Palm Coast, Fla. (WFLA) – Authorities were warned after a baby was seen alone in a car on a Palm Coast where parents were found anywhere, after being seen alone on a car Friday night.
After all, the couple had consumed some alcoholic beverages inside a nearby bar, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
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The body camera video showed the moment deputies arrived on scene after receiving tips about unattended children. Just after 10pm, we heard music playing in the parking lot.
Deputies were thinking of breaking the car’s windows before they realized the car was unlocked with the ignition and the keys on which the engine was running.
Once deputies began evaluating the infant, a woman later identified as 28-year-old Clarice Finnegan was identified as leaving the bar and approaching the car.
She told investigators that she was the owner of the car and that her husband, Norman Finnegan Jr., 60, was inside the bar. He was then escorted from the business and taken into custody for questions.
Witnesses recall seeing the car leave the bar and it appears at about 10:15pm, but said he said he had returned to the bar.
Clarisse Finnegan told deputies she went into the bar to use the toilet and left to check on the baby after she was done. She said she went back inside to see if her husband was ready to leave. She then found a deputy in the car as her husband had paid for his tab.
However, authorities said the husband and wife’s statements were not consistent. Especially with regard to details of how long Clarice Finnegan was in the bar.
Witnesses further confirmed with investigators that both of them were seen in bar drinking.
“These two will not win a parent’s annual award for this behavior,” Sheriff Rick Staley said. “It is never acceptable to leave the infant alone in a running car. This kind of recklessness could have ended in a tragedy, especially while drinking the bar. We would like to thank the citizens involved who reported this incident and our representatives for acting promptly to protect this innocent child.”
Norman and Clarice Finnegan were arrested for felony child negligence without causing felony harm.
Officials said the couple was taken to a prisoner detention facility at Sheriff Perry Hall. Norman Finnegan was later released on a $2,500 bond, and his wife was released on her own recognition.
The Florida Department of Children and Families is conducting a separate investigation into the incident.
