Local

Apopka police called multiple times for neglect prior to suspect's arrest

APOPKA, Fla. — An elderly woman in Apopka who police say was left in horrible conditions at a motel may have been able to get help sooner.

Vickie Ambler thought the victim looked so bad during one of her stays at Crosby’s Inn she thought the woman may have been dead.

Police say the 85-year-old was living with her daughter in a room filled with cats, and that had urine and feces covering the floor.

So on Dec. 29th, Ambler called police.

“I was expecting them to call Orange County Animal Control and the mother would get medical care,” Ambler said.

Police didn’t take any action when they found that the elderly woman was dressed and coherent.

“[It] don’t make any sense at all,” Ambler said. “That’s just not the way it was.”

Two weeks later on Friday police were called in reference to the conditions in room 117 again.

Officers did nothing except file a report.

“I was very disappointed. I didn’t know what else to do then,” Ambler said.

Apopka police were called back to the motel the next day, and arrested the woman’s daughter, Rhonda Miller, for neglect.

Police declined to be interviewed by WFTV, but officers said their hands were tied because the 85-year-old insisted she was fine and didn’t need help.