DeLand police officers arrested a 35-year-old DeLand woman for neglect of a child after she left her seven-year-old child alone in a vehicle outside a local bar.

At 2:58 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to The Perfect Spot Bar located at 1600 Flightline Boulevard in reference to a found child after the girl walked up to the bar looking for her mom. 

During the investigation, it was learned the child was left in an unlocked car, which was turned off, in a dark parking lot with no lights. 

An officer stayed with the child while other officers began a search for Veronica Elliott, which was met with negative results.

Around 6:30 a.m. as K9 Midnight and his handler were conducting a track, Elliott appeared by walking up to officers on scene., asking what time it was. 

Elliott, who was covered in dirt, swaying with movements and was missing her shoes, was surprised at the time and told officers she was only meant to be away for 10 minutes.

Elliott’s slurred speech patterns and body movements were consistent with an individual under the influence. 

Elliott was charged with Child Neglect Without Great Bodily Harm and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail. DCF responded and took custody of the child.