A Florida sheriff’s office has charged a Texas couple, Brian Wilks and Sara Wilks, with child neglect for allegedly leaving their six-month-old baby unattended under a beach tent for nearly an hour.
The incident occurred at Miramar Beach in Walton County when the parents walked down the shore with their three older children, leaving the infant alone, authorities say. Security footage confirmed the gap lasted approximately 50 minutes to one hour, and the parents claimed they “lost track of time.”
Witnesses alerted authorities who found the baby being cared for by bystanders until deputies arrived. First responders evaluated the child and determined they were in stable condition. Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Children and Families temporarily placed all four children in protective custody until relatives from Texas could arrive.
The couple was released on bond and is facing third-degree felony charges for child neglect without great bodily harm. Local officials stressed the case serves as a reminder of the dangers of briefly unattended infants, especially in public settings.