Child found in Deltona pond

Volusia County deputies found a 4-year-old boy standing alone in a retention pond in Deltona on Saturday morning. Officers arrived after receiving a report about an unaccompanied toddler near the water. They pulled the child from the pond safely and identified his nearby residence.

Inside the home, deputies observed extensive animal waste, a roach infestation, and mold. The Volusia Sheriff's Office stated the conditions were unsanitary. Deltona Animal Control also responded to the scene. Officers took custody of a dog that was found in a cage and appeared neglected.

The child's parents are Fermin Medrano-Perez, 25, and Jeneixa Rodriguez-Crespo, 24. Both were arrested at the scene. They face charges of child neglect and animal cruelty.

A grandparent has taken custody of the 4-year-old boy. The Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted to begin follow-up procedures. Authorities have not yet determined how long the child remained unattended or how he entered the pond. Officials also have not released information on how long the family lived in the home's reported conditions.

The Volusia Sheriff's Office provided the details on October 31, 2026. No additional specifics about the incident were released at that time.