CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Local authorities are investigating a disturbing case of suspected child endangerment, which occurred on Wednesday evening in the 600 block of East Second Street in Chillicothe. According to the police report, a woman called the police to report that an individual had shown up at her home carrying a two-year-old child.
The caller stated that the person appeared to be under the influence of drugs based on their physical symptoms, including “uncontrollable body movements, fidgeting, and constant neck scratching.” The individual also reportedly yelled, saying they were “done” and “losing their mind,” before pushing the child into the caller’s arms. The caller told officers that the child was crying when she was given to her and was “completely nude” and “smelled really bad.” The woman said that when they asked the individual for supplies for the child, they refused, stating that “it’s your problem now” and that they “couldn’t tell you the last time the child was bathed.”
The child’s mother then got into a blue Chevy Cruze and drove away.
When the caller said they examined the child, they noticed bruises, welts, and scratch marks on the child’s body, which they told officers they believed is from abuse. Authorities, reports say, contacted Children’s Services, which implemented a “safety plan” and allowed the child to stay with the caller for the night. The agency stated that they would follow up the next day.
Police attempted to locate the child’s mother at her last known address, but no contact was made, officers said. Based on the evidence and the statement from the caller, authorities said they believe that the individual created a substantial risk to the health and safety of the child.
The case, authorities said, will be submitted to the court, requesting a warrant for the mother for endangering children. At the time of this publication, no arrests have been made. The suspect’s name is currently being withheld pending arrest.
The investigation, police say, is ongoing. Additional charges could be forthcoming.
The Guardian will update this story as more information becomes available.
