A young child wearing only a diaper was found walking alone along a busy stretch of Kanawha Terrace in Saint Albans, prompting a police response that led to the arrest of the child’s father. Officers say the situation unfolded Wednesday after a passerby spotted the child unsupervised near the roadway.
SAINT ALBANS, WV – The child was discovered by a concerned citizen, who reported seeing “a small child walking alone while only wearing a diaper,” according to the Saint Albans Police Department. The individual was able to follow the child back to a nearby residence, but after knocking on the door and receiving no response, contacted 911.
When officers arrived, they also attempted to make contact at the home without success. Police said the child eventually allowed them inside, where officers began searching the residence.
Father found asleep inside home
During the search, officers located a man upstairs who was asleep. Authorities identified him as Mark Blake Jr., 42, the child’s father. According to police, Blake made a statement to officers at the scene.
“[T]his isn’t my deal, I don’t watch kids,” Blake reportedly said.
Blake was taken into custody and charged with child neglect creating risk of injury. He was transported to the South Central Regional Jail, where he was booked on a $25,000 bond, according to jail records.
Prior incident noted by police
The Saint Albans Police Department also stated that Blake was already out on bond for a similar incident that occurred in August.
Child protective services were contacted following the arrest to assess the child’s situation and determine next steps, police said.
Saint Albans is a city of approximately 10,000 residents located in western West Virginia.
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