A Georgia couple was arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida, after being found asleep on the beach while their two young children were missing. The incident was reported by an anonymous caller to 911, leading to the arrest of Alyssia Langley and Timothy Stephens, both 27 years old.
According to an arrest affidavit, a deputy from the Volusia Sheriffs Office had difficulty waking the couple up. Body camera footage revealed Stephens pointing towards the ocean when asked about the whereabouts of their children. The scene also showed multiple empty alcoholic beverage containers near the couple.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed disbelief at the couple's actions, stating, '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.' Fortunately, the children were found safe, swimming unsupervised in a nearby hotel pool.
Langley and Stephens, who are engaged to be married, were both arrested on charges of child neglect. The arrest affidavit mentioned that Stephens, not the biological father of the children, had taken on a legal guardian role. Stephens attempted to escape from deputies and had to be treated at a hospital before being taken into custody.
Sheriff Chitwood criticized the couple's actions, emphasizing the importance of responsible guardianship. Langley and Stephens face charges of child neglect, with Stephens also being charged for attempting to escape and possessing alcoholic beverages on the beach.
