Photo: Jub Rubjob / Moment / Getty Images
Miami Beach, FL - A Miami Beach woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly abandoning her 5-year-old son in a park as punishment for misbehaving.
According to authorities, the suspect was arrested on Sunday and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm, possession of a controlled substance, and cannabis possession.
Police responded to reports of an unattended child at 1245 Meridian Avenue on Sunday afternoon.
Witnesses told officers the suspect had left the area in a gray Toyota with a man, leaving the boy alone in the park for 20 minutes to an hour.
When officers spoke with the child, he explained that his mother leaves him alone in the park when he misbehaves.
Witnesses also reported that the suspect appeared "incoherent and possibly under the influence," raising further concerns for the child’s safety.
Officers located the suspect nearby and took her into custody.
During the arrest, police discovered the suspect had discarded her purse in nearby bushes.
A search of the purse revealed Xanax pills and a small amount of loose cannabis, weighing less than 20 grams.
The suspect was booked into jail, and the child was released into the care of his grandmother.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
