Child found alone in Estero, leads to arrest for alleged abuse

A 9-year-old boy is safe after being found walking alone along a busy road in Estero on Tuesday. Lee County deputies said the situation quickly escalated from a good Samaritan stop to a child abuse investigation and arrest.

The boy told police he was kicked out of his home for having bad grades.

A passerby brought him to a nearby McDonald's, where she called 911. The police report stated the boy was wearing just boxers, a long-sleeve shirt, and one shoe.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said Juan Matias Nolasco is now behind bars, accused of child abuse. They reported the boy had been tied to a chair, beaten with a belt, and had bruises all over his body.

"I just feel so sorry for him," said Skip Hampton, a regular McDonald's customer.

Hampton said he would have stopped to try to see what was wrong and to help.

The Sheriff's Office confirmed that a woman found the boy and stayed with him at the McDonald's until deputies arrived.

Hampton, who visits the McDonald's three or four times a day, said it was a blessing the boy was kicked out.

"If he was kicked out, he was so lucky," he said.

Hampton expressed gratitude for the woman who found the boy, saying he would have done the same thing to help.

The Department of Children and Families placed the child in emergency care. Due to Marsy's Law, his identity is being protected. 

WINK News reached out to the woman for comment and did not receive a response.

Community members like Hampton said stepping in can make all the difference. The investigation remains ongoing.