WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WKRC) – Two Texas parents were arrested in Florida after leaving their six-month-old child unattended on Miramar Beach for nearly an hour.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident on Oct. 10. Witnesses reported that Brian and Sara Wilks walked down the beach with their three other children, leaving the infant under a tent to nap. Good Samaritans cared for the child and alerted authorities. Security footage confirmed the parents were away for nearly an hour without a cell phone.
The South Walton Fire District evaluated the infant, finding no distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of the children.
“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,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
The parents were charged with child neglect without great bodily harm and released on a $1,000 bond.