Two Arrested at Rogers Park for Child Neglect and Drugs
On 07-19-15 at approximately 1:30 p.m., Hernando County deputies were dispatched to the beach area of Rogers Park, located at 7244 Shoal Line Boulevard in Spring Hill, regarding a possible case of Child Neglect.
The Emergency Communications Center received calls from beachgoers advising that a female, who was supposed to be caring for a small child (approximately 2 years old), appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with several witnesses who described the suspect and directed them to her location. Witnesses advised deputies that the female, later identified as Erica Donaldson, was dancing around erratically by herself and not paying close attention to the small child that she had with her. Witnesses also advised deputies that the small child was playing in the water unsupervised and falling off a picnic table seat.
When deputies attempted to make contact with Donaldson, she walked toward the exit of the park, in an attempt to leave. Deputies caught up to her to inquire about her strange behavior.
Deputies immediately observed physical signs of impairment. Additionally, Donaldson was unable to provide sensible responses to simple questions asked by two different deputies.
The child that Donaldson was caring for at the time was not wearing a diaper. The child was only wearing underwear. The underwear had feces in it.
A family member of the child was called to the park to assume custody of the child.
While deputies interviewed Donaldson, she continued to demonstrate tendencies of a person that is impaired.
At the picnic area, where Donaldson had her belongings that she brought to the park, there was a small brown paper bag. Inside the brown paper bag, deputies located the following items: one small metal spoon, one syringe, and one opened Suboxone package.
Through investigation, deputies learned that a male subject had been with Donaldson and the child, but had left to go to the store. After approximately 30 minutes, the male returned to the park.
The male, identified as Christopher Bruner, was interviewed by deputies upon his return to the park. Bruner was subsequently placed under arrest for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Deputies contacted the Department of Children and Families (DCF) concerning the well-being of the child. As stated, the child was placed into the custody of a family member.
Erica Nicole Donaldson W/F DOB/03-23-1987 was placed under arrest and charged as follows:
– Child Neglect
– Bond – $2,000.
The case remains under investigation.
