A 36-year-old mother of four has been arrested after reportedly leaving her children in her vehicle outside a bar in Florida while she went to enjoy herself.
Tiffany Shanta Simmons arrived at the Apple Lounge & Grill in Winter Haven at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Monday, accompanied by her 8-year-old son, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit.
A bartender informed Simmons that individuals under 21 were prohibited from entering the venue, prompting the mother to assert that she would escort the boy to his father. Approximately 15 minutes later, Simmons reportedly came back to the bar by himself and requested some Vodka sodas along with food.
Following a span of roughly 45 minutes, a bartender became wary of Simmons and the situation concerning the child, prompting her to step outside to the parking lot for further inquiry.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reported that alongside the 8-year-old boy, there was also a 10-month-old girl, a 3-year-old boy, and a 5-year-old girl present in the car located in the back corner of the parking lot. Deputies reported that they were left unsupervised and lacked a functioning cellphone. Authorities characterized the parking lot as having poor lighting and being situated in a location with elevated criminal activity. Judd referred to Simmons as “a woman who embodies the essence of madness.”
Cohee contacted the sheriff’s office, which arrived at the bar to ensure the well-being of the children. According to the affidavit, while they were unharmed, deputies discovered the 10-month-old lying face down in the center of the backseat, a position that could have led to asphyxiation.
Deputies observed Simmons emerging from the bar in a “stumbling” manner, appearing to be “extremely intoxicated.” According to the affidavit, she turned “belligerent” and began to engage in a physical altercation with the deputies. Simmons reportedly kicked a deputy, leading to her being restrained in a rip hobble in the back of the cruiser.
Simmons is confronted with multiple allegations, such as neglecting a child, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and resisting apprehension. Authorities report that Simmons has a documented record of driving under the influence while carrying her children.
“She abandoned four precious infants in a running car alone in a bar parking lot at night,” stated Judd. “She should face the consequences of her actions.”
Authorities contacted the Department of Children and Families, which assumed custody of the children and subsequently placed them with relatives. Following the event, employees at the Apple Lounge united to purchase Christmas gifts for the four children.