6 'Drunk' Parents Who Left Their Kids: Caught on Bodycam

Amanda Patton was stopped in Port Charlotte, Florida, after a witness reported her appearing 'messed up' at a pub and then driving with her two children (ages 2 and 7). She admitted to leaving her 7-year-old in the running car while taking her 2-year-old inside to use the restroom. Despite denying alcohol consumption and claiming only anxiety medication, she failed multiple field sobriety tests, including the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and finger-to-nose. She was arrested for DUI and child neglect, but all charges were inexplicably dropped a month later.

Bodycam footage shows Patton struggling with field sobriety tests, repeatedly missing cues and losing balance. She states, 'I just had to pee,' when asked why she left her child in the car. The host notes, 'a month later, without explanation, the state dropped every single charge.'

Joshua Pro crashed his pickup truck in Boca Raton, Florida, with two young children inside. Officers found him visibly impaired, unable to retrieve his ID, and using his own child for physical support. His child reported that he had been 'passing out behind the wheel,' and his mother confirmed a known alcohol problem. Pro initially refused field sobriety tests but eventually attempted them, showing severe impairment. He was charged with DUI causing property damage or injury, refusal to submit to testing, and a traffic signal violation. He was found guilty of DUI causing injury and refusing to submit to testing.

Bodycam footage shows Pro staggering, leaning on his child, and struggling to answer basic questions. An officer states, 'his kid said he was like passing out behind the wheel... and the mom says he has a known alcohol problem.' Court records confirm guilt on DUI causing injury and refusal to submit.

Rachel Cunningham was involved in a hit-and-run in St. Augustine, Florida, sideswiping another car and driving off with her one-year-old baby. She claimed she was not fleeing but attempting to turn around to return to the scene, despite driving past the disabled vehicle. She vehemently denied consuming any alcohol or medication, attributing her behavior to exhaustion from a recent international trip. However, she exhibited signs of impairment (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus) and failed all field sobriety tests. She also disclosed a prior DUI conviction from four years ago, having just completed probation. She was charged with attempted child abuse, DUI with a minor, prior refusal to submit to testing, and leaving the scene of a crash, and was found guilty on all counts.

Cunningham states, 'I have had not one drink, not one pill. I have had nothing.' The officer notes 'Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus' and later, Cunningham admits, 'I just got off probation because I got a DUI like 4 years ago.' Court records confirm guilt on all charges.

Gina Llaca, a Lumberton Township, New Jersey committee member, was reported for swerving across lanes and running a red light with a child in her vehicle. Officers observed damage to her car, including a missing mirror, which she claimed she 'didn't know' about. She initially denied drinking but later admitted to consuming vodka. Field sobriety tests clearly indicated impairment. An open container (a water bottle filled with alcohol and a shot glass) was found in her car. Witness video corroborated her erratic driving, including driving onto the grass. She was charged with 4th-degree child abuse and driving under the influence, pleading guilty to both. She received a sentence of three years of supervision under a pre-trial intervention program.

Llaca admits, 'vodka,' when asked what she drank. Officers found 'a water bottle filled with alcohol in it. And you had a little shot glass.' A witness provided video showing her 'swerving in and out of traffic' and 'up on the grass a couple of times.' Court records confirm guilty pleas and sentencing.

Emily Sabagal in Miami, Florida, ordered an Uber for herself and her two children after karate class. The Uber driver reported her as drunk, giving confusing directions, and asking to cancel the ride for cash. She then exited the vehicle in an unfamiliar warehouse area, leaving her children with the driver, and disappeared for two hours. When located, she claimed her phone died and denied abandoning her kids, despite being unable to explain why she left the Uber. She was charged with two counts of felony child neglect, and her case remains pending.

The Uber driver states, 'the ladies give me too many around... please lady you are drunk.' He waited 'more than 2 hours' with the children. Sabagal claims, 'My phone died,' and 'I didn't leave them.' The officer states, 'You deserted your kids for 2 hours.' Court records show charges are pending.