Penn Township police say 40-year-old admitted drinking alcohol and taking prescription pills
PENN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Penn Township woman is facing child endangerment and other charges after police said she was found unconscious in the middle of a poorly lit roadway while two young children were left home alone.
Melissa Davis, 40, was arrested Thursday following an investigation that began on July 24 when officers responded to Berlin Road near Chestnut Lane after a passerby reported an unresponsive woman lying in the roadway.
According to Penn Township Police, Davis was found on a dark section of Berlin Road near a blind curve with a cup that smelled strongly of alcohol beside her.
Officers said Davis was unable to sit up, had slurred speech and constricted eyes.
Police allege Davis admitted to drinking whiskey and ingesting six hydrocodone pills and at least eight Xanax pills.
Due to her level of impairment, Davis was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment.
During the investigation, officers determined Davis had allegedly left her two children, ages 11 and 2, alone at her residence without adult supervision.
According to police, the 11-year-old told investigators they saw Davis consume a large amount of alcohol before leaving the home and had asked her to take care of the 2-year-old. Police said the child believed Davis had been gone for at least an hour.
Davis has been charged with endangering the welfare of children, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
The charges are allegations, and Davis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Points
- Police said a Penn Township woman was found unconscious in the middle of Berlin Road.
- Investigators allege she left two children, ages 11 and 2, home alone before the incident.
- Melissa Davis faces charges including endangering the welfare of children, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.