The parents of a three-year-old boy who left his home unnoticed and drowned in a pond while they were smoking marijuana have been arrested.

The incident happened in the city of Sanford, in the US state of Florida, after 3pm on Saturday, 14th October.

Lester Ortiz, 39, and Barbara Ruiz, 37, are now facing charges for aggravated manslaughter of a child in the death of their son Ethan Ortiz Ruiz.

According to reports, the emergency services came to the residence after receiving a call for a missing child.

According to the affidavit, Sanford police officers noticed Ortiz “had a strong odor of fresh marijuana coming from his clothing, bloodshot eyes and was sweating profusely”

In addition, when they entered they noticed Ruiz’s bloodshot eyes and the “entire place” smelled like weed, according to police.

Ruiz told police that she was in the bathroom when she heard a door open and close at about 2:40pm.

She then reportedly asked her 15-year-old daughter to check, but the girl didn’t notice that Ethan had gone out.

While still in the bathroom, she reportedly asked her husband about Ethan, who then realised he was not at home.

Police found Ethan’s body in the pond behind the family’s apartment at about 3:40pm.

The boy was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later.

According to the affidavit, Ethan had left his home on three separate occasions, in two of which neighbours found him and brought him back.

The parents reportedly told police they own medical marijuana cards and smoke weed regularly.

They have been arrested without a bond as the investigation continues.