A 27-year-old man was taken into custody in Florida following a harrowing police chase through a swamp, during which he repeatedly dropped his two young children into the water. The dramatic nighttime pursuit was captured by both a drone and officers' body cameras.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, September 9, in Lakeland. Isaac Kinsey drove his vehicle into a road closure sign and several sandbags before crashing into tree roots in a construction zone on Highway 33 near North Combee Road, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered the car abandoned. Inside, two empty child seats raised immediate concerns for the children's safety, prompting a swift search.
Utilizing a drone, the Lakeland Police Department scanned the area in the dark. Approximately 30 minutes after the crash, the drone identified Kinsey in a dense, swampy region south of the accident site.
Kinsey was moving with his two children: a two-year-old boy and a 10-month-old infant. Footage shows him struggling through the water as he attempted to flee. On multiple occasions, he stumbled, causing the children to become submerged in the swamp waters, a habitat known for alligator activity, according to authorities.
Guided by the drone operator, officers navigated the swamp to reach Kinsey and the children. Body camera footage captured the moment of the rescue. "Give me the baby! Give me the baby now!" one officer shouted as he took one of the crying children from Kinsey’s arms.
The children were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for medical evaluation, while Kinsey was also hospitalized before being placed under arrest.
Authorities reported that Kinsey admitted to being intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. He is facing 11 charges, including eight misdemeanors and three felonies. The most serious charges include two counts of negligent child abuse causing serious bodily harm.
The Lakeland Police Department emphasized that the drone's deployment was crucial in locating the family in the dark. "This incident could have ended with the loss of two innocent lives. The rapid deployment of our drone technology, alongside the officers' persistence and teamwork, allowed us to find the children in an extremely challenging environment and provide the care they needed," the department stated.
"There is no excuse for driving under the influence. We are thankful these children survived and proud of the officers whose actions helped prevent an even greater tragedy," the police concluded.
Key Details of the Florida Swamp Chase Incident
What were the charges against Isaac Kinsey?
Isaac Kinsey faces 11 charges, including eight misdemeanors and three felonies. The most serious charges involve two counts of negligent child abuse causing serious bodily harm.
How did the police locate Kinsey and the children?
The Lakeland Police Department deployed a drone, which was instrumental in locating Kinsey and the children in a dark, swampy area approximately 30 minutes after the initial crash.