Flagler County deputies said a sleeping baby was found in an unlocked vehicle with the engine running.
PALM COAST, Fla. — Charges have been filed against a couple from Palm Coast after deputies reported they left an infant in a parked car while they drank at a bar on Friday, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Just after 10 p.m. Friday, deputies received a tip that a child was left unattended inside a vehicle parked outside a Palm Coast bar.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a baby sleeping in a car seat that was not properly secured in the back seat. The car was found unlocked with the engine running, officials stated.
While deputies were checking on the baby, a woman, identified as 28-year-old Clarisse Finnegan, exited the bar and approached the car. Officials mentioned that Finnegan claimed responsibility for the vehicle and said her husband, 60-year-old Norman Finnegan Jr., was inside the bar. Both individuals were questioned regarding the situation.
Clarisse Finnegan told deputies that she initially went inside the bar to use the restroom and get money from her husband to purchase necessities for the baby. She added that she checked on the baby before returning to the bar to see if her husband was ready to leave.
Deputies said the couple gave conflicting statements about Clarisse Finnegan’s time in the bar, and witnesses confirmed to police that the couple was drinking at the bar.
Both Clarisse Finnegan and Norman Finnegan were arrested on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm, a third-degree felony. Both have seen been released from jail.
“It’s never acceptable to leave an infant alone inside a running vehicle—especially while inside a bar drinking,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This kind of recklessness could have ended in tragedy. I want to thank the concerned citizen who reported this incident and our deputies who acted quickly to protect this innocent child.”
The Florida Department of Children and Families is also investigating the incident.
