Florida man accused of leaving kids in car while he went to drink

OCALA, FL (KTRK) -- A Florida man is facing neglect charges after police say he left his three children in a car while he went into a bar to drink.

Joshua Keith Delong, 28, was booked into the Marion County Jail on three counts of child neglect, according to the Ocala Police Department. Police say Delong was in the bar for more than four hours when someone came inside after noticing the children in the car screaming 'Daddy' and honking the car horn.

Police say once outside, Delong tried to get in his car and leave, but was detained by security until officers arrived. At some point, investigators say an unknown person or persons struck Delong, knocking him unconscious.

Once police were able to speak with Delong, he denied bringing the children to the bar with him. After he was treated for his injuries, Delong was transported and booked into the Marion County Jail. He's facing three counts of child neglect.