SPRINGFIELD, IL – A late-night visit to a neighborhood home ended in criminal charges after a Springfield woman allegedly left her two young children, including a medically vulnerable infant, with people she had just met before disappearing for hours and later being found in an impaired state, according to authorities.
Nakeia Morris, 25, is being held in the Sangamon County Jail on a charge of driving under the influence. She also faces a charge of endangering the life or health of a child, according to a report from local ABC affiliate WICS and jail records reviewed by Law&Crime.
Children left with strangers overnight
The incident began Sunday evening at Comer Cox Park, where Morris met at least two individuals while their children were playing. The group later went to a residence in the 2500 block of Yale Boulevard so the children could continue spending time together.
According to authorities, Morris left the home around 10:30 p.m. without telling the residents where she was going. The homeowners told officers they attempted to reach her and received a text message at 2:54 a.m. in which she said she was on her way back.
She did not return.
Concern escalated when the residents, still caring for Morris’ children hours later, contacted police at approximately 5:10 a.m. Monday. Officers were told that the children had been left in their care overnight with no clear instructions or contact from their mother.
The situation was complicated by the condition of Morris’ 1-year-old son, who requires a feeding tube. The residents reportedly did not know his medical needs or when he had last been fed.
Arrest after early morning police search
Roughly 40 minutes after the call, officers located Morris’ vehicle. She was found in the passenger seat and appeared to be intoxicated, according to authorities.
When officers asked about her children, Morris allegedly told them “she did not have any,” according to police accounts cited by WICS.
She was taken into custody and booked into the Sangamon County Jail. A court date had not been set as of the latest available records.
The condition of the children was not immediately released.
Springfield DUI arrest, child endangerment Illinois, Sangamon County Jail records, Comer Cox Park incident, Yale Boulevard Springfield case
