Orlando Father Arrested After Autistic Child Found Naked on I-4

UPDATE: An Orlando father, Jeremy Jaron Rouse, has been arrested and charged with child abuse after his autistic child was discovered alone and naked on an Interstate 4 ramp late on October 16, 2023. The shocking incident raises urgent questions about parental responsibility and safety.

Authorities responded to reports of an unattended child around 11 p.m. on the I-4 on-ramp near State Road 436. Officers found the child running naked, prompting a passerby to intervene and secure the child until police arrived. The child, who is nonverbal and likely autistic, was taken safely to the officer’s patrol car as police sought to locate the parents.

According to court records, Rouse, 36, was delivering food for Uber Eats at the time and admitted to police that he did not search for his missing child immediately. He stated he was concerned about maintaining his delivery rating, indicating a troubling prioritization of personal interests over the child’s safety.

The situation escalated when the child’s mother reported the child missing after waking up from sleep in the passenger seat at approximately 11:30 p.m.. She had fallen asleep while Rouse continued to make deliveries. Upon realizing the child was gone, she questioned Rouse, who falsely believed the child was still asleep in the car.

When police confirmed that the child in custody matched the mother’s description, she rushed to a nearby Walgreens to retrieve the child, while Rouse reportedly stayed behind, fearing arrest. Officers confirmed they spent nearly an hour with the child before the mother arrived.

The circumstances surrounding how the child exited the vehicle remain unclear, as the mother initially provided a statement to police but later recanted it. Rouse was subsequently located at a Wawa gas station around 3:30 a.m. on October 17, where he requested to speak with officers. During this interaction, he reiterated his concern about his Uber Eats rating as the reason for not searching for the child sooner.

Rouse has been charged with child abuse without great bodily harm and has pleaded not guilty. He was released on bond following his arrest. The police report indicates that investigators have recommended similar charges against the mother for potential perjury related to her conflicting statements.

This alarming case highlights significant concerns regarding child safety and parental accountability. With ongoing investigations, authorities are urging parents to prioritize the well-being of their children above all else.

As this story develops, it remains vital for the community to engage in discussions about the responsibilities of parents and caregivers. The safety of our children should always come first, underscoring the need for vigilance and care in all situations.

Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds.