What was supposed to be a typical Sunday night on Miami Beach turned into a scene straight out of a crime drama — complete with marijuana smoke, tequila bottles, a firearm, and a helpless toddler trapped in the backseat of a hot-boxed car.

According to authorities, Phillip Fraisar, 36, and Kasey Renee Buckmann, 27, were arrested on August 31, 2025 outside the Clevelander Hotel after horrified bystanders claimed they were smoking weed and drinking alcohol inside a parked vehicle — while Fraisar’s 2-year-old son sat in the backseat, engulfed in smoke.

The Tip-Off

Around 9:20 p.m., a passerby noticed the suspicious scene: a car filled with haze, the smell of marijuana thick in the air, and a child’s silhouette barely visible through the tinted windows. Alarmed, the witness quickly called police, fearing for the boy’s safety.

When officers arrived, they discovered Buckmann and the toddler still inside the car, both surrounded by clouds of smoke described as so dense it fit the definition of “hot-boxing” — a term used to describe filling an enclosed space with marijuana smoke.

Meanwhile, Fraisar had temporarily stepped out of the car, leaving Buckmann behind with the child and the drugs. But when he returned, police were ready.

The Arrest

Officers moved in and immediately noticed troubling details. A pistol was tucked inside the glove compartment, while a large clear bag of marijuana was reportedly stashed under the driver’s seat.

Police say there was no mistaking the situation: marijuana smoke, tequila bottles, a firearm, and a toddler all in one closed vehicle.

Fraisar was promptly taken into custody on charges of child abuse (no harm), felon in possession of a firearm, and marijuana-related offenses. Buckmann was also arrested and charged with child abuse (no harm) and possession of marijuana.

Both were transported to Miami-Dade Corrections Department for booking, where their mugshots tell the story of a night that went very, very wrong.

Prior Convictions and Red Flags

This wasn’t Fraisar’s first run-in with the law. Records show that in 2015 he was convicted in New York of criminal possession of a weapon. That prior conviction made his possession of a firearm in Florida especially serious, potentially compounding his legal troubles.

Authorities emphasized that the child was the most vulnerable victim in this case. “The marijuana smoke filled the vehicle, as is commonly referred to as hot-boxing,” police wrote in their report, underscoring the health risks posed to a toddler’s fragile lungs.

Released but Not Free

Despite the shocking circumstances, both suspects were quickly released. Fraisar was held on a $1,000 bond before being freed, while Buckmann was also released on bail, court records confirm.

But their legal troubles are far from over. Both are scheduled to appear in court for arraignments on September 30, 2025, where they’ll have to answer for their actions before a judge.

The child, meanwhile, was safely removed from the dangerous environment. It remains unclear who currently has custody of the boy.

Public Outrage

News of the arrests has sparked outrage across Miami and beyond, with many social media users blasting the couple as reckless and irresponsible.

“This isn’t just smoking a little weed — this is endangering a baby’s life,” one Miami resident commented online.

Another added, “Hot-boxing with a child in the car? That’s not parenting. That’s criminal neglect.”

The case has reignited heated debates around marijuana use, child safety, and the responsibilities of parents who choose to partake in substances while caring for minors.

Expert Opinions

Child welfare experts say cases like this are tragically common, even if they don’t always make headlines.

“Secondhand marijuana smoke can have serious health consequences for young children, including respiratory issues, developmental concerns, and long-term health risks,” said one pediatrician familiar with similar incidents. “Combine that with alcohol, firearms, and neglect — and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.”

Legal analysts predict that Fraisar could face stiffer penalties due to his prior weapons conviction, while Buckmann’s charges may hinge on the amount of marijuana found and her role in caring for the child during the incident.

A Pattern of Dangerous Parenting?

Authorities are now investigating whether this was an isolated lapse in judgment or part of a larger pattern of neglect. “The presence of a firearm, a large bag of marijuana, and alcohol suggests this may not have been the first time,” one law enforcement source told reporters.

If convicted, the couple could face not only jail time but also the potential loss of custody rights.

A Shocking Reminder

The Miami case serves as yet another reminder of how quickly poor decisions can spiral into criminal charges — and how the most innocent often suffer the consequences.

For onlookers, the image is unforgettable: a toddler strapped into a car seat, coughing through a cloud of marijuana smoke, while the adults responsible for his safety sipped tequila and passed a joint.

Thanks to one vigilant passerby, the situation didn’t escalate into something even worse.

The Road Ahead

As Fraisar and Buckmann prepare to stand before a judge later this month, the case will undoubtedly continue to spark debate — not just about parenting and marijuana but about where society draws the line between recreation and recklessness.

For now, both defendants walk free, bonded out of jail. But the shadow of their actions — and the viral outrage surrounding them — will follow them straight into the courtroom.

And at the heart of the case remains one haunting truth: a 2-year-old boy had no choice but to breathe the smoke of his parents’ decisions.