She was barefoot, unclothed, and alone — a Good Samaritan stayed by her side until help arrived. But what officers uncovered paints a more complex picture…
Just after 7:30 a.m., a concerned citizen called 911 after spotting a naked toddler wandering alone near 3rd Street and Marshall Avenue. The caller said they would stay with the child until officers arrived, worried for her safety in the early morning chill.
👮 When police arrived, they were able to quickly make contact with the child’s mother, who was wrapped in a towel. She explained that she was getting ready to bathe herself and her daughter, who is Autistic and had apparently slipped out of the apartment unnoticed.
The child had not made it into the street — only onto the sidewalk, where the caller found her. The woman also confirmed that the mother came out within 5–7 minutes, which lined up with what officers were told by both parties.
🚪The mother also said her own mother lives in the apartment next door, providing additional support and supervision when needed.
✅ No Charges Filed — But A Wake-Up Call for All Parents
Officers determined there was no apparent failure of care, but took the time to advise the mother on ways to help keep the child safely indoors, especially considering her child’s special needs.
💡 Safety Tips for Parents of Young or Neurodivergent Children:
- 🧠 Use childproof locks or high-latch systems on all exits
- 🛑 Install door alarms or chimes that alert when doors open
- 📱 Consider wearable trackers for children with a history of elopement
- 🧑🤝🧑 Have a neighborhood emergency plan — make sure trusted neighbors know how to help
- 🚓 Don’t hesitate to call for help — fast responses can prevent tragedy
🙏 Shoutout to the caller and our first responders for handling this scary situation with compassion and calm — and for recognizing that sometimes, accidents happen even in loving homes.
Because in a world where one open door can lead to disaster, it takes watchful neighbors and responsive officers to make sure every child makes it back home safely.
