Drunk Florida mom Emily Sabogal gives flimsy excuse of dead phone after leaving three- and four-year-old kids alone in ride-share in Sunrise

A shocking incident in Sunrise has left many shaking their heads after a mother allegedly left her young children alone in an Uber for hours.

Emily Sabogal, 32, was taken into custody after police discovered her at a McDonald’s – Sunrise, far from her two children, who were waiting in the ride-share vehicle.

Authorities say the ordeal began when an Uber driver called 911 after Sabogal hopped out of the car with her three- and four-year-old in the backseat, promising to return “in a few minutes” — a promise she did not keep for two hours.

Bodycam Footage Captures Mom’s Excuses

Police bodycam footage obtained by NBC Miami shows Sabogal offering what many would call a flimsy excuse when confronted.

“My phone died,” she told officers, insisting she had not abandoned her kids and claiming she was “not a criminal.”

The responding officer didn’t hold back.

“What’s going on is you deserted your kids for two hours, that’s what’s going on,” he replied, emphasizing that the Uber driver had been waiting with the children the entire time.

Sabogal added that her situation was “a little bit complicated” and that she had been managing responsibilities from morning until night for her family.

Investigators reported that she could not adequately explain why she left the vehicle, repeatedly referencing her lack of control over her circumstances.

Alcohol Allegedly Played a Role

Police said the evening involved multiple drinks at a restaurant, where Sabogal was allegedly a regular visitor, sometimes attending five days a week with her children.

The Uber driver also told officers that she had a cup of liquor in hand when she entered his vehicle.

Bodycam footage shows the officer inspecting the cup, which the driver claimed contained rum.

During the ride, Sabogal reportedly instructed the driver to deviate from the original route multiple times, then abruptly canceled the trip and paid him $10 before stepping out.

After failing to return, the driver first called Sabogal and then, after an hour without contact, alerted authorities.

Children Found Safe but Hungry and Thirsty

When police arrived, the children were reportedly in good spirits but complained of hunger and thirst.

Sabogal was eventually located 2.2 miles away at a shopping center.

Officers noted she had alcohol on her breath and was slurring her words.

She was charged with one count of child neglect and two counts of desertion of a child.

Her children were placed in the care of their father, who told KPTV that this was not the first time she had shown “erratic” behavior and plans to seek full custody.

A Pattern of Risky Behavior

This incident highlights the growing concern over parents leaving young children unattended, whether in vehicles, public spaces, or even ride-share services.

Experts emphasize that alcohol and poor decision-making create a dangerous environment for minors and underline the importance of legal accountability and intervention.

Authorities in Florida have been increasingly vocal about protecting children in situations where caregivers may be impaired, especially when it involves ride-share services, which are often assumed to be safe by default.

What’s Next?

Sabogal was released on a $3,000 bond, but her legal troubles are far from over.

Her case will continue through the courts, where the charges of child neglect and desertion could carry significant penalties if she is convicted.

Meanwhile, her father is expected to pursue full custody, ensuring her children are in a more stable environment.

Summary

Emily Sabogal, 32, was arrested in Sunrise after leaving her three- and four-year-old children alone in an Uber for two hours.

Her excuse, “My phone died,” was captured on police bodycam footage as officers confronted her about the incident.

The Uber driver, who had the children in his backseat, called 911 after repeated failed attempts to reach her.

Police noted alcohol on her breath, and she faces child neglect and desertion charges.

The children were placed with their father, who plans to seek full custody.