attention from the officers. >> He's at the gas station right there. >> Well, anyhow, so I told him, I said, "Let's leave." >> I said, "Let everything calm down." >> Yeah. >> So, that's what we were doing is leaving for both of them to calm down. >> Okay. >> And >> it's not valid. >> What happened? I didn't know. I swear to God. I did not know my license was suspended. M I don't I I have insurance on my car. >> Okay. >> But I did not know my license wasn't no good. >> Okay. So, someone needs to come get your car or we're towing it. >> Well, we'll we'll work with it. Just go >> I just live right up the road. >> Okay. I just So So, what happened? You guys left? >> So, we left. >> Okay. >> And then my daughter called me said walking up to the gas station. >> Okay. So that's when we came back to go up there, but we didn't see him outside the store. So we went back down to my house cuz my house is literally right there by camera tower. >> He never left with you guys. >> No. >> So after after that incident, did did his dad put his hands on him, him? Anything like that? >> Not that that I seen. I was I've been with his dad this whole time. >> Okay. >> No, >> you just know about the cop. >> Yeah, that's all I seen was the cop. >> Okay. But my ballot, I swear on everything. I did not know my license was no good. >> Okay. So, >> I don't even know why it wouldn't. >> I'll tell you something. I don't care what what she do. I'm going to tell you this. Your license is not good to drive. >> Oh, no. I won't drive. >> Okay. >> No. >> No. You keep this. >> It's not valid. It's not valid. She doesn't get it back. >> Yep. >> So, do you guys know why? So, I know how to take care of you. >> Yeah. Go to the DMV and they're going to tell you why. Okay. I'll tell you. My best drive. When we turn around, I I don't know what you can't I'm not going to tell you go drive. >> Oh, I'm not after this. >> But you're going to But you if you want to pull to the side and call someone to come pick you up and pick up the car, go ahead and do that. Okay. >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> When officers spoke with the boy, they asked him to provide more details about what had happened. What he revealed next would shed new light on the situation. >> You guys okay with uh with me talking to him for a couple of seconds? >> Sure. Yeah, sure, man. What do we need? >> What was the whole argument about, >> bro? I don't even know, bro. Like, >> no. >> I went This is It was like small asit, bro. It was It started off because I have like problems with my neck and I don't know what the it is. I got like this thing right here in my neck. >> Yeah. >> And I got some problems in the back of my throat and [ __ ] And I don't know what is trying to >> Yeah. He grabbed me and he was me the side of the head and while we was in the car. >> Side of the head. Which side? >> This whole side of my head. He me out of my head and everything, bro. >> It was over some stupid assit, bro. Like, I >> went to this girl's house, man. And the address was somewhat wrong. It was a street over, bro. And he got mad as hell at me for it. And he's talking about some I'm lying to him and I'm treating him like and this and that. And I'm sitting in the back seat. I'm like, "Bro, I ain't lie to you about he's like, "You telling me she lied?" I'm like, "No." And it wasn't even a [ __ ] lie. That bro just cocked back and back slapped me across the face right here and pulled over, got out, grabbed me up by my neck and start me in the side of the head and then he told me when we got back inside the car, he was just talking more than that. And then he told me that we was going to go back to the house, he told me as soon as we get in the driveway, I better get out the car. He's going to me out. He gonna beat my ass. He [snorts] said he's gonna drag me out the car and beat my And then get out. I go inside. I ain't do. I ain't even lay a finger on this dude, bro. I ain't do to him, man. And then I get inside and I get on the game with my cousin and I'm telling him what the happened and my dad walked in. I ain't hear so I had my headset on and I was telling what happened. >> Back at the car, officers questioned the father about the reports. Without hesitation, he began speaking with an unsettling calmness. I'm open the door. I can't hear you. >> I told him I said >> I wouldn't let him stay. >> I said listen, I just want to know where you're at and let me keep in touch with me. I want you to touch base with me and you can see the phone record. She got my phone in the car. All right. I said, I just want you to let me know what's going on. Well, I went to pick him up last night. 11:00 10:00 is when I got there. Say to me, and when I asked him, I said, "Where are you at?" Oh, I I'm going to come to you, Dad. And he comes from a different direction twice. Why did you lie to me about where you were staying at? >> This was last night. >> I've been going through a custody battle with two other kids already. >> Is he Where does he fall in line? >> He's my He's my son. I got four pets here. >> So, is he like the oldest or is he >> He's in middle. >> Okay. >> His mama passed 4 months ago in the ALS. I've been raising him since he was 6 months old. I got trusted and I can't I just did time 30 months over some bull with my mama. That never happened when he I got a stepdaughter that's 23. She around the corner right here. Mama's the one that I've dealt with kicked in windows, kicked in doors, money's going out of the house, and I fixed all these problems. And I'm telling him, you're the one that's causing all these problems to start again by lying to me. Just tell me the truth. And if it's something I don't like, I'm okay with that. But just tell me the truth and I'll deal with it. But if you're truthful with me, I'm more better with that than I am in life. So then what happened? Why are we here today at this point? >> Tell me. >> Okay. So what I'm getting at is did you ever? You didn't lay hands on him >> at all. >> Okay. So how does he have a a gash when his leg? >> Because the person that you was sitting here to lying to on the phone. When I walked around the corner, I got upset and slapped the cup. >> The cup. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. >> What kind of cup? >> Like plastic. >> I did that. >> Huh? >> I did. >> You did? What? >> I know. What kind of cup was it? >> I don't know. I don't >> Okay. Where was the cup sitting? >> On top of the dresser that I paid for and the bedroom that I paid for. Sit tight. All right. >> As officers discussed the details, they focused on the father's demeanor. His account made the situation sound almost like an ordinary form of discipline. >> Okay. So, what I'm getting at is did you ever hit him? You didn't lay hands on him >> at all. >> Okay. So, how does he have a a gash on his leg? Because the person that he was sitting there to was lying to on my phone. When I walked around the corner, I got upset and slapped the cup. >> The cup. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Absolutely. >> What kind of cup? >> Like plastic. >> I did that. >> Huh? >> I did. >> You did what? >> Cup. >> I know. What kind of cup was it? >> I don't know. I don't know. >> Okay. Where was the cup sitting? on top of the dresser that I paid for and the bedroom that I paid for. >> Sit tight. All right. >> I'll see what I can do. >> So, the girlfriend was saying that they had argument at my house. >> At her house? >> And yeah, at her house. And they just threw the cup at his face. That's what happened over here. But it's not really like a cup thing. Like, look at this. Look at this. He admitted to the cop in him. >> Look at this. >> Yeah, that doesn't >> like that's not a cop in your face, you know. He said he grabbed he they he started arguing in the middle of the road in the intersection. He doesn't know what where, but he's kind of he's very upset. He's crying pretty bad. He was like so happy to see us. Usually when I deal with this, I take them drop them off and then I go to the hospital, interview them >> and you know trying to get more juicy details and make sure >> you can take them to the jail >> and then you don't write PC yet. >> Yes, I did that. Yeah, I I I usually do that when they go to the um when they end up in the hospital like to get details because also That's not going to apply for myself. >> Yeah. >> At this point, officers reviewed the evidence and questioned the father again about what happened inside the car. His answer left them stunned. >> What happened in the car? You want to talk to me about that? >> Sure. What do you tell? >> I want to hear from you. >> What do you tell? >> I'm not playing those cuz y'all on me my entire life. Don't be far. Okay. And I do do that I want respect for that I've given respect for. It's crazy. My mom put me in prison for 30 months for saying I did something right. Okay. And I'm a discipline too. You know I raised >> Yeah. But this is more than discipline. >> What do you mean discip more than discipline? >> Got a whole gash out of >> this. And that ain't my fault. >> You hit the cup, didn't you? Which which is a battery. >> Cup. >> You told me that. >> I cup. >> It's a battery, right? >> Yes, it is. >> I What did I say to you? >> You hit the cup. >> Which ended up pushing is a battery. >> You just threw the cup. >> I threw the cup. I threw it. Come on, man. Now you're playing games. Who's playing games? I'm listening to I'm going to look at your white eyes because he's on some [ __ ] >> What does that mean? >> Listen, I'm just telling you on some bull because my kid won't even come here and speak to me because he knows he he was in a wrong for what he did. >> I shouldn't be sitting here right now. I raised that baby for the last 15 and a half years on my own. Bro, what have you done for a kid, let alone five more? Nothing, right? You ain't even got a child, huh? You're a good daddy, Rod. You're good. All right, father. >> I mean, I'll speak to you, but I ain't speaking to him. >> In the end, the father was charged with several serious offenses, including a domestic related offense, an offense involving a minor, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and resisting an officer. Next, officers responded to a gas station after a young individual was reported to have run away from home. But the investigation would reveal a family situation far more troubling than expected. Oh my god. I'm getting super loud. >> You have to quit running away. >> She doesn't want me anymore. >> Has no idea that the child was >> On June 25th, 2024, officers received a call reporting that a child had run away from home and claimed that her mom assaulted her during an argument. Upon arrival, the officer encountered the girl at the gas station together with the woman who had found her. >> She has some scratches on her right forearm, some abrasions here. Incredible. What's your name? >> Sergeant Right. >> I got somebody to help you. His name is Sergeant. He's really, really nice. >> Saw you earlier, didn't I? I'm going to take you over here to your house and talk to you for a little bit. Come on. >> Come on. Come on. >> Come on. You don't have to be scared. I'm taking you home. Come on. >> Oscar Roim. >> Oh my god. I'm getting super loud. >> Well, I know, but If she's loud, >> that's not hurting you. >> She heard you. >> That's the wrong one, baby. I'm sorry. >> Please. Could you not? >> Where are you going to go if you don't go home? >> I wanted to be with them. >> Who? >> Oh, no. >> Can't do that. >> I do have a aunt name. >> You do? >> Uh-huh. But she lives in Tampa. >> Oh, that's a long way away. >> That's a long way away. >> Here, put your arm out. >> Could you bring me to her? >> We'll talk about it. Okay. >> Here, get your stuff. >> The little girl was no stranger to the officer. Earlier that same day, he had taken her home after her mother became involved in a case with DCF. But this time, they were meeting again because the girl had left her house without anyone noticing, claiming her mother had assaulted her. She had even packed a bag with items she thought she might need on the street, revealing just how serious her plan was. The girl also tried to stay with the woman who found her, clearly preferring to remain with a stranger rather than return to her own mother. And throughout the entire ride back home, [music] her behavior never changed. >> I can't take you all the way to Tampa, baby. >> Please, please, >> you have to quit running away >> because >> because mama what? diabetes. That she doesn't want me anymore. Keep on saying that she never ruined me and she thinks I let him in her child. >> Oh, really? >> I don't want to go. >> I know. >> Can you at least talk to her? >> Talk to your mom. Yeah, you can talk to your mom. >> No, you >> Oh, I am going to talk to her. What's going to happen? >> I don't know. I don't know yet. Baby, >> we're going to find out what your mom's doing. >> Why don't you want to stay with her? >> Because of me. >> I got to talk to your mom. >> Stay in here. Okay. >> All right. >> Can I stay in here? Yeah, you can stand here, but you can't go nowhere. I'm >> scared. >> What are you scared of? >> Are you going to leave me? >> Hey, why why don't you want to go back? >> Because I don't want her me. >> Where'd she at? >> She's hitting me on the hand and stuff on the lip. >> Is it because you were doing something bad? >> No. go to the doctor. She got me in there. She was talking to me that she just kicked me in the stomach. >> What she eat you in the stomach for? >> I don't know. She just really mad. >> Do you know the difference between a truth and a lie? >> Huh? >> Okay. If I were to say that the sky is green, would that be the truth or a lie? >> Okay. >> I'm not even lying. I promise. I promise to my part. what the girl was living was a true endless nightmare. She revealed that not only did her mother assault her, but that she was treated like a burden with her mother repeatedly saying she wasn't wanted there. The amount of damage this was causing to the child should have been considered a crime on its own. But up to that point, she was still living with her monster inside her home. >> What did she in the stomach for? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? >> She was mad. Do you know what she was mad about? >> Not really sure. >> Okay. She on your arms also. >> No, she hit me on my hand. >> On your hand? Were you doing something you weren't supposed to do? >> Well, actually, no. I was just talking. All she did is call me in there. >> She called you in there? >> She said she started talking with me and then she just >> What was she talking to you about? >> I don't really remember, but I know that. Are you going to leave me here? All right, we have to talk to your mom. >> Talk to everybody. >> Don't leave me no matter what. Tony went to work. >> He went to work >> me here. I'm not going to get kicked in my stomach. It hurts so bad. It still hurts. >> It still hurts. >> Oh my go. But I didn't want her to get arrested. No, I have to tell you. No, I have to tell you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Did your mom know you left? She don't. >> Where's she at? >> She's sleeping. >> She's sleeping. How many times did she kick you in the stomach? >> One time. And she kicked you hard. >> Um, a little bit. Not too much. Well, you said it still hurt, so she must have kicked you pretty hard, right? >> I don't know. You know, you're not supposed to run away, but >> Okay, that is a good reason to let us know what's going on. >> But you know how to But you know how to pick up a phone and call 911, right? right next to somewhere. >> I think that's why you should probably know some neighbors and stuff and that way though you can talk to a neighbor instead of going way out on the road over there. So, what do you like to do? You like to color? Do you watch TV? >> Yeah. What shows do you like? >> I like um on Disney. I like dogs though. Yeah. >> At this point, the officer arrived at her home where he met other officers involved in the case, all of whom could see just how serious her condition was. >> She is scared to go back home to her mom. Okay. >> She claims that her mom called her into the bedroom and then started yelling at her, said she wish you never had her um and kicked her in the stomach. >> You remember me from earlier? >> What happened? Huh? I run away because my mama kept on pushing me. So what happened? She called me in the room to go ahead and talk and she kept talking about some stuff and then she just kicked me in the stomach while she was laying down. >> Okay. >> So I ran a kicked anymore in the stomach and I don't want to go back cuz I don't want to get kicked in your stomach anymore. >> Okay. Can you do me a favor? Can you pull up your shirt a little bit for me so I can see your belly? Did mommy have shoes on or no? >> She had shoes on when she kicked you. Well, listen here, honey. I'm here to help you. Okay, I'm going to keep you safe. You want a water? You want one? Okay, give me one second. Her demeanor like when we left, >> she was calm, happy, whatnot, seeming like love to be here. That to that totally different. Got a couple of things for you. One, a new friend, cuz everybody needs those. >> So cute. >> Yeah. And here's a water for you. >> You're welcome. >> My sister is there. >> That tells you about him. It says he cares. So, what are we going to do? >> We'll try and wake mom up. >> I'm not with mom or that kid. >> So, either mom could be transported with somebody else and I'd rather wait for DCF to get here. I got a car seat. back. Scary. No, I know. We're going to put you into uh my buddy's car. Okay. >> Did you pack your bag? >> Nice. I'll make sure it doesn't fall. Hey, buddy. Probably going to be 10:15 on mom, but we got to I want to do a forensic interview at Kimberly Center. We dropped the kid off with DCF. DCF did their thing, put off mom on a parenting plan. And then few hours later, kids are back at the same location. Says mom uh was yelling at her and kicked her in the stomach and she ran away cuz she didn't want to get kicked no more. And she's got a little red mark on her stomach. At bare minimum, mom's going for child, but I'm going to do that CPI. See if there's any type of anything like that with the forensic interview. No answer. Mom hasn't been out and she still hasn't been out. Uh, we're assuming she's there, but she hasn't been outside to come look for her missing daughter. >> The girl was finally receiving the care she needed, but from officers instead of her mother. Minutes later, officers arrived at her home along with DCF staff involved in her case, who began revealing even more details about her situation. >> Mom still hasn't come out. I did find in our previous search um a custody of her um previously. >> Okay. Um, I don't know if that's still a viable option, but she is. It's going to be child child. >> See, I didn't think I thought that guy would wait to see what Kimberly said. >> So, the reason they said child is because she does have a little red mark on her stomach, which could be consistent with mom kicking her. I can't tell if it's from that or from the seat belt. Um, but with her statements, I'm going run with it. >> I had talked to her originally in the car. Yeah. >> Out of the blue, she told me. She said, "Mommy slapped me in the hand." And I said, "But what?" Cuz I did something really, really bad. I was like, "Did this just happen?" This is your first time. Okay. >> Oh, yeah. This was the first time. And she said, "Um, because I lied." Now, I know the history on why she was. >> It was for uh fail to protect. Uh the allegation was that um the grandfather >> was touching her. Yeah. She was saying, "I said some I said that something happened to me." Like, it it didn't it really didn't. And I was like, and then she's she's talking to me. So, she's telling me that um after we all left, mom told her to go into the room and uh got mad at her. I asked her, "Well, what did she say? What was she mad about?" "I can't remember." And she kicked me in my stomach. Then what happened? Did she say anything? Oh, she said, "Uh, I don't even think I burped you." And then what happened? Then she went to sleep. >> I was trying to call her when I was in the >> Okay. >> And I couldn't get through and I was like, but I was on the phone with her earlier. I just forgot to ask her one more question. So I kind of figured she went to sleep. >> This was like 15 minutes after >> 20 minutes left here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't I don't know. But >> that's the that's the disclosure I got. >> Okay. >> After discussing her case, authorities headed to the girl's home ready to speak with her mother. But what they witnessed there only made the situation worse. >> Stephanie BCF. >> Stephanie. >> Yeah. She's getting a shirt on. >> Oh, okay. She's sleeping. >> Yeah. >> That's like out out to the point where he had to basically shake her to wake her up. Has no idea that the child's missing. >> Yeah. See, she died out again. So let me ask you what happened from when we left. >> Nothing. I went to sleep. >> Was there any arguments or anything? Okay. When I was specifically sleeping >> any arguing? >> No. >> And I kind of figured that you went to sleep because I tried to fall. >> I did. I'm sorry. >> No. Sorry. >> No, I understand. She got back out again and she went back to that very same gas station. So, she disclosed to me that there was an incident that occurred between you and her. Nothing. >> No. >> Okay. Cuz um the incident involves arguing and >> I told her she can't be doing that at all. >> Wait, I'm sorry. >> I told her she can't be doing that at all. >> Oh, okay. And then she said that um actually kicked her in her stomach. >> I kicked her in. >> Okay. Okay. And I wasn't here. But I I just got to get the statement cuz she made that disclosure. >> Okay. She's going to have to go to the Kimberly Center. We're going to have to get a forensic interview now because of that disclosure. Now she just said, you know, I was just going to come out and like that. I'm going to get brought her right back along and then we'll be able to have another talk. But because of that disclosure, we're going to have to take her to the Kimberly Center so that way she can talk to someone that's more specialized in talking to children with situations like that. And she's also going to get an exam to see because she sto >> the mother Stephanie had been sleeping the entire time her daughter was missing, completely unaware of what was happening to her. But now, for the second time that day, she was being confronted with hard news, revealing to everyone at the scene the kind of care her daughter had been receiving. >> So, my dad, I I'm not sure, but uh I think there might be some charges placed on you. >> What? >> For this situation, but but here's the thing though. I want to know, do you have anybody in the event that let's say you're >> just asleep? >> No, I understand. I understand. But follow me. If for some reason like you're gone for a long extended time, do you have any family or anyone that she can stay with instead of going into the system and going across? >> Talk to Tyler. >> We'll have to talk to Tyler. >> Well, no, we're not going to use Tyler as a We want to >> You don't have any relatives? >> I guess Wendy was our teacher. He kept her last name. Old sanity. >> All right. And um how about that? He's in jail in Oklahoma. He doesn't see anything. He's like 8 months old. I'm so sorry, Uncle James. What am I getting charged for? >> Well, let him handle what he's got to handle. We can discuss that later. >> I'm just saying in the event that if something comes up in your period of time. So, dad is not in the picture. >> Okay. And you said Wendy Collins. That's the only other person and she was the one that had her before. >> You have any of her contact information? >> I don't. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I tried calling you. >> Who' you say Sharon was? >> Your mother. >> She can't wash her. >> She didn't take her. >> Huh? She won't take her. He lied about my dad to her last year. She came out about like 2 weeks ago saying that he never did it. >> So mom wouldn't be >> You can ask her. She never did it. But >> what's her name? >> Sharon Thompson. Like I don't think they want anything to do with this. >> I got at this level. I mean, >> this is a good thing. We're trying to we're trying to find people so that way we're not sending her to foster care because that's a daily thing that we have to keep going through that. So if you are lost I'm sorry I don't fall asleep. I'm not quite sure what the >> is going on. Well, like I said, there was that disclosure from her saying that there was an argument and there was a physical altercation and that's what led her right back to that same spot out there and someone called >> Stephanie continued to play the innocent mother even though everyone there already understood what the case really was. She kept acting as if she had done nothing wrong and didn't understand the charges, but no one was fooled by her act. >> So, I am conducting a criminal investigation. Okay. Anytime a crime is alleged, we have to do our job of conducting a crime investigation. Okay? Part of that investigation means I have to read you your Miranda warnings. Do you understand each of these rights as I've explained to you? Okay. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to me now about the incidents? >> I'm sorry. >> I don't think there wasn't an incident. >> Okay. Well, I just need a yes or no if you want to talk to me. Yes. >> Okay. All right. Walk me through what happened from the time we left. and left. I said, "There's a body. You can't be doing that to everybody screaming." I said, "Let us lay down and go to bed and rest." She said, "Okay." She laid down and I woke up. >> And do you know about what time that was, give or take? >> 9:30. >> 9:30. Okay. Where were we all sleeping at? >> She slept on the couch. I slept in the bed. >> So, she was on the couch here and you were in the bed back there. How was her demeanor? Was she like it was when we left? was like kind of shaking up like a little bit like okay like you know okay >> so back to normal kid self. >> Any reason why she would run away? >> I don't think not that I'm aware of. I'm I'm sorry but like she came out about a week and a half ago saying my dad never did this and I don't I'm not I don't know what's happening. >> Anything like this happened before as far as >> that behavior? No. Was there any type of physical touch from you to her? >> No. >> Guiding to the bed, anything like that? >> No. You can't be doing that. >> Did she eat before she left? >> I don't know if this morning. >> Oh, she hasn't eat this morning. Okay. >> I thought she was sleep. >> Okay. It's all right. Give me uh just a second and uh just hang tight here for me. I'll be back with you in a second. Okay. Although Stephanie tried to paint a different picture of what had happened, she couldn't fool the officers and they had already made their decision. >> I still feel still firmly on the job. >> Yeah. Me, too. Visibly shaken. >> Mhm. >> Visibly scared to be left back. >> Yeah. Like from I'm telling you, from the time we left here to when I saw her in your car, it's like a totally different person. >> Yeah. >> Oh, Miss Stephie, right now you're going to be placed under arrest for child abuse and child. Okay. >> Place your hands back. hand you back. >> Can I call Tyler? My phone's in my pocket. >> Well, you can call him from the from the jail. >> I don't have his number like that. >> You don't know his phone number? >> I'm not sure. >> I don't know his phone number. >> What's going on? I'm sorry. I'm so confused. >> It's just >> I just woke up. I'm scared. >> I got you. >> What do I do? I didn't do anything. We just got to This is part of our criminal investigation. Okay. Okay. What are you doing? I'm >> sorry. >> What are we doing? I didn't even do anything. >> Just Just face the car for now. Okay. If >> you have anything on you at all, >> anything hiding in your bra, anything like that, you know that once you get in the back of that patrol car and you get to the jail, if you have stuff on you, it's introduction of contraband. You know that, right? >> That's which is an extra charge, which you don't want. >> I don't want that. >> Okay. All right. Stay facing the car. >> Check. Okay. Check. We'll get that figured out in a second. Go ahead and step in here. >> In the end, Stephanie was charged with [music] and abuse. >> Moving to the next case, officers found a young individual wandering alone and hesitant about returning home. But what initially sounded like a simple family dispute would soon point to a much deeper reason. >> When was the last time you ate? When was the last time you had dinner or breakfast? >> I didn't have breakfast. >> You didn't have breakfast today. >> Luna said she was hungry, so we got an officer going to get her some uh food. >> No, we have food at home. That's that's that's a that's a symptom of her disorder. She will lie and say we have not fed her. She will say she's hungry. Literally, she she ran away before she could have her breakfast this morning. >> Would you like a hug? >> No, thank you. >> On January 22nd, 2022, a woman called the police over her missing child, but what the cops eventually discovered left everyone in shock. >> So, can you tell me a little more of what happened? Cuz I'm just getting here. >> Um at like 8 or It was actually about 8:15 this morning. Okay. >> She got up out of her bed like she just woke up for the day. >> She was like, "I'm I have to go to the bathroom." I saw her walk into the restroom and I started changing her sister's diaper. So, I wasn't like paying too much attention. I heard her not in the bathroom anymore. So, I looked and I was like, "Luna." And I know she wasn't in her room. And that's when I heard her by the back door. And then I was like, and then I walked over to see her. And as I was walking over there, she was opening the back door to run from emotional processing disorder and she had it like basically she was about this size. >> Okay. >> She's always had a thing with like running away or like hoarding things. >> Where does she usually go to? >> The that's that's where why we're baffled right now because like she always goes to the same places like always. Which is the neighbor's house right here. >> Which which one? Which neighbor's house? >> This. >> Did you tell any officer this? >> He's shown all the offices. every single one. That house right there with the pink tree in the middle. >> Okay. Have you talked to them? >> Um well, normally I see the neighbor in the front yard this morning since this happened, >> but I don't think they're home today. >> Okay. >> I didn't see the truck in the yard um of the husband that I know he usually has a truck. >> So, where did you last see her? >> Down here on Flaggler. Like cuz when she ran 29th Street between Flaggler and >> you know the baby and stuff. >> Sure. So, I followed her as far as I could and I saw her. She not this light and she went to like the next street and then she usually comes back around and she'll like hang out in this neighbor's yard and like hide in the trees. The one with the >> I'll take I'm going to check your house again. Is that okay? >> Are you okay? >> Hi, buddy. You okay if I go take a look for your [ __ ] >> Thanks. >> The officers immediately swung into search mode, but as they spoke to the neighbors about the child, they got some disturbing information about THE WOMAN. HI THERE. I'm looking for a little girl, Luna. I was told she likes to hang out over here. >> She's gone again. >> Yeah. Have you seen her this morning? >> No, I haven't. >> All right. Well, if you do, can you call 911? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Where does she Does she usually come right inside your house? >> No. >> Oh, you did. Okay. Mom said she hangs out here. So, >> no, she don't hang out here. >> Okay. >> That's the first time I call 911 when she came here. >> Did she knock on the door last time or just come in? >> No, she she was right there. I was on the um porch. >> Okay. All right. So, she was just standing outside. >> All right. I'm going to just walk. Hi there. >> They let her run around too much. >> All right. Well, we're going to try and find her. We got a lot of people out now. If you see her, call 911. Okay. >> I sure will. Oh my god. >> Okay. Hold on. We got her. Uh, if you come east towards Point Sienna, >> probably this one. Excellent. >> Nice job, guys. >> You okay, sweetheart? >> What grade are you in, honey? >> Third grade. >> Third grade. Okay. >> Such a pretty girl. >> You are. Why were you hiding from us? >> Cuz I just always have to go back home and I don't like it. >> You don't like it at home? Okay. >> Okay. Well, we're >> want to be with grandma. >> Where does your grandparents live? >> My grandma lives in Connecticut. Mommy and daddy say she's just mean when she's not and they and they never let us go there. >> Okay. How are your mom and dad mean to you? >> What do they do that's mean? >> They do and do so too much and and >> here's some water, baby. Drink drink a little bit. Okay. >> When they say it's hard, they just say do it or you won't get your meals. And then they lock me in my room and I and they lock the door. >> Okay. You don't like it over there where you live? >> Mommy's always being bossy and telling me to brush my teeth again and again. And they make me do that. And the door is always locked and closed in the shower with my clothes on. >> They put you in the shower with your clothes on. >> Yes. >> I don't know why. >> I don't know why. >> When was the last time you ate? When was the last time you had dinner or breakfast? >> I didn't have breakfast. >> You didn't have breakfast today? No. Yesterday I had dinner. >> So the last time you you ate was dinner last night and your belly is still hungry, huh? We're going to get you some food. And >> moments later, officers asked the woman to search the house as part of their investigation. And that was when she began to say a lot of weird things about her daughter. >> Luna said she was hungry, so we got an officer going to get her some uh food. >> No, we have food at home. That's that's that's a that's a symptom of her disorder. She will lie and say we have not fed her. She will say she's hungry. She will say whatever. Like she we have food. And like the thing is she has food allergies. Like she's severely allergic to dairy. Like she cannot eat any kind of goat or cow or like any kind of >> chicken nuggets. >> No, she cannot. She cannot. Absolutely not. >> All right. Why? >> She cannot because there are ingredients into them. >> Like number one, number one, we're vegan. And we're vegan because she is allergic to dairy. And even if we weren't vegan, like those chicken nuggets have milk powder. So the dairy is running. >> Okay. >> Like >> So what does she eat normally? She everything. Like literally, we give her nuggets. They're just like gluten-free vegan nuggets. Like we have like we literally she she ran away before she could have her breakfast this morning. We were literally in the middle of making her an oatmeal. >> So, what's up with Elelliana? But like >> I guess she told everybody that she was hungry and like they're trying to give her chicken nuggets or something, but we have >> No, we won't give her chicken nuggets. If she's allergic to it, we're not going to do that. And like the McDonald's French fries have like literal like milk and like meat powder in them. Like we can't. Wendy's fries are like literally the only thing. But like she doesn't need fries because like she has wholesome food at home. Like >> Luna is allergic to dairy and vegan. >> Things took a different turn when the girl refused to hug her mother, but instead revealed even more shocking details. >> I don't know. They just said, "I can go see Luna, but I can't bring the baby over there." And like they wanted to hold the baby, but I said no. Like I'm not comfortable with anybody holding the baby. >> Archer. >> Archer. >> She just wants to see her real quick. >> Anna, are you okay? Where are your shoes? You weren't wearing shoes. >> Would you like a hug? No, thank you. What's been going on? Do you want to talk to Daddy? Daddy's been on the phone. We've been very worried about you. Anna, we need to make sure you're safe. Mommy has been very, very worried about you. Can you talk to mommy and explain what's been going on? Baby, you've been missing. It's been more than 3 hours since you ran out. You ran out without having breakfast or even saying good morning to mommy. You just went to the bathroom and went out the back door. Daddy, she can hear you and everybody else can hear you, too. >> Okay, listen. It is time to I don't know what you've told the police, but it is time to tell the truth. Okay, it is time to tell the truth because every time that you've told talked to the police before, you've said something other than the truth. And I don't know what you've said so far, but it is time to tell the truth if you haven't already. Okay. >> What can I say? I think it's trying to make sure that you're safe because dad is worried. >> Mom, can we talk to you for a second? Over here. Right over here. We're going to just talk to you. >> I don't know what's going on. They're saying you can't talk to her. >> You're not in any trouble, honey. You're not in any trouble. >> I know what will happen if you leave the house. >> What? What happened? >> Mom's just going to lock me in. >> She's going to lock in your room? >> Yes. And >> why will she lock in your room? >> Cuz cuz she doesn't want me to tell people that I'm hungry. >> At this point, the cops had heard and seen enough to place the woman under arrest. But that was not the end. >> Listen, you're going to be placed under arrest. Okay. >> What? No. No. My baby. You're >> okay. They're okay. >> My baby. >> My baby. >> Hold on a second, ma'am. Okay. The >> My baby. >> The kids are okay. >> My baby. >> Don't scream. Don't scream. That's going to make it worse for them. Okay. >> Don't scream. Don't scream. >> You don't want to upset them. >> My baby. >> Have a seat in the car. Come on, man. >> PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THEIR DAD GETS HERE. PLEASE. >> They're okay, man. They're okay. DAD GETS HERE. SLIDE SLIDE YOUR LEGS IN, PLEASE. >> My baby. >> Slide your legs in, please. No, she needs her. They're >> okay. Her stuff. >> They're okay. They're okay. >> They're okay, ma'am. >> NO, SHE'S NOT OKAY. MY BABY. >> They're with us. They're okay. >> Baby, >> but what is it exactly that the baby needs from the house? >> Everything. She's frightened. >> Everything that doesn't answer my question. So, we're either going to go to the station or if there's a specific item, you just mentioned formula. >> Yeah, she doesn't have formula or diapers or anything like >> Okay. And you have all that inside the house? >> Yes. >> And you're willing to allow us to go inside the house and get those things? What do >> you mean? >> Ma'am, that's a yes or no question. >> Hold the baby strangers. >> Listen to what I'm saying. >> She doesn't understand. In the end, the woman was arrested and charged with neglect.