Florida Mother Arrested After Children, Ages 4 and 5, Found Wandering Busy Streets While She Slept

ORMOND BEACH, FL — A 25-year-old mother has been charged with child neglect after deputies said her two young sons were found wandering busy streets for hours while she slept inside her home.

Children Found Near Pet Paradise

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reported that on Monday around 4:30 p.m., employees at Pet Paradise in Ormond Beach spotted two young boys, ages 4 and 5, running around unsupervised for “several hours.”

Staff members gave the children water, which they “chugged,” noting they were sweaty, dirty, and said they were hungry. The boys were also unable to explain where they lived, telling staff that their home was “far.” Deputies provided them with snacks and water while beginning an investigation.

Mother Found Asleep at Home

Deputies traced the boys back nearly one mile away to the home of Ashley Brianna Donique Boyd. When they asked about her children, Boyd reportedly told them the kids “should be inside.” Deputies informed her they were already at Pet Paradise after walking through several high-traffic areas.

Boyd explained that she had stayed overnight at her boyfriend’s house and returned home around 7:30 a.m. Her children were with their grandmother until she left for work. Boyd said she put on the movie “Lilo & Stitch” in the boys’ room, then fell asleep around 12:30 p.m. She said she didn’t wake up until police arrived.

Dangerous Conditions Inside the Home

Inside the boys’ bedroom, deputies reported finding a bed with no sheets, food waste scattered on the floor, and a large sharp knife lying on top of the bed.

Deputies also noted that this was not the first time Boyd’s children had escaped. A previous incident on July 31 was documented, when the children wandered to a neighbor’s house and were found about 30 minutes later.

Boyd admitted she had been warned by police previously about the risks if her children escaped again.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

Boyd was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Jail on two counts of child neglect. She has since been released, and the children were placed in the care of their grandmother.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 21.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and supervision in Volusia County.

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