Inset: Isaac Kinsey. Background: Lakeland, Florida, police arrest a man accused of crashing his vehicle before fleeing into a swamp with two young children (Lakeland Police Department).
A Florida man is accused of overturning his vehicle with a baby and toddler inside, then attempting to evade police by walking through a swamp while carrying both children.
Isaac Kinsey, 27, has been charged with two counts of child neglect causing great bodily harm, along with multiple DUI-related offenses, according to a Lakeland Police Department news release.
The crash happened early Sept. 9 on Highway 33 near North Combee Road, police said. Investigators allege Kinsey drove through a road-closure sign and sandbags before his vehicle flipped inside a construction zone and struck tree roots.
When Lakeland officers reached the crash site, the vehicle was empty — but two child safety seats were visible inside. About 30 minutes later, police used a drone to locate Kinsey in a nearby swamp carrying the children, who were 2 years old and 10 months old. Authorities said video captured him stumbling and falling while holding them, briefly submerging both children in the water.
Officers eventually reached the three and brought them to safety.
“I did not know there was a swamp right here,” Kinsey allegedly told officers as they instructed him to turn the children over.
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Kinsey was arrested, and he and the two children were transported to a hospital for treatment. Police did not disclose how Kinsey is related to the children.
Authorities said Kinsey appeared impaired and allegedly admitted he was intoxicated and driving with a suspended license.
Police said the children and Kinsey were fortunate to have survived the Florida crash and swamp ordeal.
“This incident could have ended with the loss of two innocent lives. The rapid deployment of Lakeland PD’s drone technology, along with the persistence and teamwork of responding officers, helped locate the children in an extremely difficult environment and get them the care they needed,” the press release said. “There is no excuse for impaired driving. We are thankful these children survived and proud of the officers whose actions helped prevent an even greater tragedy.”
Kinsey remains in the Polk County Jail without bond. His next court date is set for Oct. 13.
The post Cops rescue toddler, baby after drunken man crashes car and flees into swamp he didn’t know was there while carrying the kids: Police first appeared on Law & Crime.