Lakeland, FL — A frightening chain of events unfolded early Sept. 9 when a 27-year-old man allegedly crashed an overturned car with a baby and toddler inside, then fled into a swamp while carrying the two children, according to police.
The Lakeland Police Department said Isaac Kinsey is facing two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm along with several DUI charges following the incident on Highway 33 near North Combee Road.
According to police, Kinsey allegedly drove through a road closure sign and sandbags before his vehicle overturned at a construction site and slammed into tree roots.
When officers arrived, however, they found an empty vehicle.
What they did find inside the wrecked car were two child seats, immediately raising concern that children may have been involved in the crash.
Police use drone to search for children
With Kinsey and the children nowhere to be found, officers launched a search of the surrounding area.
About 30 minutes later, police using a drone spotted Kinsey in a swamp carrying two young children. The children were identified as being 2 years old and 10 months old.
Police said video from the drone showed Kinsey stumbling through the difficult terrain while holding the children. At one point, he allegedly fell down and submerged the children in the water.
Officers eventually reached the trio and rescued the children. The dramatic search ended with all three being taken to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities did not specify Kinsey’s relationship to the two children.
Man allegedly admitted he was intoxicated
As officers took Kinsey into custody, police said he displayed signs of impairment.
According to authorities, Kinsey admitted that he was intoxicated and also acknowledged that his driver’s license had been suspended.
The circumstances surrounding the crash and his decision to leave the vehicle remained part of the investigation.
As police worked to locate the children, the situation became even more dangerous because of the swamp and the man’s alleged impairment.
At one point, as officers ordered him to hand over the children, Kinsey reportedly said:
“I did not know there was a swamp right here.”
Police ultimately got the children out of the water and transported everyone for medical evaluation.
Police say children were lucky to survive
The Lakeland Police Department said the incident could have had a far more serious outcome.
Texas Police Department Set to Shut Down After Arrest That Started With a Facebook Water Warning
In its statement, the department credited the rapid deployment of drone technology, along with the persistence and teamwork of responding officers, for helping locate the children in what it described as an extremely difficult environment.
Police also emphasized the dangers associated with impaired driving.
The department said:
“This incident could have ended with the loss of two innocent lives.”
Authorities said the children were fortunate to survive the ordeal, while officers involved in the search were praised for helping locate and rescue them.
The case now moves forward through the criminal justice system as investigators and prosecutors address the allegations against Kinsey.
Kinsey remains jailed without bond
Kinsey was booked into the Polk County Jail, where he remained without bond, according to police.
He is facing two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm as well as several DUI-related charges. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 13.
The allegations remain accusations, and the charges will proceed through the court system. The full circumstances of the crash, the children’s relationship to Kinsey and the events that led him into the swamp are expected to be addressed as the case develops.
What do you think about the police response and the decision to use a drone to locate the children? Share your thoughts in the comments.
One thought on “Drunk Man Crashes With Baby and Toddler in Car, Then Stumbles Into Swamp With Kids”