A routine traffic stop in Pembroke Pines, Florida, escalated into a serious criminal case after police discovered a mother allegedly driving under the influence while her young daughter was hanging out of the vehicle’s window.
Isabella Fernanda Saenz, 26, was arrested on the night of Sept. 13 and faces multiple charges after her five-year-old daughter was spotted hanging precariously out of a moving vehicle.
According to Guessing Headlights, the alarming incident unfolded just after 10:30 p.m. at a busy intersection. An officer with the Pembroke Pines Police Department was waiting at a red light at Sheridan Street and Flamingo Road when he noticed something shocking in the adjacent lane. A young girl was standing unsecured on the rear seat of a Lexus, with her upper body fully exposed outside the right rear passenger window.
She said she was “unaware” that her daughter was unbelted
According to the arrest affidavit obtained by WPLG Local 10 News, the situation became even more dangerous when the traffic light turned green. Instead of correcting the situation, Saenz accelerated and crossed over a solid white line to move into eastbound traffic while her daughter continued hanging out of the window. The officer immediately pulled her over.
When confronted by police, Saenz’s initial explanation raised more questions. The arrest report states that she claimed to be completely “unaware” that her daughter was unbelted or leaning out of the vehicle behind her.
The officer also noticed several signs of possible intoxication. Saenz reportedly smelled strongly of alcohol, while her eyes were described as “glassy, red, droopy” and glossy. When asked where she had been, Saenz said she was driving home from a children’s birthday party in nearby Miramar.
She initially admitted to drinking one margarita but later told officers that she had also smoked marijuana.
Police then administered a series of standard field sobriety tests. According to the arrest report, Saenz struggled to remain steady and follow the officers’ instructions. Her breathalyzer readings registered at 0.124%, above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08% for drivers.
Saenz was taken into custody by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and booked into county jail on Sept. 14, 2026. She was formally charged with driving under the influence and child neglect.
The child neglect charge is a third-degree felony in Florida, carrying a maximum penalty of up to five years in state prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
Florida law also provides enhanced penalties for DUI offenses when a minor is present in the vehicle. A standard first-time DUI can result in penalties including license suspension, community service, fines, and probation.
Current case status
Court records indicate that Saenz has a history of traffic infractions in Broward County dating back to 2023, although some of those citations were ultimately dismissed. A Broward judge initially set her bond at $8,000.
According to updated jail booking records, Saenz has since posted the required amount and was released from custody.
As of this week, a definitive date for her formal arraignment and initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Published: Sep 18, 2026 05:15 am