KISSIMMEE, FL – A Florida father has been incarcerated after he allegedly left his 10-year-old daughter beside a bustling highway and told her to trek to her grandparents’ home on foot, a distance of several miles.

Sheriff Marcos Lopez of Osceola County described the incident to the media, explaining that concerned citizens dialed 911 shortly after midnight on Tuesday. They reported witnessing 30-year-old Hector Luis Serrano expel the young girl from his vehicle along U.S. 192 near Scott Boulevard. This area, known for its heavy traffic and proximity to Disney World attractions, is particularly dangerous due to frequent pedestrian-vehicle incidents.

Bystanders who noticed the event rushed to ensure the girl’s safety, finding her in a state of distress. According to Sheriff Lopez, the child was frightened and confused in the dark of the night, emphasizing the egregious nature of the abandonment in such a perilous environment.

The police swiftly located Serrano and took him into custody. During the arrest, he appeared cooperative and purportedly justified his actions by claiming the girl’s grandparents, who are her legal guardians, had threatened to involve the authorities if he did not return her.

Serrano suggested to the girl that she should walk to her grandparent’s house, a journey that Lopez estimated would take approximately 20 minutes—a risky endeavor for a child at that hour.

Arrested on charges of child neglect without great bodily harm, Serrano’s actions were heavily criticized by the sheriff, who expressed that Serrano should have safely escorted the child to a secure location instead of abandoning her.

Serrano is currently held at the Osceola County Jail, with his bond set at $2,500. Meanwhile, the young girl has been safely returned to her grandparents’ custody.

The sheriff expressed his hope that Serrano would receive therapy while detained, underlining the irresponsibility and danger of his decision to leave a child unattended on a public thoroughfare.