A mother admitted using cocaine after leaving her child overnight with her ex-girlfriend, who then allegedly took off with the boy and fled from police.
By the time it was over, both women were headed to jail and the child’s father was called to pick him up.
Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies were called to investigate after Madison Adkins reported that her ex-girlfriend, Haley Messer, had driven away with her juvenile son.
South Point Police assisted, and officers learned Messer was driving a gray Honda Ridgeline and might be headed toward Ashland, Kentucky.
An officer reached Messer by phone. She said she was in Ashland and was instructed to meet police at a carryout.
Coal Grove officers were also asked to watch for the vehicle.
They spotted it on U.S. 52.
According to the Sheriff’s Office report, officers attempted a traffic stop, but Messer allegedly “took off,” weaving through and cutting off traffic before officers were eventually able to get her stopped.
The child was inside.
Deputies said he was upset but appeared to be okay.
Mom Says She Used Cocaine
When deputies questioned Messer, she said the boy had hopped into her vehicle before she left the apartment complex.
The deputy reported that Messer was sweating heavily and fidgeting and appeared to possibly be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Then deputies spoke with the child’s mother.
Adkins told officers she’d left her son overnight with Messer while she went to a party.
According to the report, Adkins admitted using cocaine at the party.
When asked when she’d last used cocaine, she reportedly said she’d used some Friday and “a little yesterday.”
The deputy also described Adkins as fidgeting and moving around in a way that made him suspect recent drug or alcohol use.
Deputies contacted Child Protective Services about the situation.
CPS advised that if the child’s father or another family member could safely take him, that would be preferable to the agency taking custody immediately.
The boy’s father responded and picked him up. CPS said it planned to follow up the next day.
Both women were transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office report does not specify the charges on which either woman was booked.