NORTH PORT, FL – A Florida couple is facing child neglect charges after allegedly abandoning a juvenile on the side of Interstate 75 with bags containing firearms, ammunition, and cash. Authorities say the suspects told the child to “take care of the house” before fleeing in their vehicle.
The Highway Abandonment Incident
The incident occurred on October 1, shortly before 6 p.m., when police received 911 calls about a suspicious male walking along the shoulder of I-75 in North Port. Officers located the juvenile, whose age and relationship to the couple were not disclosed.
The boy initially hesitated to explain his situation, but eventually described the sequence of events. He said the couple, identified as Bradley Leon Guerrero Santos, 36, and Roseanella Mendola Borja, 35, were frantically packing bags when he returned home from school. They told him they were going to “Guam or Idaho,” a plan the child had never heard of before.
Bags of Guns and Cash
While in the couple’s Toyota 4Runner, the boy reportedly expressed that he did not want to be left behind. According to police, the couple pulled over to the side of the highway and handed him two bags containing two pistols, ammunition, and some cash, instructing him to “take care of the house” before driving away.
The juvenile reportedly thought the couple might have been testing his “mental fortitude” by leaving him alone on the highway.
Investigation and Arrest
Police responded to the home and found it in disarray, appearing as though the family had left abruptly with little regard for personal belongings. Phone calls to the couple went unanswered.
After more than four hours, authorities located Santos and Borja, along with their vehicle, at a home in Wauchula, roughly 60 miles northeast of North Port. The affidavit did not explain why the couple was in such a hurry to leave.
Charges and Custody
The couple has been charged with child neglect, and Santos faces an additional charge for allowing a minor to have unlawful possession of a firearm. Police concluded that the juvenile was abandoned with no means to care for himself and no prior custody arrangements.
Both Santos and Borja are being held at the Sarasota County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for October 31.
Call to Action
This case raises serious questions about child safety and firearm security. What do you think should be done to prevent minors from being left in dangerous situations like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
