A man asked to watch after three children on Christmas night is now accused of abandoning them.
- Man accused of abandoning kids on dark, busy street Christmas night
- James Williams, 54, charged with 3 counts of child desertion
- Williams reportedly was babysitting kids for a short time
According to the Tampa Bay Times, James Williams, 54, was asked to watch the children for a brief time, but instead, he left them scared and distraught on a dark and busy part of Turkey Creek Road near Ethan Way on Christmas night.
Hillsborough County deputies said Williams was involved in a traffic crash just before 9:30 p.m. The crash was investigated by FHP, and it was unclear whether anyone was hurt.
The children were found about 100 yards away from the vehicle that Williams was driving and were in a state of panic, according to the report.
Williams was found a mile away from the children and the vehicle he was driving.
Williams was arrested on child desertion charges and is being held on a $6,000 bond.
The police report does not give the ages of the children.
The case remains under investigation.