Florida couple arrested after leaving Infant alone in running car while drinking at bar, authorities say

FLAGLER COUNTY Fla WSVN A Florida couple was arrested after deputies located their infant left unattended in an unlocked running van outside a local bar while they were inside drinking according to executives Flagler County Sheriff s Office deputies responded to a tip around p m Friday and discovered an infant sleeping in a car seat that was improperly secured in the back seat The car was unlocked the keys were in the ignition and the engine was running executives explained While deputies were assessing the child -year-old Clarisse Finnegan exited the bar and identified herself as the conveyance s owner She reportedly recounted deputies her husband -year-old Norman Finnegan Jr was inside the bar He was soon escorted out and detained for questioning Viewers revealed they saw a man later identified as Norman briefly check on the truck before returning inside Both Clarisse and Norman gave conflicting accounts of how long she had been in the bar but bystanders verified both had been drinking according to the FCSO These two will never receive parents of the year award with this behavior stated Sheriff Rick Staly It s never acceptable to leave an infant alone inside a running bicycle especially while inside a bar drinking This kind of recklessness could have ended in tragedy I want to thank the concerned citizen who released this case and our deputies who acted rapidly to protect this innocent child Norman and Clarisse Finnegan were arrested and charged with felony child neglect without great bodily harm a third-degree felony Norman was circulated on a bond while Clarisse was published on her own recognizance The Florida Department of Children and Families is also reviewing