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Sunrise Mom Charged After Leaving Kids in Uber for 2 Hours
Bodycam footage shows Emily Sabogal, 32, allegedly abandoning her children in a ride-share vehicle
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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A Sunrise, Florida mother, Emily Sabogal, 32, was arrested Friday night after allegedly abandoning her two children in an Uber vehicle for approximately two hours. The incident, captured on the officer's bodycam, has ignited a conversation about parental responsibility, the potential risks associated with ride-sharing services, and the challenges faced by parents struggling with difficult circumstances.
Why it matters
This case raises concerns about child safety in ride-sharing situations and highlights the need for increased awareness among parents about the potential dangers of leaving children unattended, even for a short period. It also underscores the complex issues that can contribute to such incidents, including lack of transportation, financial strain, and potential substance abuse.
The details
According to police reports, the Uber driver picked up Sabogal and her children from a shopping plaza on West Commercial Boulevard. The driver noted Sabogal was holding a cup he believed contained alcohol. During the ride, Sabogal reportedly repeatedly stated, 'He thinks I'm stupid,' in Spanish. She then allegedly canceled the ride, handed the driver $10, and asked to be dropped off near Northwest 108th Avenue and 50th Street, telling him she'd return in three minutes. When Sabogal didn't return, the driver waited an hour before contacting her. She reportedly told him she would be back in 12 minutes and then hung up. After further unsuccessful attempts to reach her, the driver called 911. Police found the children unharmed but hungry and thirsty inside the vehicle.
- On Friday night, Sabogal and her children were picked up by an Uber driver from a shopping plaza on West Commercial Boulevard.
- Sabogal allegedly canceled the ride, handed the driver $10, and asked to be dropped off, saying she'd return in three minutes.
- After Sabogal didn't return, the driver waited an hour before contacting her.
- Sabogal told the driver she would be back in 12 minutes and then hung up.
- After further unsuccessful attempts to reach her, the driver called 911.
The players
Emily Sabogal
A 32-year-old Sunrise, Florida mother who was arrested for allegedly abandoning her two children in an Uber vehicle for approximately two hours.
Uber driver
The driver who picked up Sabogal and her children, noted Sabogal was holding a cup he believed contained alcohol, and waited an hour before contacting her and calling 911 when she didn't return.
What they’re saying
“He thinks I'm stupid”
— Emily Sabogal
What’s next
The case is ongoing, and the outcome will likely depend on the evidence presented and the judge's discretion.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing child safety and the potential consequences of irresponsible behavior, especially when utilizing ride-sharing services. It underscores the need for increased awareness among parents about the risks of leaving children unattended, even temporarily.
