Parents of a six-month-old child have been charged over allegedly leaving the baby unattended on beach for about an hour – because they “lost track of time”. It’s reported Brian and Sara Wilks, from Houston, Texas, were at Miramar Beach, in Florida, with their four children.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said officers responded to reports of the baby left unattended on the beach around noon on Friday October 10. When deputies arrived, witnesses confirmed the child had been left alone for nearly an hour while the parents walked down the beach with three other children.
According to WCSO, Good Samaritans had been caring for the child and called law enforcement. A statement from the sheriff’s office said: “While deputies waited for South Walton Fire District personnel to arrive and assess the infant, the parents returned to the scene, where both admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children, claiming they lost track of time.
“Security footage obtained during the investigation confirmed the family was away for nearly an hour and did not bring their cell phone with them.
“South Walton Fire personnel evaluated the infant and confirmed the child’s vitals were normal and they were not in distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was notified and responded immediately to the scene.”
The statement added that parents, Brian, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, of Houston, Texas, were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. The police said authorities took custody of the children pending the arrival of family members traveling from Texas.
The parents were both bonded out the following day on a $1,000 (£745) bond.
The WCSO statement continued: “This incident serves as a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences and can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes.
“The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of every child in our community, whether they are residents or visitors.”
Sheriff Michael Adkinson added: “We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own.”
