NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — A chilling body cam video released this week reveals the moment when police discovered two young children abandoned by their father at a Burger King in North Miami. The disturbing encounter, which took place on Wednesday evening, was captured at the fast food chain located at 12790 NW Seventh Ave.
According to the North Miami Police Department’s arrest report, the incident began when the restaurant’s manager became concerned after spotting two children left unattended in the playground area. With no adult in sight, the manager promptly called law enforcement.
Children Found Alone and Unattended
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the children, aged 4 and 9 sitting alone, in what was described as a “dirty state.” The body cam footage captured one of the children saying, “He said, we ‘can stay there for 10 more minutes,’” as they waited for their father to return. The restaurant staff had given the children juice to keep them calm until authorities arrived.
Just after 8 p.m., the children’s father, Yves Benjamin, returned to the fast food restaurant. Police confirmed he had left the children behind at 7:28 p.m., based on surveillance footage.
Father’s Unbelievable Claim
Benjamin initially claimed he had asked a “random” adult inside the restaurant to watch over his children. However, each adult present at the time denied ever being approached by Benjamin. The conflicting story raised serious questions about the father’s actions.
North Miami Police Captain Kessler Brooks expressed concern about the father’s decision, saying, “You just never know who’s lurking around. Leaving the kids unsupervised for any period of time is not a safe thing. We’ve seen all too often.”
Authorities Speak Out on Neglect
The arrest report stated that Benjamin “failed to provide necessary care, supervision, food, or water” for his children while he was away. In a stern warning, Capt. Brooks said, “Anyone who thinks that they can leave a 9-year-old and a 5-year-old alone in a public setting, absolutely wrong, not even for a split second. Please don’t turn your back on your children. Anything could happen. Not everyone has the best of intentions out there.”
Benjamin, now facing a charge of child neglect, was arrested on the spot.
A Stark Reminder: Never Leave Children Unattended
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of leaving children alone, even for short periods. The incident highlights the importance of constant supervision and the potential risks of trusting strangers, no matter the setting. It’s an unsettling reality that, as police officers and parents alike know, not everyone can be trusted with the well-being of children.
With the video now public, the community is left to reflect on what might have happened if the children hadn’t been found in time. The message is clear: no one should ever take the safety of their children for granted.
