Sunrise Mom Arrested After Leaving Children in Uber
Sunrise, Florida – A 32-year-old woman, Emily Sabogal, was arrested on February 16, 2026, and charged with child neglect and desertion after allegedly leaving her two young children in an Uber vehicle for approximately two hours [NBC 6 South Florida]. The incident prompted the Uber driver to contact the Sunrise Police Department.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the Uber driver picked up Sabogal and her two children at a shopping plaza on West Commercial Boulevard. The driver stated that Sabogal possessed a cup containing what he believed to be liquor and repeatedly said, “He thinks I’m stupid,” in Spanish [Local 10]. Sabogal then allegedly grabbed the driver’s phone, canceled the ride, and gave him $10 in cash before exiting the vehicle, telling him she would return in three minutes [SunriseFLTalk].
After waiting for an hour and being unable to reach Sabogal, the driver contacted the police. Sabogal reportedly told the driver she would return in 12 minutes when he initially called after an hour [NBC 6 South Florida].
Police Confrontation and Arrest
Body camera footage released on February 18, 2026, shows Sunrise police confronting Sabogal, questioning her about leaving her children in the Uber for two hours [Local 10]. Officers questioned why she left her children, to which Sabogal responded that she didn’t have a car and that her phone had died. She stated her children had been at karate earlier and were then in the Uber.
Legal Consequences and Custody Concerns
Emily Sabogal faced charges of neglect of a child without great bodily harm and desertion of a child. Her bond was set at $1,500 for each charge, and she was released after posting bond [NBC 6 South Florida]. The children’s father has expressed concern for their safety and intends to seek full custody, citing this incident and previous erratic behavior [Hoodline].
Florida Law Regarding Child Desertion
Under Florida Statute 827.10, unlawful desertion of a child is defined as leaving a child in circumstances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm [Hoodline]. A conviction for this crime, classified as a third-degree felony, carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and potential fines [Hoodline].
The case is proceeding with both a criminal investigation and a potential review by the Florida Department of Children and Families.