Home / Crime and Justice / Homeless Hero Saves Lost Child in Miami
Homeless Hero Saves Lost Child in Miami
19 Apr
Summary
- Homeless man Arnett Johnson found a 6-year-old boy wandering alone at night.
- Johnson called police and stayed with the child until authorities arrived.
- The boy's mother, Annie Rivera, was arrested and charged with child neglect.
In Miami, a homeless man named Arnett Johnson is being lauded for his quick actions that led to the safe recovery of a 6-year-old boy. Johnson discovered the child wandering alone near Northwest Seventh Avenue and 17th Street shortly before midnight on Wednesday, April 8. Concerned for the boy's welfare, Johnson contacted the City of Miami Police and remained with the child until their arrival.
Authorities identified the child's mother as Annie Rivera, who allegedly told police that her son was in bed when she left for work. A witness later reported asking Rivera about her son's whereabouts, to which she allegedly responded with uncertainty. Police were able to locate Rivera after the child's school identified him from a flyer. She was subsequently arrested and charged with child neglect.
The 6-year-old boy, who reportedly has learning disabilities, has been placed under the care of Florida's Department of Children and Families. During a court appearance, Judge Mindy S. Glazer ordered that Rivera have only supervised contact with her son. The mother has posted bond, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding how the child ended up alone on the streets.
