September 10, 2025

Mother Arrested for Leaving Children in Running Truck with Gun

News Summary

In Jacksonville, a mother has been arrested after leaving her three young children alone in a running tractor-trailer at a truck stop. TorQuita Tashe Griffin, 36, faces multiple charges including child abuse and firearm safety violations. Police found a loaded handgun inside the vehicle, raising serious safety concerns. The Florida Department of Children and Families is now investigating the welfare of the children, who were fortunately unharmed. The incident highlights crucial issues surrounding child neglect and firearm safety.

Jacksonville – A 36-year-old mother, TorQuita Tashe Griffin, has been arrested after leaving her three young children alone in a running tractor-trailer at a truck stop in Riviera Beach. Griffin faces serious charges related to child abuse and firearm safety following the incident, which has raised concerns about child neglect and safety protocols surrounding firearms.

Police responded to the Marathon Gas truck stop after receiving reports of a tractor-trailer parked at a gas pump for more than three hours. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a 16-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl inside the vehicle, with a 20-month-old girl still present as well. The teenager informed the officers that he was unable to operate the truck, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a loaded Glock Model 26 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the floorboard between the driver and passenger seats. The firearm was found to be loaded with seven rounds, which heightens the risk associated with the children being left alone in the vehicle.

Griffin was located shortly thereafter with the truck driver. Upon questioning, she admitted that the gun belonged to her and explained that she had left the children unattended in the truck for about an hour while she went inside to buy food. This decision has raised numerous safety concerns, especially given the presence of a loaded firearm in the vehicle.

Following the incident, the mother has been charged with three counts of child abuse, three counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, and two counts of child neglect. Her actions have brought to light the importance of ensuring the safety of minors and securing firearms properly to prevent tragic accidents.

The children’s father, identified as 26-year-old D’Ontai Lorenzo Williams Armstrong, was also present at the scene and was cited for trespassing. The involvement of both parents in this incident raises additional questions about the care and oversight provided for the children.

In response to the incident, the Florida Department of Children and Families has been notified and is now conducting an investigation to assess the safety and welfare of the children. Fortunately, reports indicate that the children were unharmed following the event, but the circumstances surrounding their care have prompted a closer examination of their living situation.

The case highlights the serious implications of leaving children unattended, especially in potentially dangerous environments. Incidents like this not only pose risks to the physical safety of the children but also establish a necessity for parents to be vigilant and responsible in their duties. Firearm safety education is equally critical, underscoring the need for gun owners to securely store firearms, particularly in the presence of children.

As the investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Families continues, the community is left to grapple with the gravity of this incident and the importance of protective measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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