ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Police are crediting an Altamonte Springs couple for saving a toddler from an alligator.
The girl came close to a 4-foot alligator in a lake Monday near state roads 434 and 436 after she wandered off alone.
Photos: Toddler found wandering near lake
Her mother is now facing child neglect charges after police found her passed out in an apartment from alcohol and drugs.
The toddler got out of the home through a back door and wandered along a path that leads to the lake.
A couple was out for a walk on the path when they spotted the girl alone and called 911. They told police the girl was covered in mosquito bites and had bruises on her body.
Police tracked down the girl’s mother, Bethanne Ochsenhirt, at her home, where they say they found empty beer cans, marijuana and two rounds of ammunition in the apartment.
On Facebook, the good samaritans said the toddler “ran to us like she knew us. Please hug your babies tonight. There’s too much weirdness in this world.”
Neighbors were sad to hear about the young girl’s situation.
“I have a grandson who is 2 1/2 years old. There is no way that they are going to be down there by the water,” said Dan Shaw. "You do have the responsibility as a parent to always, no matter what the situation is, to take care of your kids."
Ochsenhirt is set to be arraigned next month.
Investigators said the girl was removed from Ochsenhirt’s custody.
Ochsenhirt was had been arrested a few times and was convicted of a robbery in 2009.
WFTV
