Officers refer case of 'drunken' man with son to Department of Children and Families

Man in video near Miami Lakes will not face criminal charges, police say

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla.A Facebook user's videos prompted a police investigation, a prosecutors' review and a Florida Department of Children and Families' probe.

On Sunday, Facebook user Tatiana Better shared the videos showing a beer-clutching man, slurring his words, and holding a boy who appeared to be tired. The boy did not struggle to get away. Instead, he hugged the man, who said he was his father.

Better said she feared the boy was in danger with his "drunken" father.

"If I could go back, I'm sure I would call the cops and see what they tell me," Better said. "Hopefully, they get both of them help. The guy needs help, the kid needs help. He shouldn't have to witness this."

According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, detectives identified the man and after consulting with the State Attorney's Office, they decided he had not committed a crime. 

Better first spotted the man at a 7-Eleven as a store employee allegedly told him, "I just want you to be a better role model for your kid."

Better said she followed the man and recorded the videos near Northwest 186th Street and Northwest 73rd Avenue near Miami Lakes. There is a 7-Eleven at 7520 NW 186 St. 

Miami-Dade detectives referred the case to the Florida Department of Children and Families.


About the Authors

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

Recommended Videos