A Florida mother of four was arrested after allegedly leaving her young children alone in a car outside a bar while she drank, danced, and partied inside.
On December 11, Tiffany Simmons, 36, arrived at the Apple Lounge & Grill in Winter Haven around 8 p.m. with her 8-year-old son, WFLA reported.
When staff informed her the establishment was 21 and over, she claimed she would take the child to his father outside.
She then returned alone, ordered vodka sodas, and partied for nearly an hour while her four children, ages 10 months to 8 years, were left unattended in an idling car in a dimly lit parking lot.
A bartender grew suspicious of Simmons' behavior and checked the parking lot, finding the children alone in the vehicle.
Among them, a 10-month-old baby was face down in the back seat, a position deputies later noted could have led to asphyxiation.
Authorities were called, and Simmons was arrested after allegedly resisting and kicking a deputy while appearing heavily intoxicated.
"She still ate and drank, and danced, well she danced all the way to the county jail in handcuffs," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Simmons faces multiple charges, including four counts of negligent child abuse, battery on a law enforcement officer, and leaving children unattended in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes.
Her children were placed under the supervision of the Florida Department of Children and Families before being reunited with biological family members.
Simmons is currently in custody pending bond.
