PALM COAST, Fla. — A Palm Coast couple was arrested late Friday night after Flagler County deputies found an infant left alone inside a running, unlocked vehicle outside a bar.

Shortly after 10 p.m., the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a tip about the unattended child. Deputies responded to the scene and located a sleeping infant in a car seat in the back of the vehicle. The car was running with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked.

As deputies assessed the situation, 28-year-old Clarisse Finnegan exited the bar and identified herself as the vehicle's owner. She told deputies her husband, Norman Finnegan Jr., 60, was still inside. Both were found to have been drinking, and witness statements indicated the couple had left the child alone for a significant amount of time. Deputies determined the car seat was also improperly secured.

“These two will never receive parents of the year award with this behavior,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “It’s never acceptable to leave an infant alone inside a running vehicle—especially while inside a bar drinking.”

Both individuals were arrested for felony child neglect without great bodily harm. Norman Finnegan was released on a $2,500 bond, and Clarisse Finnegan was released on her own recognizance. The Florida Department of Children and Families is conducting a separate investigation.

Source: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office