Florida Mother Arrested After 2-Month-Old Found Unrestrained In Front Seat During Suspected DUI Stop

A 25-year-old Florida woman was arrested after police say they found a 2-month-old infant unrestrained in the front passenger seat during a traffic stop for erratic driving in Miramar.

What Happened

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., officers responded to reports of a silver Ford weaving through traffic near Miramar Parkway and 184th Avenue. Witnesses told police the vehicle nearly collided with an 18-wheeler before it was located parked with the engine running.

Police Findings

When officers approached, they found the infant seated in the front passenger seat without a child safety seat or proper restraint. Police identified the driver as Tylasia Bennett and noted the odor of alcohol. According to local reports, Bennett told officers she had moved the crying baby to the front seat and said the child was covered in food after she accidentally dropped some on the infant.

Arrest And Charges

After performing field sobriety tests, officers say Bennett failed and took her into custody. She faces multiple charges, including child neglect without great bodily harm, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license. Local outlets reported photos of the police report and details of the stop, and Bennett remained in custody at the time of the reports.

Possible Penalties

Under Florida law, penalties for DUI and child endangerment can be significant. For a first-time DUI, fines and jail time are possible, and penalties can be enhanced when a minor is present in the vehicle. Reports cited legal sources indicating that child endangerment convictions may carry fines and prison terms depending on the specifics of the offense.

As with any criminal matter, Bennett is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

No additional information about arraignment dates, prior offenses, or court outcomes was available in the reports reviewed.