2 kids locked in Florida shed without food or water, police say; 2 women arrested

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Two young children were found abandoned inside a shed for several hours without food or water – and with access to a knife – while their caregivers left to do errands, according to the Alachua Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses found the children inside the shed without food, water, electricity, or access to a phone. A brick was placed in front of the shed doors, officials said.

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Two women have been arrested under suspicion of child neglect and/or false imprisonment.

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What we know:

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On Saturday, June 28, a concerned citizen called the Alachua Sheriff’s Office to report two 5-year-old boys found in a shed in the 13500 block of NE U.S. Highway 301 in Waldo, Florida. Waldo is northeast of Gainesville, and about two hours north of Orlando. 

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The witnesses told deputies that the shed had no electricity or running water. Deputies found a large knife inside the shed and within the children’s reach, according to Alachua Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page.

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According to deputies, 37-year-old Tamara Stoiber had left the children in the care of 59-year-old Sabine Thrift to run errands. Stoiber said it was a quick errand, but she was gone for several hours, ASO said.

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Thrift allegedly refused to look after the children, ASO said. 

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Thrift is charged with two counts of child neglect. She is being held on a $20,000 bond, according to online jail records.

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Stoiber is charged with child neglect and false imprisonment. She is being held on a $70,000 bond, according to online jail records.

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ASO did not immediately clarify the relationship between the two.

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Source: Alachua Sheriff’s Office –> <!–>

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“The safety and well-being of children remain a top priority for our agency. We are committed to protecting children from neglect and abuse, and we encourage the community to report any concerns involving child welfare. Together, we can help ensure every child has a safe environment to grow and thrive,” ASO said in a statement.

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