In a distressing incident that has raised serious concerns about child welfare, a 6-year-old girl and her dog were discovered wandering alone near Vann Park in Deltona, Florida. The child’s mother and her boyfriend have been arrested on charges of child desertion and animal abandonment. This case underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and the need for robust support systems for vulnerable children.​

Discovery of the Child

On the afternoon of April 4, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., a resident near Vann Park noticed a young girl and her dog wandering in her front yard. The child appeared hot, thirsty, and hungry. The concerned neighbor, along with another resident, provided the girl with food, water, and clean clothing before contacting the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Deltona Fire Rescue responded to assess the child’s condition and confirmed she was in stable health. ​

Circumstances Leading to the Incident

Upon investigation, deputies learned that the girl’s mother, Aquania Estes, 27, and her boyfriend, Pitrez Floyd, 29, had dropped her off in the area earlier that morning. The child disclosed that she was homeless and did not attend school. She described her living conditions as inadequate, mentioning that her home leaked when it rained and that she was often allowed to walk to stores alone. ​

Arrests and Charges

The Deltona Crime Suppression Team located Estes and Floyd around 1 a.m. on April 5. Both were arrested and charged with desertion of a child and abandonment of an animal. They were booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, each held on a $51,000 bond. ​

Community and Official Reactions

The incident has elicited strong reactions from the community and officials. Sheriff Mike Chitwood emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This is an egregious case of child neglect. No child should have to endure such conditions.” Community members expressed shock and concern, highlighting the necessity for collective vigilance to protect vulnerable children.​

Child Welfare Considerations

This case brings to light several critical child welfare issues:​

• Homelessness and Education: The child’s admission of being homeless and not attending school raises questions about access to education and social services for transient families.​
• Parental Responsibility: The decision to leave a young child unsupervised reflects a severe lapse in parental judgment and responsibility.​
• Community Intervention: The proactive response of the neighbors underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children’s well-being.​

Legal Implications

In Florida, child desertion and abandonment are serious offenses. According to state statutes, desertion of a child is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Animal abandonment also carries legal consequences, reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting both vulnerable children and animals.​

Preventive Measures

To prevent similar incidents, several measures can be considered:

• Enhanced Support Services: Providing resources and support for homeless families can mitigate risks associated with child neglect.​
• Community Awareness Programs: Educating the public on recognizing and reporting signs of child neglect can lead to timely interventions.​
• Stronger Legal Enforcement: Ensuring stringent enforcement of child welfare laws serves as a deterrent to potential offenders.​

The abandonment of a 6-year-old girl and her dog in Deltona is a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in unstable living situations. While the swift actions of concerned neighbors and law enforcement led to the child’s safety, the incident underscores the need for ongoing community vigilance and robust support systems to protect at-risk children.​

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