Full Breakdown
Florida Mother Arrested for Leaving Children in Uber for Hours
2/18/2026, 3:04:37 AM
Incident Overview
Emily Sabogal, a 32-year-old woman from South Florida, was arrested on February 13 after allegedly leaving her two young children in an Uber for approximately two hours. According to police reports from the Sunrise Police Department, the Uber driver contacted authorities after Sabogal failed to return for her children, who were left in his care.
Sequence of Events
The incident began when Sabogal requested an Uber ride with her children. During the ride, the driver observed her holding a cup that he believed contained alcohol. After reaching a stop, Sabogal exited the vehicle, telling the driver she would return in three minutes. However, she did not come back, prompting the driver to call her after an hour. She assured him she would return in "12 minutes" but subsequently stopped answering his calls. After two hours had passed, the driver called 911 to report the situation.
Condition of the Children
Upon arrival, police found the children in "good health and spirit," though they expressed feelings of hunger and thirst. Officers provided them with food and water while they awaited Sabogal's return. The children were ultimately released to a family member.
Background Context
Prior to the incident, Sabogal had been at Bob G's Wings N' Things, a local restaurant, where staff reported that she had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages while her children ran around unsupervised. Witnesses noted that Sabogal was a regular patron at the establishment, visiting approximately five times a week.
Arrest and Charges
Sabogal was located outside a McDonald's, over two miles from where she left her children. Police noted that she exhibited signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and a strong smell of alcohol. She was charged with neglect of a child without great bodily harm and desertion of a child, with a bond set at $1,500 for each charge. She posted bond and was released shortly after her arrest.
Official Statements & Responses
The children's father expressed deep concern for their safety, stating, "Moving forward, she needs help. I don't understand how someone in their right mind would do something like this." He indicated intentions to seek full custody of the children, highlighting his worries about Sabogal's erratic behavior.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Sabogal's actions have pointed to the potential risks involved in leaving young children with a stranger, emphasizing the need for accountability in parenting. The incident has sparked discussions about parental responsibilities and the implications of substance use in caregiving situations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At this time, two hours had elapsed, and the defendant showed that she had no intent on returning due to her lengthy absence,” — Police Report
- “She's obviously not OK, and this needs to end.” — Children’s Father
What's Next
The case is ongoing, with further legal proceedings anticipated as authorities and the children's father seek to ensure the children's safety and well-being moving forward.
