Children found alone at hotel pool after couple passes out on Florida beach, deputies say

Alyssa Langley, Timothy Stephens face child neglect charges in Volusia County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A man and woman visiting Daytona Beach with two children were arrested Saturday after being found passed out on the beach, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

Alyssa Langley and Timothy Stephens, both 27, were found sleeping facedown on a towel when deputies arrived to the beach around 2:50 p.m., sheriff’s officials said.

According to an arrest affidavit, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that a man and woman “had too much to drink” and were passed out, and earlier had two children with them.

Body camera video shows a deputy approach the couple, stating they are with the sheriff’s office and saying, “It’s time to wake up.” After multiple attempts to wake the two, the deputy then yells louder at Langley and Stephens, the video shows.

“Welcome back,” the deputy says after nudging Stephens multiple times. “Sit up... Do you have children with you? Are they with you?”

[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]

Alyssa Langley (left) and Timothy Stephens (right) (Volusia Sheriff's Office)

According to the affidavit, “near Stephens’ left hand was an opened can of Michelob Ultra and other various, unsealed alcoholic beverages in the immediate vicinity.”

The deputy asks the couple for IDs and later asks Stephens to show them where their children are. Video shows him walk toward the ocean and call for the children, finally saying, “They’re at the beach.”

Deputies said the children were located at a nearby hotel pool “unharmed and healthy.”

Langley and Stephens were handcuffed at the beach when Stephens asked why they were being arrested, according to officials.

“I only had like two beers,” Stephens says in a body camera video.

[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]

“Two is still illegal,” a deputy responds.

At one point, Stephens runs away from the deputies and at least one chases after him, body camera video shows. He runs a short distance before smacking into the sand and appearing to be unconscious. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to the affidavit, and released to the Volusia County jail hours after.

Stephens faces charges of child neglect, alcohol possession and attempt to escape custody. Langley faces child neglect charges.


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:


About the Author

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

Recommended Videos