A troubling call to police Sunday afternoon is raising hard questions about child supervision—and where the line should be drawn.
Around 3 p.m., officers were called to the Four Keys Inn after a report of a 10-year-old child walking alone outside, wearing only a T-shirt and what appeared to be underwear.
What Police Found
Officers contacted Scioto County Children Services and began investigating.
Police located the child alone inside a motel room. The child told officers:
- Her mother was DoorDashing
- She had been outside walking her dog
- She said she was wearing shorts, not underwear
A short time later, the child’s mother arrived back at the room. She told officers she never left the child alone for more than two hours.
Officers also noted the room contained a large amount of trash. They advised the mother to clean up, which she did while officers were present.
CPS workers spoke with officers at the scene and said they would document the incident and follow up the next day.
The Bigger Question
No arrests were made—but the call has sparked serious concern.
This wasn’t a private home.
This was a motel known for frequent police calls and ongoing issues.
So, it raises an uncomfortable but necessary question:
👉 Is it ever acceptable to leave a 10-year-old child alone—especially at a motel with a history of problems?
👉 Does “just for a couple hours” change the risk when the setting isn’t safe?
👉 And at what point does independence cross into neglect?
Police followed protocol. CPS was notified. The system is now involved.