A 32-year-old Florida mother was arrested after she allegedly left her two children inside an Uber vehicle for more than two hours while she walked around Sunrise, Florida, according to the authorities.
Police reportedly responded around 11 p.m. Friday after receiving a call about two unattended children in a rideshare vehicle. The Uber driver told officers that he had picked up the mother and her children earlier in the evening. At some point during the trip, she allegedly exited the vehicle after asking the driver to stop and said she would return shortly. However, she reportedly did not come back.
According to an arrest affidavit, the driver waited for approximately two hours and attempted to contact the mother by phone. She allegedly told him at one point that she would return within minutes, but she reportedly did not appear. After an extended period, the driver contacted 911.
Officers stated that when they arrived, the children appeared to be in good health but were reportedly hungry and thirsty. Police said they provided the children with food and water while attempting to locate their mother.
Authorities later found the woman walking near a McDonald’s more than two miles away. According to police, she could not clearly explain why she left the children in the vehicle or how she arrived at that location. Officers also reported that she showed signs consistent with alcohol consumption.
Investigators stated that earlier in the evening, the mother had reportedly been at a local restaurant in Sunrise with the children. Staff members allegedly told officers that she consumed alcoholic beverages while the children were present.
The woman was arrested on charges including child neglect and unlawful child desertion. She was later released from custody after posting bond. The children were reportedly released to a family member.
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