A Florida couple is facing felony child neglect charges after allegedly leaving a two-year-old girl alone in an unlocked car for several hours while they drank at a local bar.
The Edgewater Police Department released body-cam footage this week detailing the arrest of Kristina Vitucci, 35, and her boyfriend, Joshua Harris, 39, following the disturbing incident.
The arrest occurred last Tuesday night after police responded to a call from a concerned witness who reported hearing screams coming from a vehicle parked outside a bar on Ridgewood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered the toddler alone in the car, which was unlocked and unattended.
The body-cam footage shows officers approaching the vehicle and opening the door to check on the child. As they assess the situation, Harris approaches the car with the keys, identifying himself as the boyfriend of the child’s mother and explaining that Vitucci was inside the bar. Moments later, Vitucci is escorted out of the establishment by police and questioned in the parking lot while Harris is interviewed separately.
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During the investigation, police learned that the couple had left the two-year-old girl in the car for an extended period while they were inside the bar. The child was visibly distressed.
Vitucci and Harris were both charged with felony child neglect and are currently awaiting their court appearances. The two-year-old girl has been placed in the care of child protective services while the investigation continues.
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