Ormond Beach, FL – A 25-year-old woman has been arrested after deputies allegedly found her young children unsupervised on busy streets while she was reportedly taking a nap, authorities said.
Incident Details
Ashley Brianna Donique Boyd is facing two counts of child neglect following the incident on Monday afternoon at Pet Paradise in Ormond Beach, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime.
Deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office were called around 4:30 p.m. after employees reported seeing two young boys, ages 4 and 5, wandering alone for several hours.
The employees offered the children water, which they reportedly chugged, and also provided snacks when the boys said they were hungry.
The children appeared dirty and sweaty, and when asked where they lived, they were unsure, stating only that it was “far.”
Response at Boyd’s Home
Police went to Boyd’s residence, nearly a mile from Pet Paradise, and questioned her about her children. Boyd allegedly told deputies that the boys “should be inside”.
She claimed she had been at her boyfriend’s home overnight and returned home at 7:30 a.m.
The children were reportedly eating breakfast with their grandmother, who left for work afterward. Boyd said she put on “Lilo & Stitch” in their room and fell asleep around 12:30 p.m., not waking until deputies arrived.
Deputies noted high-traffic areas between Boyd’s home and the business, raising concerns about the children’s safety.
Inside the bedroom, deputies reported finding:
- A bed with no sheets
- A dirty room with food waste scattered
- A large, sharp knife on the bed
Prior Incidents and Arrest
Deputies discovered a previous report from July 31, when Boyd’s children had escaped from their home and were found at a neighbor’s home about 30 minutes later.
Boyd reportedly acknowledged being warned about the previous incident and the potential consequences if it happened again.
She was arrested and taken to the Volusia County Jail, though she has since been released. The children were turned over to their grandmother for care.
Court Date and Legal Proceedings
Boyd is scheduled to appear in court on October 21. She faces two counts of child neglect, and authorities continue to emphasize the serious safety risks posed when children are left unsupervised, especially near high-traffic areas.
What do you think about how this situation was handled and child safety in Ormond Beach? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on keeping children safe in the community.
