Anthony Yates
Authorities in Florida made an unusual discovery when they noticed a stopped vehicle on a bridge. They charged a mom with multiple offenses after finding an unrestrained child in the backseat.
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What happened: The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) posted a news release about the incident, which occurred on September 4 on the Stuart Causeway Bridge.
- Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy Gedeon Brenovil spotted a car on top of the bridge. It was reportedly running, in drive, with the emergency brake on. The news release describes the vehicle “as if the driver had fallen asleep in the middle of traffic.”
- Brenovil’s hunch was correct, as he found 37-year-old Abby Lyn Schagrin asleep at the wheel. Authorities note they found “a crack pipe in plain view.”
- Police also found two children in the back of the car. One toddler and one infant, “unrestrained and asleep.” The children’s conditions remain unclear, but the news release explains that deputies safely removed them from the vehicle. Both are now in the care of family members.
The Mom Faces Multiple Charges
An extensive criminal history: MCSO reveals that Schagrin has an extensive rap sheet. Her previous offenses include DUI, property damage, methamphetamine manufacturing, and resisting arrest.
- Authorities transported the mom to the hospital after finding her asleep at the wheel. They then transferred her to the Martin County Jail.
The news release explains that she faces multiple charges:
- DUI refusal (with license suspended).
- Possession/use of drug paraphernalia.
- Tampering with evidence.
- 2 counts of child neglect.
Another similar case: Earlier this month, police arrested a couple from New York for allegedly “hot boxing” their car outside a hotel. A two-year-old was allegedly inside the vehicle at the time.
- Officers arrested 36-year-old Phillip Fraisar of Hamlin, New York, and 27-year-old Kasey Renee Buckmann of Rochester, New York. Arrest affidavits reportedly say police found a pistol in the car and a “large bag of marijuana.” Both face child abuse charges. Buckmann faces an additional charge for the possession of marijuana.
- The pair has reportedly pleaded not guilty. They are due in court for their arraignment on September 30.
