FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A young child reportedly found running nude near a busy intersection in Fort Walton Beach led to the arrest of two individuals on five counts of child neglect.
Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said they spotted the boy running across Green Acres Road and Green Acres Boulevard around 9 a.m. on Sunday. The child was reportedly running across four lanes of traffic and nearly struck by vehicles before deputies were able to bring him to safety.
He was said to have been covered in his own feces, which deputies cleaned before wrapping him in a towel, according to the OCSO.
The deputies said they recognized the boy and took him to a home near Fort Walton Beach. Upon arrival, they reportedly saw another nude child running nearby, also with feces on his body.
Further investigation by OCSO deputies and an investigator revealed what were described as deplorable conditions in the residence. Five children, all under the age of 12, were said to have been living in the home, with prescription medications reportedly within their reach.
The OCSO has charged 34-year-old Danielle Roberson and 32-year-old Jacob Roberson with five counts of child neglect. The Florida Department of Children and Families is also conducting its own investigation.
