The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
The boy’s mother reportedly had asked the 32-year-old man to pick him up from school and allegedly already told him she would not be home. Police said he left the child outside the apartment complex without checking whether anyone was inside.
The child left the complex and walked to a nearby Family Dollar. He began approaching people for help and asked someone to call the police. It was reported that a witness returned the boy to the apartment. After discovering the home was empty, the witness stayed with him, fed him, and cared for him while contacting authorities.
Police said the boy had been dropped off around 3:20 p.m. The witness found him at about 4:15 p.m., leaving the child alone for nearly an hour.
Officers with the North Miami Police Department responded to the apartment complex just after 6:30 p.m. after receiving the report about the child. The stepfather later returned and spoke with investigators after being advised of his Miranda rights.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the man told police he was in a rush and acknowledged that he intentionally left the boy outside without making sure anyone was home. He also reportedly said he normally walks the child to the apartment door and makes sure his mother takes over his care.
The man was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. He was taken to the North Miami Police Department for processing and later transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
According to records, he was released after posting a $2,500 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.