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Drunk Mom Arrested for Abandoning Kids with Uber Driver in Florida
A South Florida woman left her two young children with an Uber driver for over two hours while she went to a local restaurant.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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A 32-year-old South Florida woman named Emily Sabogal was arrested on February 16, 2026, after allegedly leaving her 3-year-old and 4-year-old children with an Uber driver for over two hours while she went to a local restaurant and consumed several alcoholic beverages. The Uber driver contacted police after waiting an hour and being unable to reach Sabogal, and the children were found thirsty and hungry but otherwise in good health. Sabogal was charged with neglect of a child without great bodily harm and desertion of a child.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the dangers of child abandonment and the need for greater awareness and support for parents struggling with substance abuse issues. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of rideshare drivers in such situations and whether additional training or protocols are needed.
The details
According to the police report, Sabogal was holding a cup containing what the Uber driver believed to be alcohol when he picked her and her children up at a shopping plaza. Sabogal then allegedly grabbed the driver's phone, canceled the ride, and gave him $10 in cash before exiting the vehicle, telling him she would return in three minutes. After waiting an hour and being unable to reach Sabogal, the driver contacted the police. Officers located Sabogal approximately 2.2 miles away, walking outside a McDonald's restaurant, and she appeared intoxicated with slurred speech. Authorities determined Sabogal had been at a restaurant she frequents and had consumed several alcoholic beverages.
- On February 16, 2026, Sabogal allegedly left her children with the Uber driver.
- After waiting an hour, the Uber driver contacted the police.
- Sabogal appeared in court on February 15, 2026, and was released after posting a $1,500 bond for each charge.
The players
Emily Sabogal
A 32-year-old South Florida woman who was arrested for allegedly leaving her two young children with an Uber driver for over two hours while she went to a local restaurant and consumed several alcoholic beverages.
Sunrise Police Department
The law enforcement agency that arrested Sabogal and charged her with neglect of a child without great bodily harm and desertion of a child.
Uber driver
The rideshare driver who picked up Sabogal and her children, was abandoned with the children for over two hours, and ultimately contacted the police.
What they’re saying
“What's going on? You deserted your kids for two hours! That's what's going on.”
— Sunrise Police officer (NBC6)
“I don't know what's going on right now.”
— Emily Sabogal (NBC6)
What’s next
Sabogal's next court date has not been announced, and it is unclear if she will face additional charges or if the children have been placed in protective custody.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the urgent need for greater support and resources for parents struggling with substance abuse issues, as well as the importance of rideshare companies and drivers being prepared to handle situations involving child abandonment or neglect.
