Wandering Toddler Found in Bar Parking Lot

The mother of a 3-year-old in North Carolina was arrested when she was accused of leaving the boy unsupervised after he was found walking down the street alone wearing only underpants.

Reports suggest that young children, especially toddlers, are prone to wandering away from home in an attempt to satisfy their curiosity about their expanding world. While caregivers typically employ several measures to prevent kids from doing so, it is virtually impossible to watch them at all times. On September 5, a family in Monroe experienced an unfortunate situation when a 3-year-old boy was seen roaming around the neighborhood after his mother left him at a family member’s home.

At some point before 10:00 AM, several people reported that they saw a youngster walking around by himself, and he only had underwear on. The child made it to the parking lot of a local bar, reported to be approximately a quarter mile from the residence. The authorities were notified, and an adult witness stayed with the toddler until the police got there. Officers learned that it was the second time the youngster had been found alone in the same area. They also reported that they believed his mother left him without letting anyone know he was there.

The woman was taken into custody and booked into the Union County Detention Center. She is facing a preliminary charge of misdemeanor child abuse. According to records, she was released from jail after posting bond. There are no current reports about additional circumstances of the alleged incident, such as who, if anyone, was supposed to be taking care of the child when it occurred. The incident was also reported to child protective services.

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