Insets, from left: Brian Wilks and Sara Wilks (Walton County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Miramar Beach in Florida (Google Maps).
Parents spending the day on a Florida beach with their kids ended up behind bars after they allegedly left their 6-month-old infant behind in a tent for an hour while they took a walk with their three other children.
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, beachgoers called 911 around noon Friday after seeing the 6-month-old infant in a tent without any adult supervision on Miramar Beach. When deputies arrived, they learned that the infant had allegedly been alone for roughly an hour.
Good Samaritans had been taking care of the child after spotting the infant. Paramedics came to check out the baby.
“While deputies waited for South Walton Fire District personnel to arrive and assess the infant, the parents returned to the scene, where both admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children, claiming they lost track of time,” a press release said.
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The parents were identified as 40-year-old Brian Wilks and 37-year-old Sara Wilks, who were visiting the Sunshine State from Texas. They were arrested on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm. Paramedics confirmed the infant was not in distress.
“This incident serves as a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences and can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes,” the press release said.
Cops called the Department of Children and Families, which took custody of the kids until other family members could come from Texas to pick them up. The parents cannot have contact with the victim during the pretrial process and must comply with DCF, records say.
“We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own,” Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a statement.
The Wilkses have since posted a $1,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Nov. 18.
