DUI Suspect Wades Through Alligator-Infested Swamp With Two Children
Authorities rescued two infants after their father allegedly crashed his vehicle and fled into treacherous waters.
A man accused of driving under the influence fled a vehicle crash with two young children, wading through swampy terrain inhabited by alligators, according to police in Lakeland, Florida. The incident began early on September 9 when Isaac Kinsey, 27, reportedly drove his vehicle through a road closure sign and into sandbags on Highway 33, eventually stopping against exposed tree roots in a construction zone.
Police arriving at the scene discovered two empty child-safety seats in the vehicle, prompting a search for Kinsey and the children. Approximately 30 minutes later, a drone operator located Kinsey in a wooded, swampy area south of the crash site. Drone footage captured him moving through the marsh while carrying a two-year-old and a 10-month-old baby. The footage showed Kinsey falling multiple times, submerging the children underwater. At one point, he appeared to leave the toddler behind as he continued with the infant, falling again.
Body camera footage showed an officer rushing toward the swamp's edge to reach Kinsey and rescue the children. The officer could be heard saying, "I could hear them crying in the woods." As Kinsey emerged from the water, he surrendered, stating he was unaware of the swamp's proximity. The officer demanded Kinsey hand over the infant and encouraged the toddler to come forward.
The children were transported to a local hospital, treated, and released. Police Chief Sammy Taylor expressed outrage over the incident, stating that Kinsey's actions were reckless, comparing him to someone who "threw" the children around and submerged them. "It just makes your blood boil," Taylor commented.
Kinsey reportedly admitted to being intoxicated and displayed signs of impairment. He is also alleged to have been driving with a suspended license. He faces three felony charges and eight misdemeanor offenses, including two counts of negligent child abuse with great bodily harm. The police department stated that the incident "could have ended with the loss of two innocent lives" and praised the use of drone technology and the officers' efforts in preventing a greater tragedy. They reiterated that "there is no excuse for impaired driving."