Jacksonville, Florida — A Florida woman expecting a DoorDash delivery allegedly discovered two children left alone outside her apartment, setting off a police investigation that led to the arrest of a 24-year-old man facing multiple charges.
According to an arrest affidavit, Ezra Anthony Tyson faces two counts of child neglect after allegedly leaving the children outside the Jacksonville apartment on October 9. He also faces a domestic battery allegation stemming from a separate incident involving the children’s mother.
Investigators reportedly reviewed doorbell camera footage as part of the case. Tyson has since posted bond, and his next court date is scheduled for November 12.
Woman Finds Two Children Instead of Her Food Delivery
The incident reportedly began around 1:30 p.m. on October 9, when the woman heard someone knocking on the door of her Jacksonville apartment.
She had ordered food through DoorDash and initially expected the knock to be related to her delivery. However, when she opened the door, she found two children standing alone, according to the probable cause arrest affidavit.
The woman reportedly looked around for an adult but could not find anyone nearby.
The DoorDash delivery driver subsequently arrived and allegedly told investigators that he had seen a man running away from the area.
According to the affidavit, the woman knew the children’s mother but had not expected anyone to leave the children at her apartment. She also reportedly did not know how Tyson had obtained her address.
The unexpected discovery prompted authorities to investigate how the children came to be left outside the residence and who was responsible for their care.
Doorbell Camera Footage Allegedly Shows Man Leaving Children
Investigators reviewed footage from the apartment’s doorbell camera, which allegedly showed Tyson knocking on the door before leaving the children behind.
Deputies later located Tyson at a business in the 5600 block of Norwood Avenue in Jacksonville. According to the affidavit, Tyson told authorities that the people at the apartment knew he was leaving the children there.
That account differed from the woman’s reported statement that she had not expected the children to be dropped off at her home.
The allegations described in the affidavit have not been established as facts in court. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will determine how the conflicting accounts are addressed.
Children’s Mother Reports Separate Domestic Battery Allegation
The case also involves an earlier alleged confrontation between Tyson and the children’s mother.
According to the affidavit, the mother accused Tyson of assaulting her on October 1. She reportedly said she had taken an Uber with their two children to drop them off at his home.
The mother allegedly remained inside the vehicle because of what the affidavit described as “past altercations.”
She told authorities that Tyson opened the car door and pulled her hair, allegedly ripping out one of her braids. A witness reportedly intervened, telling Tyson to stop and attempting to pull him away from the woman.
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When questioned about the allegations, Tyson denied touching the children’s mother and reportedly responded, “that’s bulls—” Authorities subsequently arrested him on an allegation of domestic battery in addition to the two child neglect counts.
The domestic battery allegation concerns a separate reported incident and remains an accusation rather than a proven finding of guilt.
What Happens Next in the Jacksonville Case?
Tyson was arrested on October 18 and taken to the Duval County Jail, according to the information provided in the arrest report. He has since posted bond.
His next court date is scheduled for November 12.
The child neglect charges stem from the allegations that he left the two children outside the apartment without the expected arrangements for their care. Investigators also cited the doorbell camera footage and the delivery driver’s reported observations as part of the case.
The available information does not specify whether the children suffered any injuries or provide further details about their condition after the incident.
As the case moves forward, court proceedings are expected to address the allegations against Tyson. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What do you think should happen when children are allegedly left unattended outside someone’s home without warning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
