Dad found hiding in arcade more than a week after toddler found alone in the woods
(TMX/Gray News) - More than a week after a toddler was found wandering alone near the woods, authorities found the child’s father hiding in an arcade and took him into custody on multiple charges.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began on May 3 when deputies responded to a report of a 3-year-old child found wandering alone near a wooded area, unharmed but “filthy.”
Deputies learned the child was meant to be with the father at a residence “several blocks” away.
When deputies arrived at the residence, the child’s father, 39-year-old Cody Goble, ran away through a back door.
A “large-scale” search ensued, for Goble and two other children believed at the time to be missing. The children were later found safe at a nearby residence and returned to family .
An arrest warrant was issued for Goble on charges of child neglect, and deputies pursued leads for more than a week before a tip led them to a nearby arcade on May 12.
The sheriff’s office on Thursday released body-worn camera video showing the May 12 arrest. Goble can be seen immediately retreating to an office area and shutting the door when deputies arrive.
Deputies, armed with stun guns, order him to open the door, but they ultimately kick it open instead.
During the arrest, deputies also allegedly found 6.19 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.
Goble now faces charges including child neglect, drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession and resisting arrest.
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