Two parents from Texas are facing child neglect charges after allegedly leaving their six-month-old infant alone under a beach tent for nearly an hour in Walton County, Florida.
Brian Wilks, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, both of Houston, Texas, were arrested on Friday, October 10th, following a response by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) to reports of an unattended child on the beach near 4000 Sandestin Boulevard around noon.
According to the WCSO, witnesses confirmed the infant had been left alone for approximately an hour while the parents walked down the beach with their three other children.
“Good Samaritans immediately began caring for the child and called law enforcement,” the Sheriff’s Office reported.
When deputies arrived, the parents eventually returned to the scene. Both allegedly admitted to placing the six-month-old under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children, claiming they had “lost track of time.” Security footage later confirmed the couple was away for nearly an hour and did not have a cell phone with them.
South Walton Fire District personnel assessed the infant and confirmed the child’s vitals were normal and that they were not in distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was immediately notified and responded to the scene.
Both Brian and Sara Wilks were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. They bonded out the following day on a $1,000 bond. DCF took custody of all the children pending the arrival of family members traveling from Texas.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson thanked the concerned citizens who intervened. “We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own,” said Sheriff Adkinson.
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