Miami woman arrested after breaking into neighbor’s apartment with child’s help

A Miami woman was arrested after police said surveillance video captured her and one of her children breaking into a neighbor’s apartment and removing furniture and other belongings, WSVN reported. The incident occurred while the apartment residents were at work, and the items were left scattered in a common area outside the unit.

Police said the woman forced open the rear door of the apartment, damaging the door, lock, and furniture inside, according to CBS News Miami. The building manager identified the suspect as a tenant who had moved into the complex two weeks earlier.

Officers attempted to contact the woman after the break-in, but she did not respond to knocks at her apartment door or rear window. Due to concerns about the children’s welfare, the Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted and sent an investigator who was initially unable to reach her.

The woman faces charges including third-degree grand theft, criminal mischief, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, and resisting an officer without violence, CBS News Miami reported. Police entered the apartment the following day after hearing screaming and spotting blood near the door while assisting DCF employees.

Child welfare officials were involved due to the presence of minors during the incident.