Couple Found Passed Out In SUV With Kids In Back Seat

CARROLLWOOD, FL -- A couple was arrested by Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies after they were discovered passed out in their SUV on the Bearss Avenue entrance ramp to Interstate 275.

On Sunday around 2:45 p.m., deputies received a 911 call about a Ford Escape that was stopped on the shoulder of the entrance ramp. When deputies investigated, they discovered driver Scott Moreno, 37, and passenger Shikira Ford, 32, passed out inside the car. In the backseat were two small children.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue rescued the children and used Narcan, a drug used to counteract drug overdoses, to revive the couple.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said he's just grateful that the car didn't drift into traffic when the driver passed out.

"Endangering the lives of innocent children is something we will not tolerate in Hillsborough County," he said. "Not only did these two people put children at risk, but they jeopardized the lives of countless other drivers on the road Sunday afternoon with their careless decisions. We are very fortunate that this situation did not end with lives lost, and it's largely due to the quick response of our deputies and the assistance of firefighters."

Moreno and Ford have been charged with child neglect. Additionally, Morena was charged with driving under the influence.

The Child Protective Investigations Division was called to assist with the children.