Afternoon of Tubing Lands Two in Jail

Matt Boster

Viewed: 5492

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: May 09 2018 10:24 AM

On May 7, 2018, at approximately 12:30 pm, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a young couple tubing down the Chipola River with a very small child. The callers were all concerned for the welfare of the child due to the child’s apparent age and being on the river.

Sheriff Lou Roberts sought the assistance of citizen with a boat who was already on the river to assist with locating the couple as they floated down the river. When Sheriff Roberts located the couple he inquired if the couple had an infant with them to which they advised no. However, Sheriff Roberts observed an infant baby lying underneath a t-shirt on top of the alleged mother. As Sheriff Roberts continued down the river with the couple he attempted several times to obtain their name and addresses, however the subjects refused to cooperate and would not provide him with any of their information.

As the couple arrived at Magnolia Landing they were greeted by Florida Wildlife Commission as well as investigators and deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The subject’s were explained about law enforcements concern for the welfare of the infant child being on a tube in the open river. The couple again refused to provide law enforcement with their names and any other identification. Due to the well-founded fear for the safety of the infant child both subjects were advised they were being placed under arrest for child endangerment. At this time investigators instructed the male subject was under arrest and attempted to take the infant from his custody. At this time he refused relinquish custody of the child forcibly squeezing the child and backing up to the river’s edge.    Officers were able to safely pry the infant from the males’ arms, during which time he continued to physically resist. Once the infant was safe officers were able to restrain the male subject in handcuffs. During this time the female was also taken into custody without incident.

Upon taking the infant child from the male subject the infant was shivering and wrapped in a cold wet t-shirt with no other clothing on. During the course of the investigation the child was determined to be only 2 months old.  The male and female had no bottles, dry clothing, towels, sunscreen, diapers, infant flotation device or means of communication had an emergency occurred with the child on the river. The couple had the infant on the river for approximately 4 hours. The infant was then wrapped in a clean warm towel until Department of Children and Families arrived to take custody of the baby.

The male subject eventually disclosed his name to be 20 year old Camrin Welsh, who was the father of the infant child. The female who was the mother of the child still refused to cooperate and would not disclose her name. She did however; advise the Department of Children and Families that her name was Briana Welsh.

The baby did not sustain any injuries and was released to the Department of Children and Families. Camrin and Briana Welsh were taken into custody and transported to the Jackson County Correctional Facility to await first appearance.

Arrestee’s

Carmin Welsh                         Briana Welsh

20 years old                            20 years old

Ovido, Florida                        Ovido, Florida

Charges:                                   Charges:          

Obstruction                              Obstruction

Child Endangerment                Child Endangerment

 

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