Miami Beach Mom Charged with Child Neglect

Alize Angel Rodriguez, a 20-year-old Miami Beach resident, was arrested and charged with child neglect and drug possession after her 5-year-old son was found alone in a park. Witnesses reported seeing the boy unattended for 20 minutes to an hour, during which Rodriguez allegedly left in a gray Toyota. When police arrived, the child explained that his mother would leave him alone in the park as punishment for misbehaving. Officers found Rodriguez nearby, appearing incoherent, and discovered her discarded purse containing Xanax pills and cannabis. Rodriguez denied being under the influence, but admitted ownership of the items found. The child was placed in the custody of his maternal grandmother, while Rodriguez was held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.