A disturbing incident in Sunny Isles Beach led to the arrest of a mother who allegedly left her 10-year-old daughter in a hot car for six hours. On Thursday, 40-year-old Pia Haynes was charged with child neglect without bodily harm and is currently held on a $1,000 bond, as stated in the arrest affidavit and court records.
Around 9:30 p.m., police responded to reports of a child left unattended in a car parked at 400 Kings Point Drive, located in the northeast section of Miami-Dade County. Upon arrival, officers found the girl inside a white Toyota RAV4. She was visibly upset and expressed fear of being kidnapped after being left alone for six hours without food or water.
The child recounted that her mother had instructed her to stay in the vehicle, promising to return after a few hours. However, Haynes did not come back, leaving the girl anxious and distressed. The girl provided the police with her home address, prompting officers to visit the nearby apartment.
Upon reaching Haynes’ apartment, officers were met with an unexpected scene. Haynes answered the door unclothed and appeared bewildered by their presence. When questioned about her daughter’s whereabouts, Haynes initially claimed the child was sleeping on the couch. A search of the apartment revealed no children, leaving Haynes seemingly surprised and inquiring about her daughter’s location.
Officers then informed Haynes that her daughter had been found alone, scared, and hungry inside the car for several hours. Despite attempting to explain her actions, Haynes was taken into custody and transported to the county jail. The affidavit did not disclose her explanation, as it was redacted by Sunny Isles Beach authorities.
CBS News Miami later visited the scene and found a vehicle matching the description of Haynes’ RAV4 still in the parking lot, though ownership could not be confirmed. The news outlet also reached out to the child’s legal guardian for an update on her condition.
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This incident underscores the serious consequences of child neglect and the importance of ensuring children’s safety, especially during the hot summer months. The arrest of Pia Haynes serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities parents have to protect their children.
