Mother Charged with Child Neglect After Leaving Kids in Uber

Authorities say Emily Sabogal abandoned her 3-year-old children inside an Uber vehicle for over 2 hours.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 33-year-old Florida woman named Emily Sabogal has been arrested and charged with child neglect after allegedly leaving her 3-year-old children alone inside an Uber vehicle for over 2 hours. The Uber driver contacted the police after Sabogal failed to return to the car, and officers later found Sabogal at a nearby shopping plaza.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious risks and legal consequences of parents abandoning their young children, even temporarily, and the importance of responsible childcare. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of rideshare drivers when confronted with such situations.

The details

According to police, Sabogal and her children were initially at a karate class and then went to a nearby restaurant, where authorities believe she drank heavily. Sabogal then ordered an Uber, but after arriving at the destination, she told the driver she would be back in 3 minutes and never returned. The Uber driver waited over 2 hours before contacting the police. Officers later found Sabogal at a shopping plaza about 2 miles away, and she was arrested and charged with multiple counts of child neglect.

  • On February 19, 2026, Sabogal left her 3-year-old children alone in an Uber vehicle.
  • The Uber driver waited over 2 hours for Sabogal to return before contacting the police.

The players

Emily Sabogal

A 33-year-old Florida woman who was arrested and charged with child neglect after allegedly abandoning her 3-year-old children in an Uber vehicle.

Sunrise Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the Uber driver's call and arrested Sabogal.

Uber Driver

The rideshare driver who waited over 2 hours for Sabogal to return to the vehicle before contacting the police.

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What they’re saying

“My kids are everything to me, my life.”

— Emily Sabogal (WSVN)

“Where did you bring her?”

— Police Officer (WSVN)

“Here.”

— Uber Driver (WSVN)

What’s next

Sabogal is facing multiple child neglect charges, and a judge will determine if she will be allowed to post bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of responsible parenting and the legal consequences that can arise from abandoning young children, even briefly. It also raises questions about the role and responsibilities of rideshare drivers when confronted with such situations.