A vacation in Florida turned into a nightmare for a Georgia couple who were arrested for child neglect after being found drunk and asleep on a beach. According to an arrest affidavit, Alyssia Langley, 27, and Timothy Stephens, also 27, were arrested on Saturday after an anonymous caller reported them to 911. The couple had allegedly left their two children, aged 5 and 7, unattended while they were asleep on the beach.
The incident took place in Daytona Beach and it was a Volusia Sheriff’s Office deputy who responded to the call. The footage from the deputy’s body camera, obtained by FOX 35 Orlando, shows the couple being woken up multiple times before they responded. Stephens was apparently trying to gesture towards the ocean when asked about the whereabouts of their children. The couple was identified as Langley and Stephens and it was later revealed that they were engaged to be married.
The arrest affidavit also mentioned that the deputy found open beer cans and an empty bottle of whiskey near the couple. The immediate vicinity also had several unsealed alcoholic beverages. When asked by the local station about the incident, Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed shock and stated, “It just boggles my mind that you would drive here and get obliterated and allow a 5- and a 7-year-old to wander off.”
The children were eventually found swimming unsupervised in a nearby hotel pool. The police treated Stephens at the hospital before taking him to jail as he had allegedly tried to escape from the deputies and had a failed attempt that resulted in him falling on the ground. According to online arrest records, Stephens also faces charges of trying to escape and possessing alcoholic beverages on the beach.
The sheriff pointed out that the couple was not fit to take care of the children and questioned their ability to take responsibility for themselves. He stated, “When we wonder what we see, why kids are the way they are, you gotta take a step back and look at who’s in charge. And clearly, these two clowns shouldn’t be in charge of … they can’t be in charge of themselves, let alone a 5-year-old or a 7-year-old.”
The children are currently in the custody of Child Protective Services as the investigation continues. Langley and Stephens have been charged with child neglect. According to reports, Stephens is not the biological father of the children but has taken up a legal guardian role. The incident has sparked outrage and concern over the safety of children in the hands of irresponsible adults.
This is not the first time that parents have been accused of neglecting their children while under the influence. It serves as a reminder to always exercise caution and responsibility, especially when children are involved. The couple has been placed in custody and will face the consequences of their actions. The exact details of the incident are still being investigated and the motive behind the couple’s behavior is yet to be determined.
Authorities are reminding the public to always prioritize the safety of children and report any neglect or abuse immediately. The incident has also raised questions about the distribution and accessibility of alcoholic beverages on public beaches. The local authorities are working towards ensuring a safer environment for families and children in the area. The couple is currently facing legal charges and it remains to be seen how the case will proceed in court.
