UNNAMED TODDLER GIRL - 2 yo/ Accused: Uncle - Wyandotte MI

WYANDOTTE: Naked toddler found wandering in street; uncle arrested for child neglect

Published: Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The man, who is the girl’s uncle, said he works nights and returned home at about 5 a.m. He said he is responsible for watching his niece while his sister, the girl’s 20-year-old mother, is at work during the day. Officers asked when he last saw the child. He said he believed it was at about 9 a.m., adding that he thought he heard her in her room at about 11 a.m.

Police noted that the house was unkempt and messy, but not deplorable. The girl was taken to Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital for evaluation. The girl’s uncle put together clothing and diapers so she could be properly clothed at the hospital after treatment. He was then arrested for child neglect.

A doctor at the hospital cleared the girl for discharge, finding no significant or obvious signs of abuse.

After receiving a call from her brother prior to his arrest, the girl’s mother arrived at the hospital and said she blames herself for the incident. She said she put her brother in a bad position. She told police he works late hours and it’s tough for him to watch the little girl because he is tired from work and “he likes his sleep.”

Police contacted a Child Protective Services agent, who was briefed on the incident. The agent felt comfortable turning over the child to the custody of her mother as long as better arrangements were made for her care.

Police said the agency will assess the incident to determine if further investigation is warranted.

The child’s mother told police that she will be taking her daughter to the girl’s paternal grandparents house in Port Huron. She said the grandparents have half-custody of the girl and she will be staying there for the time being.

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