Ocala mother charged after kids found alone during fire, accused of giving them sleep aids

Woman charged with child neglect after kids found alone

An Ocala mother was arrested this week after firefighters discovered her three children alone inside an apartment while responding to a nearby fire, authorities said.

OCALA, Fla. - An Ocala mother was arrested this week after firefighters discovered her three children alone inside an apartment while responding to a nearby fire, authorities said.

What we know:

Ocala Fire Rescue were called to an apartment on Wednesday morning at the Laurel Park apartment complex.

According to crews, a lithium-ion battery attached to an e-scooter ignited, leaving the apartment a charred mess. While officials were trying to evacuate the rest of the building, they found three small children home alone in a different apartment.

Monica Garza, 33, wa