It's easily accessible to them. They were both passed out when we get here. The house is disgusting. You have mold, rotting food. That's what he was told that he was told that he I have little kids that will use a belt on And they didn't want it that they hit them and they wouldn't either. They said it was Officers didn't need a confession. The signs were already there. The children's appearance, their behavior, the environment around them, it all told the same story. What they were seeing wasn't recent. It was the visible impact of severe neglect that had gone unchecked. I just wanted them to I just wanted them to >> the story. I mean, I make a whole new handout. I didn't whip This is when when hero cops discover the effects of severe neglect. Here is Law Zone where features real police body cam footage documenting how officers handle tense and unpredictable situations as they happen. The first incident is that police rescue two children from filthy house of horrors. Okay. Whose fault? I understand it's not you. I have a feeling based on her priors and everything it's her. Do you think or would you have ever thought if you had kids you would let your kids live in a house On February 12th, 2024, St. Petersburg, Florida police responded to a home where two young children were found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Officers said the children were taken for medical evaluation and the adults responsible were detained as the investigation moved forward. They shouldn't be living here. You guys have drug paraphernalia that's easily accessible. So, with that being said, some of the questions I might ask may to somebody seem they seem incriminating. So, I'm going to read you your rights just to talk to you, okay? Doesn't mean you're under arrest, you're not under arrest, you're not in handcuffs. Do you understand that? You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand these rights I've explained to you? Okay, having these rights in mind do you wish to talk to me? Huh? Having these rights in mind do you wish to talk to me? About what? Uh just about the whole situation here. The whole situation? Yeah, I'm asleep. I'm ready to go to work. They're going to take you to jail. Huh? They're taking you to jail. So, this is your house? It's my mom's house. Your mom talks to you? Okay. How long have you been living here? Since October, 3 months. 3 months? Yeah, so come over there with my mom. Okay. How long has she been living here? Came over with her. She's not in a good state. Yeah, 3 months ago? No, same day. I put all of them here. I take care of everybody. Okay, I'm sorry that that's my fault. I missed it. So, when did you start living here? 3 months. I was staying I I was there. 5180 person. So, all of us over there. Okay. So, my happiness and then this girl and my mom came over here. That was 3 months ago? Yes. Okay, so she's been staying here about 3 months. Yes. Okay. Um the kids, they're yours and hers? Yes, sir. Okay. How long have you guys been together? 5 months, 5 or 6 years. 5 or 6 years? Okay. Um she uses, yes or no? Well, that's Oh, yeah, she uses. She's addicted. So, I had to get that out of the baggage. Okay, so she you said you think Officers ask about substance use and prior incidents. They reference a recent emergency response at the home and a report of a minor scene outside unattended before police arrival. When was the last time she used? When was the last time she used? Yesterday. Yesterday? Yeah. >> Okay, do you know if her two have been used since yesterday? Huh? Did she use? I don't I don't know. She She was talking about me. I can't I can't maybe in the bathroom. She what? Oh. I'm going to go outside. I'm going to try to go. That's okay. She had a lot of [ __ ] in her socks. She did She did She She had a lot of [ __ ] in her socks. She what? She's a She only had a little bit of socks. I'm sorry. Maybe me, I'm just not >> illness, see? That's how it Okay, it's an illness. Uh so >> have work today in the bad news. Okay, so she must have been like that. Did she use yesterday, do you know of? I know I was at work. Okay. What do you do for work? I drive a taxi. Oh, you drive a taxi? Uh-huh. When we came in, you guys were passed out. We knocked the first time. I was Was there an incident prior to us getting here with one of the children being outside? No. Nothing at all? No. What is that? I was being here for 3 months. This child has never been outside the house, man. We got called about an hour before we woke you guys up. Probably about 15 minutes. >> An adult denies that a minor was outside alone and acknowledges recent smoking. Officers state paraphernalia was found in plain view near sleeping areas. That's before we left. I heard that and the door surrounding the situation, that door was uh when they came it was a whole house hot. How is that supposed to be? I understand. It was knocked off the hinges by one of the We got the air conditioner for my We had they banged on the door and knocked off the top hinges. It was close to the crack in the wood and So I I understand that cuz we were here for the overdose last week. Yeah, so that's that's the situation. >> My question is is we were called here before before we woke you guys up today. >> Uh-huh. We were called here about 15 minutes prior. Okay? Somebody called in and said there was a child walking around out front and then you came out and addressed the child and brought the child back in. I didn't come out the door until you guys came in the house. They told me So I went out the door, that's a total lie. That's just somebody lying to you. Okay. The child was not out the door and I didn't come out the door until until you guys finally left. So the child wasn't out the door. >> No, it was not out the door. Okay. We found a pipe in there. She said she smokes. She said you guys both When's the last time you smoked? Yesterday. Yesterday? Yesterday. Okay. Before you guys went to bed, when you woke up? >> yesterday afternoon. Okay. Um we found a pipe next to the bed. It's in plain view. Officers question the adult about the overall condition of the residence. They describe visible mold, rotting food, structural damage, and hazardous conditions inside the home. Right next to that on the floor. Guys, is that commonly where you leave your No. Okay. Let me ask you about now again, where she's sitting on the couch, there's that folding tray table. There's Okay. Whose is that? I don't know. I understand it's not you. I have a feeling based on her priors and everything it's her. Did she smoke yesterday? I don't know. So, does she normally leave her pipes out in the open like No. No. No. I see the pipes right now. Um where did What did she get? Uh roll call, but we figured that situation. That's why I keep Are they They're both in my car? Okay. She's going to take charge once we get to the foster room. She's She's still attached to stuff. Okay. Um are you aware of the conditions of the house that they've been the kids have been staying in for 3 months with you guys? Yeah, I assume that they came in and normally everything was 100% left over. It was up and fine before. That just happened over the last couple weeks. I didn't have anybody to fix stuff. I'm trying to get stuff fixed in my mom's house. Trying to get stuff done. It's just I haven't got stuff like that. Let me ask you your honest opinion. Okay. This This is a question I have to ask myself. Look from the outside looking in, okay, do you think or would you have ever thought if you had kids you would let your kids live in a house like this? And I And I get she Like she said, it's not like this all the time, but if you walked into this house right now and said there's two kids living here, would you sit and think, yeah, that's normal? >> [groaning] >> Officers detain one adult and conduct a search for contraband before transport, explaining procedures, and checking for concealed items. What would you think? It's not a person's I'm not I'm Sorry, that's what I was going It's what? I mean, like I said, I'm just asking your opinion. Take this thing off. I I can't. I just don't want to pinch it cuz there you go. I'll put it below. Forgive me. All right, let me lock these so they don't get tight. Listen, is there anything inside your bra or anything hiding in there that you got? >> I can't >> Did you bring anything to that jail? >> I can't feel it. I can't feel it. Can I Can I look? >> keep stuff in there? Yes. Okay. >> Can I check Can I check to see if there's anything in there? Do you know Do you know if there's anything in there or you don't? >> think there is anything in there. You don't think or you don't know? I don't think so. Okay, well, that's fine. I don't want to get another injection cuz I don't know >> listen. I have one. Okay, so here's the When we take you to jail, we'll tell them that you may have something in your bra but that we weren't able to search you here and then we know about it and they know about it. It's not an introduction to >> check it right now. So, we'll let you check We're going to put you in the vans. We'll let you check it before you get in the van, okay? Okay. And then we'll do that, okay? All right. Okay. So, there's nothing in there? I don't know. I don't know. Okay, fair enough. All right. Are you going to give me a tissue to clean up? Um Please. >> Yeah, well Here, I'll tell you what. I'm just going to let you check it now and then if there's anything Okay. Okay, I'll tell you what. We will Anything? No. No. Nothing? No. Okay. There you go. All right, 73. All right, turn around. Face the camera, please. Which one? This one. This one? That one's actually looser than the other one. That's super loose. How loose Can we turn around and get it? Huh? Can we turn around and one Officers informed both adults they're under arrest for child neglect, citing unsafe living conditions, accessible paraphernalia, and the adults being unresponsive when officers arrived. All right, what's your first name? Nathan. Nathan, all right. Give me a fair minute, Nathan. I'm going to have to put your hands behind your back, okay? What did I do? What did I do to deserve this? You're being You're both being arrested. I'll tell you what. If you stay cooperative, I got two pair of handcuffs. I see you're a bigger guy. I'm being arrested for what? Huh? You have some big wrists, too, man. What? Can you explain what what you are >> Yeah, I'll explain in a second. Okay. Where am I? All right, I'm going to try to make sure this doesn't lock up. Tell you what, if you sit tight, I got a couple of ankle cuffs. They're a little bit bigger. I'll grab them out of my car and we'll use those, okay? Cuz I know these are probably digging Yeah, you guys are both going to be under arrest for child neglect, okay? Child neglect? What happened? Because the living conditions of the house are not feasible for children. Okay, there's obviously a reason we were Our initial plan was just to take the children. Um cuz they shouldn't be living here. You guys have drug paraphernalia that's easily accessible to them. You both passed out when we got here. The house is disgusting. You have mold, rotting food. That stuff was there before you guys showed up. I'm trying to tell Yeah, that stuff was there before we got here. I'm going to put her in yours cuz I'm going to put her in yours because I'm like he's probably going to go in mine. >> Kids were also there before we got Yeah, just for that room. So, you guys are both going to be under arrest for child neglect. And yep, and the children will be going to Officers coordinate transport arrangements and confirm that Child Protective Services, DCF, will take custody of the minors. They also discuss logistics due to lack of appropriate child safety seats. You guys will be coming with us. We've already contacted DCF. They're going to come grab them today. Oh, good. All right, let's take a walk over here. Put gloves on. You're going to search them. Nope. Go to that corner. Yeah, I should have put the gloves on in the trunk. Uh in the center. In the center. Okay. Give me 1 second. This officer is going to stay with you. I'm going to grab a different pair of cuffs. They're a little bit bigger. Thank you. You can search me now. Nice. Can you stand alone for this one? You don't have anything sharp that's going to poke me, stick me? Who do you want to call, man? Al. Al? Yeah. Just to see if he's safe. Okay. I'm going to call him. Is his number in his AL or is it something else? Take those off now. Tell you what, man, this is what I have, okay? I'm just going to tell you honestly what they are. These are usually ankle cuffs, okay? They're a little bit bigger. I'm going to cuff them together, and that's how we're going to secure you, okay? Cuz I mean, you've got big arms there. Okay. So, put these on before you take the other ones off. Okay. Get them on. Make sure your things don't feel locked. Or your arms don't feel locked, I should say. So, the other way. The other way. Yeah, install these before you take those other ones off. So, put these on, and then we'll pop the other ones off. Okay. Just uh put your hands arms out a little bit so she can get those off for you. I know, man. We'll try. We'll try. We'll try. I should call maybe an ISP someone from ISP to come help. Yeah, I messed up. All right, come on. Let's go, man. Best thing to do is put your butt in first and then turn over. So, we're going to fill the affidavits out for them so they can get going. Once that's done, we will take the kids out of the house. I'm going to try and call a detective see if we can get an ISP car to come out and do it cuz even if that girl >> A neighbor provides a statement indicating they were unaware minors lived at the residence and had not observed children playing outside. Officers document the witness information before concluding the on-scene investigation. Comes out no car seats are going to sit in there. I know. No, thanks. I don't care about Hold on. I got I got to end that at 8:30. Okay. No, I think I can get them get those. call him. I'll call them. Okay. yeah. I'll I'll call him. I got it up already. All right, so can you spell Carolyn for me? C a r o l y n. Last name Anthony. C a c a r o l y n. Middle initial? A. A. Last name? Anthony. Normal spelling? A n t h o n y. Go back. Go back, baby. Where you going? Yeah, the full life. And you said you've lived here how many years? 11. 11 years and you've never seen them never seen kids outside playing, didn't even know the kids were in that house. Ever. Didn't know they existed. Okay. When she told me that, I was shocked. And you said you never saw a woman at this house, just a man? I just see a guy. Okay. And he walks down the street all the time and be driving a little Toyota Corolla sometime and that's it. Toyota Corolla and that's it? >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. Never really ever seen nobody here but him. What does that man look like? Have you ever like >> He's He's I thought he's Last I seen him, he had like like a nappy little short afro like >> Like a small afro? Yeah, kind of light-skinned. Light-skinned? Um I'm taller than him. I'd say about so much height, like that. Do you see him go in and out of the house? Do you see him just kind of walk past the house, make contact? >> Okay. Um that's all I know. Okay. And I haven't seen the car here, so And you said what? You haven't seen the car here? Mhm. No. So, female Um What did you say? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, wow. Huh. Do you have Do you know your social? My social? >> YEAH. CALL ME. >> [laughter] >> WHAT I'M GETTING ROBBED. NO, YOU JUST YOU just Yeah. For your social security number? >> Yeah. You just go down as a witness. You don't have to. Yeah. We just always ask if somebody does. Just so we have to identify somebody later. And we try to put as much information as we can to our system. You don't have to. You don't have to. It's just a It's just kind of things that we ask. I'll tell you what though, if somebody steals your identity, you suspect them, their name, and their address, and Hey, wow. Yeah, that's what I'm like. Well, I feel a lot better now. Well, thanks for coming over. Oh, no. That's what I did for you, baby. No, you're helpful. Yeah, good job. I know kids be over here, and really It's going to be I don't know any other neighborhood Are they the only kids in the neighborhood? Yes, the ones I see is right here. Hm. And they play out in the yard all the time, but this lady here don't have no kids, older lady. Them people there, older couple. Them right here, older couple. The lady on the corner, she have no kids. She feed cats out there. These guys got baby kid. That's why I don't have babies running around. The lady next door to me don't have no kids, so I'm So, the ones that have kids, you see them out and about. >> It's nobody but right here. Yep. Okay. And they're outside playing? Yeah, they play all the time right here. Good. Very good. But I never seen them playing here. Hm. Well, thank you very much. Two adults were charged with child neglect. One adult also faced an additional child abuse allegation related to reported injuries to a minor. Remember, unsafe living environments and accessible hazardous items can lead to immediate criminal charges and removal of minors from the home. Community reports and officer observations play a key role in identifying and addressing potential neglect. This is the reaction of netizens to this situation. It's concerning that the conditions were described that way with minors inside. Good that neighbors spoke up when something didn't seem right. Hope the children get the medical care and support they need. Think this situation was already intense. The body cam catches a split-second decision that [bell] changes everything. Comment if you saw it coming. The next incident is when police rescue teen from an extremely dangerous father. Do you know how many times she got hit with the belt or anything? Like 3 or 4 times. I mean We have little kids that we will use a belt. On March 19th, 2025, St. Petersburg, Florida police arrested a man during an investigation into the welfare of a young child. Officers reported noticing concerning marks on the child over time, prompting a deeper review of statements and evidence. The man was taken into custody as the investigation continued. You know, I make a whole new hand out. I didn't whip her. >> her with? The with the shoe? Can I just speak to you privately? So, what happened? Okay. When did it happen? Let's start with that. >> This happened like 3 4 days ago. It's been a minute. That's That's why we so confused right now. He's been at work and everything since then. Nobody said anything that day. You know what I'm saying? He would have been arrested that day if it was that bad. You know what I'm saying? But basically all that happened was he was at work. I was at home with her. She had an attitude. She was upset. She was being very disrespectful to me. She was trying to walk off. It's already like a dangerous area where we stay at. So, you know, if you walking down the alley and there's a whole bunch of dudes down there and you know, there's police activity down there. I'm not going to let you walk down there. So, I made her go back into the house. So, in between that time I gave the prior call and I let him know, you know, like what's going on and everything like that. She texts the boy, she know, things that are going to make a parent upset. We're young parents, we're learning and everything like that. You know what I'm saying? The same mom that's coming to pick her up right now, we actually just got custody of her from her because her boyfriend had a gun pointed at her. So, we just came from Georgia. Yeah, from getting her. So, why would we get her to harm her when she's already been through things? You know what I'm saying? We went to get her from Georgia when the hurricane came. Yeah, so we have actual papers on her. This is like this is our child and everything. She already has really, really bad acne and stuff. We have been having to try to get her dermatologist and everything like that. But as far as the bruises or anything, we don't I don't we don't know anything about that. She's been fine she's been with us. I literally just dropped her off two days. You know what I'm saying? So I can understand if her mom did a welfare check or whatever the case may be, that's fine. But I just don't know what's going on as far as why he's going to jail. So what happened on that day when you guys called Dupree and in regards to that and she was walking away? Did you use a belt at any point? >> No, I didn't get to use the belt at that point yet. I didn't even get to she was so scared I didn't even get to use the belt at that point yet. I had to grab her to go back into the house because now you're walking into danger. So basically I'm just following her around like this. You know what I'm saying? Grabbing her by her shoulders like you know telling her go in the house, go in the house, go in the house. Other than that, that that was that. She did fall to the ground. So I don't know if that's where like scratch it. >> like try to drop down from me. You know what I'm saying? Try to drop down to get away from me cuz she don't want me to take her into the house. She don't want to go in the house. She's being defiant at this point. You know what I'm saying? There's nothing that I can do about that but I'm not going to let you stay out here. Mhm. You know what I'm saying? It's not like we fought her or anything. She just didn't want to go into the house. So she was doing everything she could to not be in the house. Okay. And was what's the reason behind that? Has she told you like why she doesn't want to be with you guys? >> want to babysit. It's about babysitting. I can call her right now and ask her Demario what's the reason that you want to leave? She will tell you that it's because she wants to want to go back to that's the only reason. Other than that we've been good to her. We've done everything for her. I put her in school. We give her things. We buy things for all that good stuff. >> Did you drop her off anywhere just before you guys left or anything like that? No, no. She's been with us she's Oh yeah, yeah. We took her to where basically where she stays at. Where's that? >> She's been with us. At the address that I guess you guys came to earlier. Hello. Yeah, we're right here. Turn to your left. So you guys she's doing her tantrum and then what happens after that? >> After she threw her tantrum and everything like that I was able to get her into the house only because I called her brother. Adriana confirms the teen was hit with a belt inside the house, describing it as a whooping on the buttocks. She denies other areas were targeted intentionally. Okay. So when I caught him, she knew that she had to get right because she's going to get in trouble. Like I said, he never whooped her or anything like that before. He usually just like yells at her to scare her up, but just that particular day, it was just like, "Okay, you need a little bit more cuz you got You caught texting boys. You're trying to have Like just little stuff like, you know, that'll make a parent upset. What what did he use to whip her with anything? Huh? What did he use to whip her? Just a belt. That's it. Okay. And it's not the belt buckle or anything like that. She's got a regular old-fashioned lay over on your butt whooper. That's it. Where? Anything else on her butt or her bottom. That's the only place. >> Where did that happen? Inside the house? Outside the house? Inside the house. >> It happened afterward? After you guys picked him up? >> No, no, no. Oh, that was here. Yeah, that was here. She got a whooping here as well. So he whipped her one time, two times. Do you mind speaking with me privately? It's like literally right here in the state. So we're not we're not burning up. So what you were witness to everything that went on? What happened? >> Yeah, well she got her a butt whooping. Yeah. Basically, I mean, she She just got a ass whooping. Like she did She did something like basically like being disrespectful like that and you know, talking back, running from her, putting her hands on her like Who Who put her hands on her? The little girl. She put her hands on her? She was basically running from like her and she had tried to keep her from running like away from the house down the alley. So she was like literally like trying to pull her back in the house. Type [ __ ] like that. Wait. I mean, she got a ass whooping with a belt. With a belt? Yeah. Did you see where she got hit with the belt? Yeah, like her butt her butt area. So then other than that, she was on like in like military like punishment. She doing like with her because she's older so he makes her like put her hands up or like do push-ups like that. And that's it. Other than that, it was with a belt. Do you know how many times she got hit with the belt or anything? Like 10 or 20. I mean, it was a regular ass whooping. You know, she's a teenager so All right. And this all happened where? In the living room in the Yeah, in the living room. Officers reference bruising and marks on the teen's body that appear more severe than routine discipline. Audriana [snorts] reacts with concern about the visible injuries. What injuries? [music] I feel that I haven't seen. She has scratches and everything. I don't I didn't bruise her. I didn't bruise or scratch whipping because of being disrespectful and defiant and other things like that, but I Stop talking. Well, that's the issue, but at this point because of the injuries that we have on her, what is Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hey, that's my Yeah, we're going to walk you over. I'll show you everything. Is this a week old already? >> [music] >> And we can still see them. She's one of the people who she stay with. She was being disrespectful from me and my my stepmom and stuff like that. I'll explain everything to you in a second. This is crazy. How do I get in the custody or charge of anything? I whoop my child for being disrespectful and other things like that. I didn't I didn't bruise my The teen's brother, Dupree, is detained and read his Miranda rights. He agrees to speak with officers. Who that is, bro? I don't know who that man is. >> Well, that's why you're down here. Why she's down here, right? No, she's down here cuz of my mom, too. My mom used to beat her, bro. My mom beat anything. Why would you do her like that? Before I ask you any accusatory questions, can I have to read you your rights? Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand the chief rights I have just explained to you? Yes. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now? Yes. Okay. So, sometime last week, okay, cuz she wasn't clear on what exact day it was. Dupree initially denies using a belt and claims he used a flip-flop on her hand as discipline. >> [snorts] >> He states he was working during part of the incident and suggests others were involved earlier. I mean I said she was being real disrespectful or whatever the case may be. >> specifically? >> My my girl called me and she told me because she's the other she's the only other person that has custody of her. She stays with me and she stays at my stepmom and my stepmom was telling me the one whatever house y'all went to see her at earlier, that's my stepmom. So she she she got into it with her too before previously and I don't know what happened between her. That's why she's not there at my stepmom's house. What happened um when they came to pick you up? What do you mean when who came to pick me up? They didn't speak No, they I didn't get off work. I They came up here to speak with me and cuz I told her so I could speak with her cuz I was still working. I asked Kevin, my manager, could I step outside for a second? I went back into work, literally. Okay. I went back into work, but I don't even understand how I'm getting accused of anything. She got into it with that mom and then they brought her to me because she was being disrespectful. >> did you did give her a weapon. >> Yeah, but I was after I got off of work and I made her hold her hand and I took her phone and that was it. With what? I whooped her with a shoe. With a shoe? >> Yeah, with a flip-flop. She's a big She's 16. I make her hold her hand. I don't whoop her. >> hit her with a with a shoe? What do you mean what did I hit her? On the bottom of I don't whoop her like she acts like a little baby so I whoop her on her hand and I make her get in the corner or or something like that. Like that's it and I took her phone from her. I was at work. She got into it with her. That's not her biological mother or anything biologically like blood related. I'm her biological >> Officers explained that due to the bruising and the teen's age, minor versus adult, the situation qualifies as child abuse under state law. Photos of injuries were taken as evidence. They found it also. Can I at least talk to her through the window, Dep, please? >> Just give me a second, okay? All right. So basically because of the domestic violence and everything and because of the black and blues, now it's been a couple days already. Mhm. And black and blues are still there. I mean if it was like a regular whooping, you know what I mean? Those wouldn't be like that. I don't know about no black and blues or what's going on. Demaris hasn't said anything. She's been with us the whole time. She hadn't said anything to us about anything. I don't know where that is even coming from or what's going on. Huh? That's what I'm saying. We just dropped her off this morning. And she only get dropped off so that way she can go do homework. But Cuz he has to go to work. Other than that, she's been with us. But that's that's where we're at right now because of the the amount of injury she had, where she had them. >> He just going to go to jail and He said that they seen bruises on her. Yeah. I took pictures and everything. Um that's where we're at right now. All right? So do you know how long the process is going to Dupree is formally informed he is being charged with child abuse, domestic related classification, due to household relationship. He is transported to jail while officers state the investigation remains ongoing. We want him to have his phone cuz in our county they'll let him go through the phone to see the numbers that he wants. >> his phone? You know what I mean? And then look, I'm going to turn it off if Huh? What's the charge? It's called child abuse. But it's it's because of the age. It's because of the age. All right. It's not like what you think of, you know what I mean? It's because you have an adult and you have a minor, you know what I mean? And that's why it's called child >> not like okay, it's a 5-year-old kid and you >> not a battery. It's not just a regular battery. Mom called. Her mama called? Yeah. So I just turned the phone off so the battery doesn't die. I'll let you say what you got to say to him. But that's what we're looking at. Just give me 1 second. Let me look Let me look at the the vape pen. Make sure it's not anything in it. Oh, yeah. Okay. We know that's a vape pen. Hold down. Has it broken? So this is what's going on. They're charging with child abuse. Uh their mom called. How do I get out? I got to get you out of jail. How much is my bond, bro? They'll tell you. They'll tell you when you get down there. What's that lady I don't know her >> The I don't even [ __ ] know right now. Your cell phone? Can I have I'm going to I'm going to bring your cell phone. Yeah. It's got nicotine in it. Um so your cell phone is going to go with you only because you can go through it when you get there and they'll let you go through your phone numbers. You know what I mean? They'll give it to you at the end and everything. All right. I can't. I can't. I'm sorry. I I don't want to be disrespectful to you or nothing like that, but I really can't. That's You know what I mean? So, as soon as we're done here, I'm taking you straight up. We're not no van, no wasting time. I'm taking straight there. I'm not wasting nobody's time. All right? So, I don't know if you noticed 34th Street is a disaster, the highway's a disaster. I'm going to try to get there as fast as I can. Northbound should be good, Southbound is a disaster, okay? Most likely, yeah. Yeah. So, it's it's still early enough. You know what I mean? Yeah. All right. So, like I said, you're going to be able to go through your phone numbers. The man was charged in connection with the case involving the child. Police said the investigation remains ongoing as they continue reviewing evidence and circumstances surrounding the incident. Remember, physical discipline that leaves visible bruising or injury can meet the legal threshold for child abuse, especially when involving a minor. Witness statements and documented injuries heavily influence law enforcement decisions in domestic cases. This is the reaction of netizens to this situation. 10 to 20 times with a belt is way beyond normal discipline. The injuries lasting days later is what really stands out. Sad situation all around. Hope the teen is safe and supported. You think the officers were out of options here? Watch what happens next on the body cam and tell us if you would have done the same. The next incident is when police surprise daycare teacher at home after hitting child. What? And you're you're going to be arrested. >> He said I wasn't. You're you're going to Hello. They said I wasn't. The daycare said I wasn't either. They said it was On March 16th, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida, a former daycare teacher was arrested after an incident at a local early learning center involving a young child. Authorities said staff reported the teacher grabbed the child by the arm and dropped the child onto the classroom floor. Surveillance footage was reviewed and provided to police and the teacher was removed and later terminated as officials notified law enforcement and child welfare authorities. They said she wasn't the They said I wasn't either. >> Sir, how you doing? Doing well. So, I'm here regarding an an incident that occurred um I'm guessing a couple of days ago regarding a teacher. Oh, um uh you have a name? I don't have a name. They They didn't provide anything. We don't have a name on the child. We don't have a name on the teacher. Okay. Uh DCF lady was just here. I I asked her if you arrested Miss Carr. Miss Carr? Yes, Miss Carr. Yeah. And I would like to speak to the teacher. She's fired. She was fired? She was fired. >> Okay. Yeah. Uh we can I can give you Her information. Yeah, I want her information. Thank you. Did Did anyone witness it? Did anyone witness the the grabbing of the child? Was there anyone witness? >> Oh, yeah. We uh Did you witness it? Did you see the >> know. I didn't I didn't uh but we do have video. You can see it. >> Oh, that's great. That's great. >> That'll be great. Yeah. Is the child here today? She is. She's She's napping, though. She's napping. Oh, nap time? Yeah, nap time. Okay. We show you uh yeah. >> the video and then did you get the The owner explains the child fell after being grabbed and released, but did not appear injured and continued playing afterward. The officer requests to view the footage. information for the lady that they fired? Like do you have her >> Uh I need to get that. I don't know if we have her face sheet like Were you here that day? I was here. I was the one who fired her. You know, I saw the video. I sent her notice she doesn't belong here. I would just fire her. Okay. But nobody got injured. Kids Kids Kids She She She grabbed her kid and and I let go like a like a rough handling. Uh that's not okay to us. Uh the kid was She Kid fall on the ground and he runs up and just play for the rest of the day. Uh no no bruises. No nothing. No No nothing. Okay. But that's not okay. For us, a teacher should not do this, you know. Uh we as we here we are the ones Uh for the parents. Uh yeah. Hello. Hello, can you hear me? Yes, I can hear you. Okay. Okay. So, I I would actually like to press charges. I want to make sure she doesn't ever work in a daycare or any kind of child care facility ever again. Okay. I just need you to uh raise your right hand for me. Okay. Okay. And you advise that you would like to press charges, correct? Yes. Okay. So, I just need one more thing from you. Um whenever possible, I just need you to sign an affidavit, okay, for the charges. If you have a little bit of time, just maybe like 5 minutes, just if you can explain to me what happened, how you find out, and how how it all occurred. The parent formally states a desire to press charges and agrees to sign an affidavit. The officer confirms there were minor bruises, but no confirmed injuries requiring medical treatment. Yes, of course. So, um yeah, it was the other day. I don't remember what day exactly now. It's been so crazy, but um a couple days ago, uh we usually pick him up around 5:00. Um so, we got to the daycare. Uh they had him up front and I don't know, they didn't have him up front. They He was in a classroom that day and we heard some stuff going on in the office. Kind of It kind of sounded like an investigation and I was like, "Oh, that's strange." Okay. So, I I went and picked him up and we left. Nobody said anything to us about anything. So, then we went over to go pick my daughter up from school. She's only like 10 minutes away and I get a notification on my Procare app. Okay. And they had sent through a notification that at 8:20 in the morning, You just So, they they sent through Mind you now, this is like almost 5:30 in the afternoon that they're sending this through. It says, "8:20 in the morning, pulled by arm. Parents were not notified and in first aid administered was TLC." And then the note says, "While climbing on a shelf, the teacher in the class area by his right arm and pulled him onto the carpet. The teacher was removed from the room." And that's how we were notified. We weren't notified about anything else, what exactly happened. And when I read that, I was like, "What the heck?" complain of any injuries at any time? He didn't He didn't say anything, you know, he's still not fully I think aware of what really happened cuz he's only three. Right. >> Um we asked him a little bit. He just said, "Yeah, my teacher pulled me by my arm." Um that was really it. He didn't It didn't seem like it was really bothering him. There was a couple bruises, but I think it could have just It also could have been just because he's a boy and he's rough, too. I don't know if they were already there or if they're from that. So, I didn't really Officers read the former teacher her Miranda rights. She agrees to speak and states the child threw a toy. And she moved him toward it. She says he tripped when she let go and that it appeared worse on video than intended. Before [clears throat] I Before I ask you any questions, I got to read this to you, okay? This These are going to be your Miranda warnings, okay? Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you? Okay? Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now? No. Okay. What happened um with the other other child here? Um he threw a toy at me. So, I went to redirect him over to the toy to get it and when I let go of him, he fell and it looked very awful. Cuz I even re-watching the camera, I'm like, "Yeah, I I see it." That was so awful. But he like also tripped over my foot when he did fall. Okay. Now, let me Were you having having The officer informs the teacher she is under arrest based on supervisory direction and video evidence. She [snorts] expresses surprise and states she was told it was a misunderstanding. And the pick up the boy you threw. All right, Savannah. So, I want you to understand this, okay? And this is coming from the parents and people above me, okay? Right now, you're under arrest, okay? What? That you're you're going to be under arrest. >> He said I wasn't. You're You're going to No. Let's turn around, okay? Have you been arrested before? All right, well catch your breath. It's not that big of a deal. This is what's going to happen. This is what's going to happen. You're going to go up there, all right? I'm going to give him your phone number, the bondsman, and they'll work on getting you out today, okay? You just got to get booked. I don't know. Like I said, it's their case. If you have anything with you that you want to leave, I see your husband, boyfriend. Your boyfriend. And and I see dad. Officers explain the charge is child abuse and that the arrest decision was made after review by supervisors. The teacher's family expresses concern about the impact on her career. Child abuse at the moment. It's it's going to be her first time getting arrested, so she's probably going to be able to Yeah, but that's on her record and that's her job that she does. And and this is coming from above. It's coming from a supervisor, okay? But I I the DCF hasn't even talked to me and the DCF told the daycare they didn't do this to the lady to the lady at the daycare that scratched her. I wanted her to leave this daycare because they do not protect their teachers and I told her that week that I wanted her out. These kids throw, scratch, kick I wasn't frustrated. I brought her in. I said then um I think we did what we could to get her bailed out. >> up. She's going to go up to Coco, the county jail, all right? I I I'm so sorry. Every bondsman you can just give them a call and they'll get her out as soon as You should be able to get her out today. Yes, she should be able to get out. I I I can't believe this happened. Where Where's your phone so I can get >> my back pocket. It's on the She's not going to be able to take the piercings, so I don't know if you can take them out. Uh >> them out. I can take them out. Get them out. I'm getting arrested and I have my Yeah. You They're They're supposed to come out. >> Officers clarify that the case will be reviewed by the State Attorney's Office and that an arrest does not equal a conviction. Um this is going to probably go onto a GPS, which it would just be you write down everything, you send it to the state attorney's office, they'll look at it, and they'll you know, they'll decide if they want to press charges. Um my lieutenant was like, "No, we we have to do it." That's what we have to do today, okay? All right. Um it does This doesn't mean that she's going to be convicted of it, okay? It's just a charge. >> is going to go on our life. Unfortunately. She doesn't know about it. All right. All she knows she's worked in child care for 3 years. She's been at that one. They just gave her a raise a week and a half ago. And then she begged them to get these kids out of the class because they're such bad kids. They get written up three The 20-year-old woman is charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. She is later released on pretrial release without cash bond and is scheduled for a future court appearance. Remember video evidence and parental affidavits can establish probable cause even when no serious injury is reported. An arrest initiates the judicial process, but final determinations are made later in court. This is the reaction of netizens to this situation. The video must have looked serious for supervisors to approve an arrest. It's concerning that the parents weren't notified immediately. Glad the case will be reviewed carefully by the court. The tension is already high, or so it seems. What the body cam captures next saves [bell] a life. Pause and comment what you'd do here. I told him I wanted a divorce. So now he's doing all these stupid things to take my kid from me. I destroyed the house and didn't touch him. He's so mean to me. He's such a bully. If the felony is that bad, what do I It's not like a capital felony. They're not going to give you the On August 27th, 2024, officers responded to a domestic disturbance after a marital argument escalated following a discussion about divorce. Can you get her out? He cannot remove me from my house. Hi. She's hitting herself. Stop. Stop arguing. Stop. Stop. Come outside real quick. >> YOU'RE A BAD DAD. HOW ABOUT THAT? STOP. COME OUT HERE REAL QUICK. COME OUT HERE REAL That's fine. I'm not saying that. I'm saying we're going to step So, what happened, ma'am? What's going on? I told him I wanted a divorce. So, now he's doing all these stupid things to take my kid from me. Okay. Come right here. Relax. Come on. Let's talk. So, at any point did you guys put hands on each other? >> [laughter] >> Huh? I don't want to talk. I don't want to I do not I didn't touch him. Okay. I did not touch him. I destroyed the house and didn't touch him. The husband tells deputies that a chair was thrown and struck their child, causing a visible bruise on the child's leg while he was holding another child. All right. All right. So, what happened was we were sitting on the couch. One, our relationship has been going downhill. She's been going out partying every night. She's out till 3:00 in the morning last night. Just doing things she shouldn't do as a wife or a mother. Mhm. So, we're sitting on the couch and we were talking about going to get dinner and I was like, "Listen, I'm not buying dinner for everyone tonight. Like, enough's enough. I paid for lunch today. I I'm just not doing it." She's like, "Fine. I'll do it." She runs, storms out of the house. Then we just started kept arguing, kept arguing. She comes in the house and this is what you see. Disaster everywhere. She threw a chair and hit him. These chairs. Then as I'm on the phone with 911 >> your leg, buddy. Little bruise. You want me to call rescue for you? He's hitting me and he's walking around the house smacking herself in the face. I got my baby in my arm. Obviously, I'm not hitting anyone. The The is she's throwing stuff last everywhere now. Look, she broke Put that back, buddy. I don't need you to Officers observed damage inside the home and document claims that the woman repeatedly slapped herself during the argument. Cut with piece of glass. >> PlayStation, broke the TV blinds in our room, threw everything. I mean, this is She's out of control. This is ridiculous. So, once all that started happening, then what happened? I said, "I'm going to call 911." She's like, "Go ahead, call 911." So, I was on the phone with 911 the whole time, and then she's as as she's like, "You're not You're not sending me to jail. You're not taking me from my baby." And then it clicked in her head, "He hit me." And then all of a sudden she just starts smacking herself. And then I went to take out my phone to video her. Can I see your hands real quick? Just a He tried busting my my window out. Probably have it on camera. I'm trying to bust my window out. >> Is this your vehicle? No, my car is right here. Okay. When I was leaving, I left and then I circled the neighborhood to go get my son because I don't want to leave him here. >> Okay. Deputies verify the child's injury and review available video footage showing furniture being thrown during the incident. Take my kids from me, and I'm a horrible mother, and this and that because I told him I wanted a divorce. >> Okay. But at no time did I do any physical. You just pretty much just started throwing >> touch him. I started throwing stuff around and then >> Yes. Okay. That's fine. Did the kid get hurt or anything in any way? No? Okay. Is your son inside the house? Did he witness everything? No, my son's not even here. He's at his friend's down the road. Okay. I thought he was here. Okay. You think he has somewhere that he can go stay or that you can go stay tonight to avoid any more arguments or any more He can. He can go to his mom's. Okay. Is your ID in your car or inside the house? Thank you. Hi. Your son was just there. I thought you said he wasn't here. That's I don't care about that. That's his Oh, that's his son. What you got so far? Nothing. Okay. She said that. She broke her PlayStation. I know. There's a mark there. My only problem is the kid's got a bruise on his leg. I don't think it was intentional from her. I think in her throwing the chairs around, they said the chair hit him in the leg. >> Mhm. In the process of you tossing stuff around and throwing the chair around, did any of these furniture hit his kid? I don't think so. Well, uh kid has a bruise in the leg where he's saying that you threw a chair and the chair hit him in the leg. So, we're going to look into it and see The woman admits throwing objects out of anger, but denies intent to harm anyone. Officers explain that intent is not required under child injury statutes. You know, probably upset, throwing furniture around. You didn't realize he was that close. We're just going to look up. Apparently, he has a video. We're just going to look at the video and see, like we know he it's nothing intentional, so it really won't be like battery with intent, like you intend to hit the kid. >> go to jail? Um no. Not yet. We haven't determined that yet. He's going to keep talking to him, and we're going to see what's going on. And let me ask you something. Do you have somewhere you can go in case he doesn't want to leave the house? Do you have anywhere you can go in case he doesn't want to leave the house? No? Not unless I get a hotel. I really don't want to do that. Okay. Cuz here's the thing, like if it's if he determines if the deputy determines, like if it was nothing intent, and you're not going to jail, we definitely want you guys to separate for tonight to make sure this doesn't continue. So, we can't force you, and we can't force him to leave the house because this is your house. You understand? You both live here. >> He kept trying to You need to leave. No, you're in my house. Yeah. So, with that being said, I mean, we can try to suggest that one of you go somewhere at least until things cool down. So, we'll make the same suggestion to him to see if he wants to do it. But, if he doesn't want to leave, then, you know, and you don't want to leave, and you guys stand up here, we're afraid that we're going to have to come back here again. I'm going to say this. Deputies advise separation for the night, but determine an arrest is required due to the child's injury. I can't Well, I can't go in the house? No, not until he's done speaking to him and the the investigation is done. >> here? Who is she? My mother-in-law. All right. You are? Huh? You are? I'm I'm the son of my dad. It's my You live here? Yes, sir. Okay. Yeah. So, what could you tell me just from the start what happened? Um I He It all started with dinner. He's like, "What do you want for dinner?" I said, um "I want Chick-fil-A." And then I said, um "Brendan wants a number one." That's my son. He said, "I'm not getting him food." I said, "Okay." So, I grabbed my shoes. I said, "I guess I'm going to go get me and my son some dinner." Then I He followed me out the house. I locked my door, and then he punched my window. And then he said I said, "You know what? I want a divorce. I don't want to do this anymore." So, yeah, I started throwing [ __ ] Throwing stuff? Yes. And then he's like, "You need to get on Comcast." I said, "Call them." Cuz you're not going to threaten me. Call them. And I'm just over it. He's so mean to me. He's such a bully. He acts like the victim, and he's not. Okay. Got you. So, what What was the reason for like throwing all the stuff around? Um I was very frustrated. Is my mom here? Yeah. Do you need the child that got hit with the chair, or can she take him? Okay. As long as both parents agree, I mean, it's only his son. I guess the oldest one is >> mama number four. I should have, you know, learned. Okay. Uh let me read you this real quick so I can keep asking questions. All right, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to a lawyer. Do you understand your rights? Yes. Okay. So, uh what was the whole reasoning behind throwing stuff around? Just like out of anger or Out of anger. Yes. I didn't want The woman is placed under arrest and informed that the charge qualifies as a felony under child abuse laws. Put your hands up. And I was just angry and that's how I let it Okay, but you see where I'm coming from like throwing stuff around in a room where there's kids? He wasn't in the room. He Well, how does he have a bruise on his thigh? I don't know. Cuz that's what I'm concerned with. I'm being told he got hit with a chair. Whether or not it's intentional, I can't say. But throwing things around, can't be doing that. Yes, sir. Let me show you the video. Show the video. Yeah, it doesn't show it. What did you tear the camera down for? Um because it makes him mad. Because it makes him mad? >> Yeah. I've done it before. It makes him mad when I turn the camera and I get the handcuffs. He only made the cameras because of me. It's nothing to do with burglary. He wants to watch me, see what I'm doing, see when I'm home, see when I'm leaving. He likes to keep tabs on me. I got you. Give me just a second. Hang out right here. Yeah. All right. Real quick, turn around. Hands behind your back for me. Why am I getting arrested? Throwing the chair. And it hits him? >> think that was from me. Well, it was because it's on the video of you throwing stuff around and he's got a bruise on his thigh. Okay, what about me? He hit my eye. When I asked you if there was any physical contact, you said no. You told me no. >> I didn't hit him. Yeah, and you said I said did he hit you? Did he Did he hit you? Did you hit him? And you said no. I didn't want to get him in trouble. Let me see your eye. Which one? Never mind. Just Cuz I will see your bruise right there. All right. Go out here. Officers explain court procedures, custody implications, and next steps while arranging property and transport. Yeah, I'll get that for you. We're going to go to the passenger side of this first car. It's felony. I got you. And I don't think you meant to do it either, but that's part of it because when it's felony, I can't work with it, okay? And why is it felony? Because it falls under child abuse statute. So normally like we got called here for domestic. Technically, yes, it's a domestic situation, but with the kid getting hit with a chair that was thrown, throwing chairs in a household can reasonably reasonable person I would say you could think if there's a kid there, they can be injured by thrown objects, and that's what it came down to, okay? Do you want your keys to your car to go with you, or you want to leave them here in the house? Do you want me to grab a pair of shoes, anything like that for you? I don't know. I don't know what to do. Here's your keys and your phone. Let me go work on that. >> Keys and phone, do you need wallet, anything like that? I don't know. What do I need? I don't know. Normally just um well, I don't know. Felony is that bad? What do I It's It's just the misdemeanor and then felony. It's not like a capital felony. They're not going to give you the death penalty for it. >> Well, I know that, but like >> But it's something that the state of Florida requires me to make an arrest on, okay? But that doesn't mean you're immediately a convicted felon. The state's going to take a look at the case. All right. And they're going to figure out what they are going to do with it. Just as far as like my investigation goes, I don't have any say in what goes on. Do you want to leave the key Is that your car or is it joint between you and him? So, okay. So, I'm going to leave the keys here because I don't want your car getting towed being parked out here in the road. Um I'm going to get your wallet. Does that have Well, I've got your ID. Do you want your Or you want it to stay here? I don't really have a wallet. You have like bank cards anything like that? I have my bank cards. It's just it's fine. Okay. As long as long as they're secure. Um how long have you and him been married? 7 years. 7 years? I got you. And y'all have >> Is he the one pressing charges? State of Florida. So, he called us? Well, because the little boy So, I'm pressing charges >> victim because he's the one that got hurt. The state of Florida is acting as victim, okay? On his behalf cuz he is a juvenile. Nobody's going for domestic because yes, tearing things up in the house is not a crime because it's marital property. You can tear up all the stuff you want, but when in the act of tearing that stuff up, the kid gets hurt, that's where That's why you're going to jail, okay? What uh Are there any specific shoes you want? Cuz I don't want you have to walk in there on the dirty floors bare feet. I guess slip-ons cuz I can't put on any thinner shoes. >> Oh, they're going to give you a pair in there just for when you go in and when you get out. So, I'll go get some shoes. I'm going to leave the keys here though, okay? Give me just a few minutes. She is going to go with me. Would you >> gets to slide on like little sandals or just Do you need like slip-ons? Yeah, flip-flops would even work just so she don't have to walk on the jail floor when we get there in bare feet. Would you be willing to write a statement on what happened? I want to know So, if he tries to take my kid from me, that's going to look really bad, right? So, that's something that That's something that they will look at, but that's not the end all be all of everything. Got you. And a big part of it is like I told you, I don't think you meant to do it. But it's something that happened. That's why we're in this situation. Do you think there's a strong possibility of charges being dropped or not? I can't say. That's totally up to the judge. So, you're The first time you're going to talk to a judge is tomorrow morning. Okay? Real quick, you don't have any pocket knives or anything on you, do you? No bullets in your pockets anything like that? Okay. Nothing that's going to be The woman was charged with child abuse classified as a felony and taken into custody pursuant to mandatory arrest guidelines. The case was forwarded to the state for prosecutorial review with custody and family matters deferred to family court proceedings. Remember, emotional outbursts involving property destruction can quickly escalate into criminal charges when children are present. Even unintentional injuries to a child during domestic disputes may trigger mandatory arrest and serious legal consequences. This is the reaction of netizens to this situation. Throwing objects around kids is never harmless. This outcome was inevitable. It's shocking how fast a divorce argument turned into a felony. This is a clear example of how custody can be affected by one bad decision. What do you think about these situations? Comment below to share your thoughts and like this video if you want to continue calling out such cases. To stay updated, don't hesitate to subscribe to Law Zone for more content. It's so [ __ ] stupid and I'm a [ __ ] idiot if I didn't think. But right now you're being placed under arrest and not only here neglect, but here child glasses. Listen, Carter. Carter. Carter, it's going to be okay. Hold on 1 second, okay? On March 30th, 2024 officers responded after a toddler is found alone outside a parked vehicle at a retail store raising immediate safety concerns. Carter, right? Yeah, mom. Hi. Your kid? Yes. Okay. He knows how to use the bathroom. So, he was sleeping and I just ran in here. So, he used the bathroom and came out. I just really had to go to the bathroom. And you can look it up on my hospital record that I I just got out of the hospital having surgery. How old is the kid? He's four. Uh-huh. Okay. Do you have your ID? I don't have anything on me. I'll give you my social if you'd like my social. You don't have your ID on you at all? No. My 13-year-old was in the bathroom with me. And she's still in there. I ran in here cuz I was worried about him. He bolted. What's your first name? Heather. My car and registration everything's valid. I don't have a Nothing's wrong. What's your child's name? Carter. I have to use I Date of birth? No, no. That's Adrian's middle name. Sorry. Um Witnesses explain the child was wandering and crying for his mother. Police establish an estimated timeline of the child being unattended. Sorry. It's Your 13-year-old's in the bathroom? Yeah, she was with She ran with me to the bathroom. Okay. Can you please go get her? Hold on 1 second. I'm going to have Hey, there's a 13-year-old in there, too. She came with me to the bathroom. So, when you pulled up and you parked, he was in the middle of the road. Did you go up to him and We Yeah, we stopped there. They're like, "What's going on?" He just kept saying, "I want my mommy. Where's my mommy? I want my mommy." She just got here. So, she just Like, you guys like literally you guys pulled up and she walked right there. Do you have any idea? Yeah. So, you said you called right away or were you waiting? We waited well, maybe like 2 minutes cuz we were talking to him. Okay. And then the guy over there saw that as well. We walked over to them at the same time and they came right after Okay. Uh they got him a drink and then we got him a toy so he could I'm taking her. Huh? I'm taking her. Okay. Cool. Officers locate the older sibling inside the store and confirm the mother and children were inside longer than initially stated. From the time that you seen him to the time that you called 911 was how long? What time went by? It was within 10 minutes. Not even that. No, it was probably like 3 minutes because that this couple saw him as well and they called 911. Wait, what are you talking about? Like from the time that we saw him Oh, when we reported it you guys? Yeah, it was maybe like 3 minutes. And then at the time that we responded and It was about 10 minutes. About 10 minutes. In between that 10 minutes at what point did the mom come out? Right when you showed up? >> Right when you guys got here. A minute later or something. Adriana? Yep, perfect. Def Leppard Street, that's kind of cool. Hey, so what So, were you in the car with your brother? I was going in the restroom. Okay, where was your mom at? She was in So, you guys both went into the bathroom? Yeah, I don't like going by myself in places like that so I asked her to come with me. Okay. How long ago did you guys go to the bathroom? Not too long ago. And you left your little brother by himself in the car? I thought it would be fine since he was sleeping. You can't leave the car unattended with him in there. It's hot. Where do you guys live? I am not really living with my mom. I was just here hanging out with her. Medical checks are performed on the toddler to ensure he is not overheated or injured. Okay, you live with your dad? Yes. And then your brother does stay with your brother stays with you too at your dad's? No, he stays with my other brother. Okay. Hey, how you doing? All right, so we got two concerns. Young man we have here was in the car by himself for a little bit. We don't know exactly how long and he was out walking out. People located him. We just want to check on the little guy's well-being. Sure. As well as mom. Mom said she's uh been having a on and off. That's why I had to stop here to use the bathroom. You want to walk to the bathroom? Yeah, just in case cuz I've been having an on and off fever with it, too. Was he talking or anything or was No, he just got out of the car just and started giving me a hard time. Yeah, they were concerned that the people that didn't realize I had just like literally ran in and ran out. He forgot. Okay. So, are you concerned? Is anything out of the ordinary to you that you see? I'm so stupid. Like he was just Your daughter is Like he was just Come on. It's okay. I'm going through a really bad divorce and I'm not going to try to act like I feel really bad and I don't think about it. It's so dumb. What's your name? I'm so sorry. Come on, what's your name? Mayeda. What's mommy's name? Mayeda. Mayeda? What's your name, buddy? Connor. Connor, can I see your finger, please? It's pretty cool, all right? All right? Tell us what Police advised the mother that leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is dangerous and may constitute neglect. That's the same thing that happened when you went from mommy to the hospital. Did the same thing. Do you remember? It's pretty cool. There you go. Pretty cool, right? Ooh, look at that light on it. Obviously, you know, you made a bad decision. Can't leave him in the car by himself. I know. I literally thought he ran in and out and he was leaving and then he and then It's all right, buddy. Sorry. >> just I just hang out there. I just was I didn't think I just didn't think You can't leave him in the car right now. I just want to know. I'm just stupid. I'm sorry. Well, we're looking We have to look at all aspects, right? >> Yeah. So, right now we're checking cameras through Walmart. Yeah. I'm not going to lie to you. We're checking stuff. We have to. It's part of our job. >> Yeah. If we see fit that the time was 15 minutes or more that you were in that store, then you're going to jail. I've never been to jail. >> Okay. As of right now, we have information, but it's nothing secure right now. So, we have to do a full on >> literally came here just in case you guys arrest me. I know that I was in there for I was less than 15 minutes, but I'm But, listen, even if I don't arrest you, you still need to You basically look like you need You need a break. Okay. Let's put the phone over there. Yeah, call them up. I'm in Look at me. Take a Take Take a breath for a second, okay? I'm trying to do Catch your bubble. Catch your Catch your bubble, right? Look. Tell this to the kids. Main thing right now is you catch your breath cuz you're going to have an anxiety attack. Store surveillance is reviewed showing the mother passing points of sale without paying for items. I know. Okay. We we we told that ourselves, okay? >> I know. I have to go to the bathroom again. I have tomorrow I'm recording this uh in your statement. Today's date is Saturday, March 30th, 2024, and the time is now 1:46. You have the right to remain silent and answer no questions until you speak with an attorney. You understand these rights that I have read to you? Yes. Okay. So, tell me again why you came here. So, I came here to go to the bathroom. So, you came here just to go to the bathroom? Literally just to go to the bathroom. Okay. And then you went with your daughter? Yeah, and my daughter came with with And how long do you think you spent in the store? Like 5 minutes. 5 minutes. Literally 5 minutes. >> Okay. And you left the car It was running. The car was running? Yes. With the keys inside? No, no, no. I don't I don't remember that one, officer. Okay, but the kid was in there. The windows were up. >> No, the windows were down. The windows were down? >> Yes. But you still left the child unattended. I did but >> In this weather. Right? Officers place the mother under arrest as she becomes emotionally distressed and repeatedly denies intent. Please don't Really please. So if my wrist is right here and I don't want them to take me, okay? Just breathe. Please can I have Okay, just breathe. Just breathe. Really and please. And it's stupid. It's so [ __ ] stupid. And I'm a idiot and I didn't think. But right now you're being placed under arrest, and not only for child neglect but for shoplifting. I didn't shoplift anything. Yes, she did. You were at our point of sale with your basket I didn't mean to leave. You left that daughter You left your daughter inside because you were going to come get your car. Come on. No, I wasn't. Can you call my mom? She'll totally bail me out right away. Put your hands like if you were praying. Come on. It'll be easier. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. Stop Stop Stop taking me, please. I'm help Please don't hurt me. Do not resist. Stop. Cuz it will hurt. Stop. Do not resist. I can't breathe. Okay, look at me. We have fire rescue here. >> right? You're breathing. You're talking. Just focus on that. You're talking. I can't breathe now. Just breathe. Can I take my jacket I will. No, I don't want to take it off. Please don't hurt They won't take it off. Can I talk to You have to take it off. You have to take it off. Can I talk Can I talk to him? Can I get him? I don't have anything. I don't have anything wrong on me. Come on. Put your hands like if you were praying. That way I can fix Listen, you want this to be comfortable or you want them to hurt? I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do. I've never done this before. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. Focus. Focus. Put your hands like this backwards. That's all. How? all? Like this. Am I allowed to see them? The children are separated from the scene for their safety while arrangements are made with family members. You know what I'm saying after that? I could get them back as soon as I get out. I don't want to get out. I didn't get He's not allowed to walk with you. You hear I'm trying to explain it to you, okay? I did not mean to stop with anything. Either of you. But I didn't mean to. I just Okay, I didn't mean to. I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. Okay. I didn't know. I didn't know. I swear I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know. Grab it. I didn't know. I didn't know. Sorry, I couldn't hear over the Hurry up, 599. Can you tell me your address and your apartment? I didn't know. What's your date of birth? I didn't know. I swear I didn't know. I'm scared. I'm really nervous. All you got to do I didn't know. I don't want to go to jail. I've never been to jail. I never been to jail. I'm scared. I don't know what I'm going to Listen, if you would be if you would have been honest with me 100% from the beginning I did. I was. I was. >> for 24 minutes. >> I didn't know it was that long. I swear to God I didn't know. You were just leaving a child unattended in the car. I know. I agree with you. And that's not the only reason. I didn't hear you. I I earned this. I understand that. I'm scared. And they want them out. So they got to No, we didn't do that. They got to go to the rescue unit. They got to go to the rescue unit. Uh-huh. You're making it worse for your children. You got to get yourself together. Do you want her to have Do you want him to have your phone? He can have everything. I don't care. No, I'm saying like so you won't take this to the jail. Actually, I would Yeah, I want to take it with me just in case. Okay. It's fine. I would give it to you. Okay. Okay. Uh have a seat. Step in. I don't want Can you put my jacket back on? This is the only thing I All right. You got to get the I'll walk over to your car. Okay. I want my mommy. I want my mommy. I want my mommy. I want my mommy. I want my mommy. I want my Officers explain the legal consequences and ensure the children are transferred to a safe guardian. All right, he's going to take the car. He's going to take the car? Yep. Okay. This way, cuz You're going to your car, buddy. We're going to I want my mommy. Okay, come on. We're going to We're going to go get it. We're going to go get it. I'll take that one. Okay, put them in. Put them in. Where are we going? I'm going to use the the cat. I want my mommy. I want my mommy. So, we sell these, but I don't know Was that in the other bag? Come on, go. We're going to go play the video game. Yeah, we sell these. So, you want to fill me in? I'm sorry. >> Hey, worst comes to worst Where are we going? Give it a second. Can I get a high five? Where are we going? One second. What's your name? Where are we Sorry? I want my mommy. I want my mommy. I know. Give it a second, buddy, okay? My pants. I want to get out. Carter, right? Yeah. >> [crying] >> You're Carter? Yeah. You a big boy? No. No? My pants. I want to get out. Why? I know. Why? Listen, Carter. Carter. Carter, it's going to be okay. Hold on one second, okay? Carter, look at me. Look at me. We're going to be okay, okay? I'll make sure you're all right. I know. I know. I want my mommy. Yeah. I want my mommy. I'm going to make sure you're okay. How old are you, Carter? Huh? I'm one. One? No, you're not one. You're older than that. You're bigger than that. Yeah, you're a big boy. I know. I know. I know. Okay. You're not in any trouble. Okay? You're not in any trouble. But remember when I asked you what you guys were doing here? And you guys said that you guys were going to the bathroom? Yes. Well, I know that's not the truth. Well, I had to go use the bathroom. My mom suggested I use the auto get some of her stuff. Okay, but what was like what were you guys trying to get? A new shirt. My mom wants to My mom she has to stop using it. So, she wanted to get some of her stuff. A jacket. Wanted to get a jacket too. And then we had to shop for some of She walked out the store. She She told me to stay here because we were going to pay for it when she came back. She told you to stay there because she was going to pay for it when she came back? Yeah. Okay. But you do understand that once you pass all the cash registers, that's considered stealing, right? Okay. So, that's what your mom is going to jail for today. She's going to jail because she pretty much took that out of the store without paying for it. And for leaving your brother unattended in the car. Cuz you guys can't leave your brother. And you guys were in there for more than 5 minutes. I was in the checkout line. You guys were in there for 24 minutes. If he would have stayed in the car, he could have probably died. If he didn't come out, he could have probably died. When I asked you the first time, you shouldn't have lied, okay? Cuz you can get in trouble, too. And you don't want to go in in jail, right? Come on. Oh, he's strong. He's so strong. Are you ticklish? I get it, kitty. What are you doing? Ziggy. Ziggy? Yeah, Ziggy's cool. No, no. It's okay. It's okay. Carter, don't don't pull on the cat. Uh uh. You got to be gentle. You're too strong. The cat's super calm. You see how comfortable he is? He's going to take a nap. You going to take a nap? Go ahead, take a nap. I'll wake you up when all the cool stuff happens. It's my camera, yeah? You see it? It's my radio. Oh, don't turn up too loud. This guy's going to hear. You just turned the volume up. There it goes. Volume's up. It's all the way up. No, don't adjust. It's good. It's good. It's good. Yep. Extra batteries. Yeah, that's true. You're smart. Yeah, they're in there. No, I can't. It's locked in there. No, I'm sorry, buddy. I can't. What's that? Oh, my keys? Here. Heather. Heather. Heather, look at me real quick. Heather, look at me, please. Where's the hotel? It's the Motel 6. Yeah, we'll be one second right now. You sending this up? Roll up that rear window. They rolled up the window. This is her mom. Oh, her mom? One second. Let me Let me grab him. Go with your sister. Ah, go with your sister. All right. So, is Taco coming here? He just told me he can't. The woman was taken into custody on charges related to child neglect and shoplifting. The children were released to a family member, >> [music] >> and the case was forwarded to the court system and child protective services for further review and follow-up. Remember, leaving a child alone in a vehicle, even briefly, can create serious safety risks and legal consequences. Stressful personal situations do not remove a caregiver's responsibility to ensure a child's safety. This is the reaction of netizens to this situation. It only takes minutes for a situation like this to turn dangerous. The child wandering alone is the most alarming part. I'm glad bystanders stepped in and called for help. The tension is already high. Or so it seems. But the body cam captures next [music] saves a life pause and comment what you'd do here. >> Lock it. Your child could be Every time I have a baby, I lose my mind. So he takes off with him, comes to find out that's not the mom. >> Everything's okay. On September 8th, 2024, officers responded to a park after reports that a woman took a 7-year-old child while claiming he was her son, despite objections from others present. This girl just took my grandson. And they called her his mama. He had came and got him. I am his mama. No, you're not. That's why he ain't staying now. His mama's on the phone. Okay, so what happened is They They were trying to kidnap He They were trying to kidnap He They left him at the park. Hold on. So we were at the park. These two were at the park. All right. So I went to go pick up park. Okay. My kids. Little Timmy, what was the kid in the car? Okay. What's down there? I don't know. I was going to bring him back to his house because he was our neighbor. Yeah. Cuz I'm not allowed to leave him at the park by himself. Right. And then this Hold on. She's on I gave him to you. Stand over there. I gave him to Stand over there. Now we're figuring this out. Stop Stop getting involved. Stop yelling at her. Let me do it. Go ahead. I wasn't about to leave him at the park by himself. >> Right. Then this comes along and says that >> him to my Shut up. I'm talking to the cops. >> FAMILY. THEY KNOW I GAVE >> ALL RIGHT, STOP TALKING for 2 seconds. This says that The child is located shortly afterward. Officers separate the adults and focus on calming and assessing the child's condition. That's my kid. I'm like, all right, I'm not about to be charged with kidnapping. I don't know if it's the [ __ ] mom or not. Right. She takes off with him. Comes to find out that's not the mom. Her daughter is the mom. My daughter is the mom. That is >> Okay, so you have your child. >> No, this is grandma. I'm his grandmother. And I know who she is. The The actual mom. >> epilepsy. So I give my my kids to my family. All right, all This is her mom right here on the phone. Okay. >> Mom is right here. Can she come Can she come over here? She's got no car. Okay. Hey, buddy. Look. How are you? It's me, ma'am. You okay? Everything's okay. You're not in any trouble. You know that, right? Do you feel all right? Ma'am, what's your What's your son's name? >> Look at me. Give me your hand. Give me your hand. It's okay. I had a black man snatch him up. Okay. Everything's okay. What's up with him? >> Just relax, okay? All right. All right, you're not in any trouble. No one's in any trouble. Everything's okay, okay? Sound good? But now I don't know Where Where did he run from? I was tired. You're tired? Officers determine the woman cannot correctly identify the child or provide proof of guardianship. She continues making conflicting claims. I just I gave him to my family. Did you play at the park today? Yeah. How was that? Was it fun? He looked at me like I can't lose. Were you? Yeah. Was it fun? He looked at me You did good. The black man told him like this. Choke him out. What's your name? My name is Maleia Bright. What is it? This is my baby. I gave him to her. I am Maleia Bright. When he saw who I was, he stopped. Y'all know this is my baby. That's not your child. Get Get back. I'm not going to say it to you again. You need to step over there, get away from the child, and let us figure out what's going on. Two steps back. Two steps back because you keep walking up on me while I'm trying to figure out what I'm doing. Back up. I ain't never hurt him. So Dad's got no idea who this lady is. >> This is Maleia Bright. Okay, right. I'm just saying, but he has no idea who he We're her whole family. You can take me on to my family's house. It's my grandmother's house. We'll deal with this. Sir, calm down. It's my grandmother's house. Well, I'm told the little guy is not on her back. No. It's my whole family. You made a mistake. When you saw my face, you stopped. Yeah, she is. She is. >> that. She didn't kidnap my nephew when you were here trying to make it seem like that's your baby, and it's not. You tell me what his name is. >> What is his name then? Oh, no, she's going for kidnapping. You don't even know his name. Yep. I did not. I did not. Why are you trying to fight me? >> Cuz I did not. It's We're done with >> not. Could y'all please tell him the truth? Could you please tell him the truth? Please. Y'all have a blessed day on the side. You going to jail. >> who I am. Please. Deal with her. Could y'all please stop coming on both of y'all sides? What did they say about you know, for sure? Not one available right now. Please. Okay. straight up to me. I'm not going to send him to jail. I didn't kidnap >> to be able to go any tighter? It's on the camera. It's on the school camera. The baby ran straight up to me. >> please? >> ran straight to me. Stop talking. Why are you talking to me like that? Cuz you're not listening. Cuz why are y'all The child appears tired and shaken. Emergency personnel are requested to medically evaluate him as a precaution. Arresting me. BECAUSE YOU KIDNAPPED THE CHILD. NO, I DID NOT. HE RAN STRAIGHT UP TO ME. WHAT? >> CAN you stop, please? Oh my gosh. He walked straight to me and said, "Help me." And you can ask the people All right, we're going to talk. You can ask the people around the corner. BOTH OF Y'ALL GOING to jail. And I'm going to make sure OF IT. THIS THE LAST TIME I GOT EPILEPSY. I GOT EPILEPSY. THIS THE LAST time y'all going to do this. Give me my money. Give me my money. I got epilepsy. I'm sending both of them to jail. Both of them to jail. Did you spit on me? >> That's the I never spit on me. I'm not driving this motorcycle. Get your legs in the car. Get your legs in the All my kids now. Okay, not that pleasant. Hopefully this is over. Is he okay? He seems to be. Your dad Your auntie said >> I talk to him? Are you okay? You're good? Do you feel all right? I'm tired. You're tired. You ready to go home? >> Just a little. Ready to go home? Yes. Okay. All right. We'll just hang out for a second, okay? >> when y'all left? We don't know what happened. Where y'all walk to? The park. And then we was And then we walked to the park. Where did you leave from, the park? This is When you left the park, where did y'all go? I know that's We need to figure out So, you're my key witness. So, let me talk to you. So, you got to pick up kids from the park. Walk me through one more time what happened. All right. So, I go down. I pick him from the park because an accident. And then I see by himself. I'm not about to let him stay there by himself. I go to try and get him in the car. I was in the midst of loading the scooter up he was on. Mhm. And which has no longer I have no idea where it's at. Then this comes up and is screaming at me like this is her kid. And so, I just left it that. I went home. I told uh They both went looking for them. We came down. Witnesses and neighbors give consistent statements describing the woman grabbing the child and walking away from the park. So, we're looking for him and then when we come up past this street, we see her walking up towards Laurel with a some dude. The dude takes off. We hop out the car and we said, "You're not going anywhere." So, We saw her walk with the 7-year-old northbound right here approaching Laurel. Where at? She was back Okay, like 15 and south. when we saw her and then that's when we hopped out and wouldn't let her go anywhere. My heart and then physically You saw you did You're good. You did a good thing. You're not going to get punished for that. Did you see the male at all? His face or anything? No, he had it covered with a nylon pull-up mask. Yep. I know he was a black male. He was I saw him very intoxicated. You guys are the first three that found him. Yeah, I told them two to get out because I was going to go get dad cuz dad was just literally a block over. Perfect. All right, lieutenant and our supervisor are notified. They're probably going to come out here. This is going to be probably turning something. We're going to need to get a hold of like child advocacy center, YSB and a bunch of Stop talking. You This just just just You're done. Are you mom? No, sir. Okay. You're just family? I'm grandma pretty much. His father I raised him. I adopted him. He's basically my grandson. Did everything but have him. So, I was telling dad This uh I let me talk to the police. I don't want to hear none of that. I'm trying to calm down. I swear to god. I just had to come from a thousand. This is such a serious thing that our watch commander is >> serious thing. I work for DCFS myself. I'm going to need her information. Full charges will be pressed this morning. What do you all know so far? Since you're not the parent, I can't tell you if they're >> is right here. Okay. And I I I did everything but have this child, okay? Okay, I'm doing everything I can to help you. >> is her information so I can make sure legally things is taken care of. >> Okay, it'll >> on the police report. >> do you guys know? What So, what happened was that these folks over here went to pick their child up from the park. This female comes running up cuz they were going to give They're loading his scooter in the car. She comes running up and grabs him and said this is her child, this is her child. Walks off with him. They call Deondre. Deondre calls dad. So, you mean to tell me your neighbors was picking the kids up from the park and he let her take him? He didn't >> know this woman. He didn't know who the mom was. What the I ain't going to go there right now. We going to talk. Lord Jesus, please. This is ridiculous, sir. I appreciate all y'all efforts tonight and I'm just glad, you know, y'all think like this don't happen. I see [ __ ] every day. The cases that come through DCFS every day I've been talking to you. We going to talk. During questioning, the woman claims to be the biological mother but provides an account that conflicts with all other available information. Stop talking. You This just just just You're done. Are you mom? No, sir. Okay. This family? I'm grandma pretty much. His father, I raised him, I adopted him. This basically my grandson. Did everything but have him. So, I was telling dad This uh I let me talk to the police. I don't want to hear none of that. I'm trying to calm down. I swear to God. I just had to come from a thousand. >> This is such a serious thing that our watch commander >> serious thing. I work for DCFS myself. I'm going to need her information. Full charges will be pressed this morning. What do you all know so far? Since you're not the parent, I can't tell you exactly The parent is right here. And I I I did everything but have this child, okay? Okay. I'm doing everything I can to >> want is her information so I can make sure legally things is taken care of. >> Okay, it'll be on the police report. >> what do you guys know? What So, what happened was that these folks over here went to pick their child up from the park. This female comes running up cuz they were going to give They're loading his scooter in the car. She comes running up and grabs him and said this is her child, this is her child. Walks off with him. They call Deondre. Deondre calls dad. >> So, you mean to tell me your neighbors was picking the kids up from the park and he let her take him? He didn't know who the mom was. >> He didn't know who the mom was. Why the I ain't going to go there right now. We going to talk. Lord Jesus, please. This is ridiculous. Sir, I appreciate all y'all efforts tonight and I'm just glad, you know, y'all think like this don't happen. I see this [ __ ] every day. The cases that come through DCFS every day. I've been talking to you. We going to talk. Police conclude there is sufficient cause for arrest based on witness testimony behavior and [snorts] lack of parental authorization. This is a wrap. Your child could be Now, I'm going to go talk to the guy before I go to Do you know his mother? Cuz we need his mom here to be honest. If somebody can go get her. >> His father is his main guardian. She is he is >> his main guardian. That's his legal guardian. This is who you need to talk to. has not raised him. He's been with his father. That's his child. >> Okay. The fire department is going to make sure you're okay, okay? Okay. All right. Yeah. I got a natural kidnapping. Malia Brights our code 30. Long story short. She's always through here. Is she 10-96? She's a kid. We just we found a We found a Is the kid injured? We're having it checked out. >> But he didn't want to get in trouble, you know, he didn't know. He didn't know Yeah, so another another person came and said they're going to be he's going to be riding in the ambulance with the kid to the hospital. Okay. My name is Libby. This is my partner Maggie. How you doing? Hi. Hey, uh Can you come over here a little bit so we Yes, sir. Hey, uh I came down with him to get him. This is my buddy Moon Man. What? Yeah. He's going to read you what's called Miranda. You probably seen it on TV. But he's not going to hear my side. What happened? And he's not going to You know what I mean? You can ask him what happened. Just wanted to tell you that I respect what you doing. I mean no disrespect, okay? It's If you have a family you have a child that you kidnapped, I get it. And look, I'm in Auburn. I'm a son of a cop. I can't even leave the house. I'm going crazy, okay? I work for DCF and I see like this all the time. I get it. I try to talk to them about this type of stuff. But I just wanted to come over and personally apologize to you cuz I know you Y'all have a heart. I'm pissed off. Yeah, we're good. I appreciate >> We're good. I'm telling you right now if my kid got kidnapped I'd be the same way. You supposed to stand up for what I got. God knows right. Yep. I'd do the same way. Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. Yep. We want to hear your whole side of story, okay? But to do that, since you're in handcuffs, he has to read you what's called a Miranda warning like off TV. You probably seen it on movies and stuff. Well Once you understand your rights >> is we don't have the biological mother here. She says she's the biological mom. Is she Everything that I've been told, no. There's not one single person has any idea who that is. Unless we're getting lied to. Sure. If she's really the mom it doesn't mean she's not in trouble. But if I'm biological mom I get the kid up and the kid's running around here by himself I might hang out with him till he gets home. Right. >> And if he's hungry I might get him food. Yep. So let me see what's going on. Hop out. And then why that man didn't love you yet? His so-called daddy. Choked me up, slammed me, and punched me in my face. Based on witness statements and investigative findings, the woman was arrested and charged with unlawful confinement, unlawful restraint, and possession of related items. The case was documented, supervisory units were notified, and child advocacy services were involved for follow-up review. Remember, when multiple adults are involved in a child pickup, clear identification and prior coordination are critical. Quick intervention and witness cooperation can prevent a dangerous situation from escalating further. This is the reaction of netizens to this situation. The confusion alone shows why police had to step in immediately. No one could verify her story. That's terrifying. Glad the child was found quickly and checked by medical staff. Everyone thought it was too late. Until the body cam shows the exact second officers step in. Did you predict that rescue?