A three-year-old boy was found wandering alone in a Miami apartment complex, prompting a police investigation that uncovered a shocking case of alleged child neglect. The incident unfolded when neighbors discovered the child sleeping under a stairwell and immediately contacted the authorities.
A Disturbing Discovery
Responding officers arrived at the apartment complex just before 5:00 PM to find the young boy with concerned neighbors. The boy, who had a phone without service, was unable to provide clear information about his whereabouts or his parents.
Miami Dade Police officer talking to a toddler
Image Caption: A Miami-Dade police officer tries to gather information from the child.
Security footage revealed that the child had left the apartment alone around 1:15 PM, leaving him unsupervised for nearly six hours.
Unraveling the Truth
Through diligent investigation, officers were able to trace the Airbnb rental where the child’s mother was staying. Upon confronting the mother, identified as 25-year-old Jessica Rea, she claimed that a friend was supposed to be watching her son. However, the friend denied ever agreeing to this arrangement.
Miami Dade Police officers investigating an Airbnb
Image Caption: Law enforcement officers investigate the Airbnb where the child was left unattended.
Further investigation revealed that Jessica had left her son alone to undergo a cosmetic procedure. Footage from the apartment’s doorbell camera showed Jessica leaving around 10:15 AM, hours before her son was found.
The Aftermath
Jessica was arrested and charged with child neglect. She was later released on a $1,000 bond and pleaded not guilty. Her next court appearance is scheduled for the fall.
Police officer carrying a young boy
Image Caption: A compassionate officer carries the young boy to safety.
In the meantime, the young boy was cared for by compassionate police officers and neighbors. He was later placed in the custody of Child Protective Services, who are working to ensure his safety and well-being. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the potential consequences of prioritizing personal matters over the well-being of a child.
