That's disgusting. Yeah, I got a house full of those. That's Easter. I've never seen this before. Sometimes adults face overwhelming pressure. What's going on today? And children may unintentionally be affected. What was on the side of the bed? He tried to go in her house. Like I was like, "Where do you live? Where do you stay?" And my house is across the street. How'd she get the alley on her knee? Cuz when you're outside of This is a story about children living in a challenging environment where authorities intervened to ensure their safety and well-being. Can you believe it? In a room with both adults and children, unexpected challenges unfolded. This stuff was inside of these bags, but the bags were right here and the bottles were right here. The baby was in this room. >> Baby was right there in that chair. On December 7th, 2024, authorities in West Virginia received a report about concerns regarding unsafe living conditions at a motel with an infant also present in the room. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and knocked on the door. When they requested identification, the situation became unclear and required further clarification. Got Brenda's. Hi. I got to let you come in the room for a minute. We've had complaints that there was drugs in here. Someone's smoking. Yeah, where's I ain't smoking. I have some here. It's laying right there. All right. I need everybody inside this room to produce identification. It's laying right there. Does anybody have any firearms inside of here? No. Do you have anything with your name on it all? Credit card, debit card, social security card? Our social security card and stuff is in my daughter's safe cuz she loses it on a regular basis. She can tell you all the information off of it, I'm sure. >> Where's the Where's the safe at? I'll tell you I don't know the number but I know what like 7th Street in Fairmont. Okay. My daughter's house or my grandma or the grandma's house. Okay. What's your first name? Jenna. Jenna? All right, hold on just a second. Let me run all you guys' information, okay? Who's in the truck? I don't know. Is it your Who's in it? No, it's my daughter's friend. She Yeah, I'm about to go to work. So everybody's got to stay inside. Everybody's got to stay inside. Everybody's got to stay inside. Did you say you were driving? No. Okay. So I see you're suspended. >> No, I'm driving. Okay. No, you asked who was in the truck and I I'm just saying she's in the truck but she I wasn't even thinking that The daughter doesn't Jared and her ain't in the truck, but the boy ain't in the truck. You got your ID on you? You don't have any physical identification on you? I got arrested a couple months back and never got them back. At Mount State in Yeah, Mount State. Raleigh County. You don't have anything at all with your name on it? Oh yeah, I got it. I got it. Okay. Okay, yeah, that'll work. [Music] Yeah, any other form of ID is okay. The fact that they said there was an argument, that's what I'm saying. Yeah, that's what they called us for. The atmosphere quickly became concerning and officers temporarily separated the child for safety while assessing the adults' living conditions. That's what they called us for. Where do you work at? KFC. Thanks, sir. No, not right now. Well, everyone has to stay here. You're all detained. For a Yeah, you have you're in possession of controlled substance schedule one. Okay, I yeah, I get that. I don't intend on arresting anybody over Right. Let me just say that. Right, I get it. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, unless you get a medical card. The proof of me having a medical card I I have it. Just prove me one of these bills that I have cancer. I have a bad heart. I just need to go pay the $150 to get the card. That's all I got to do. According to West Virginia state code, if you can prove financial hardship, the the fee is waived. We're going to All you have to do is prove financial hardship. Do you follow any of the dispensaries on Facebook? Not really. Get on Facebook like all the dispensaries and every now and then they'll do like sign-up events and when they do a sign-up event you you go in person and they'll do it. If you go when they do it in person, they usually have a counselor there on the spot that'll approve you right then. All you got to do is show them your income and if it's zero, you show them zero. I have one now because I I've worked since I was 13 years old and I'm 51 years old How old is he? He's 9 months. 9 months? He seems chill. He seems like the boy. Once if you just want to watch him for a second, we'll talk to dispatch. Who's the room registered to? Me. It's registered to you? Yes. I'm going to close this door that way the baby's not getting cold. After gaining cooperation from the family, officers inspected the room and observed clutter, unsanitary conditions, and items that could pose a risk to children. This can work two ways here, okay? Number one, you guys give us consent to search your room and all the items inside. Way number two, everybody goes in handcuffs, you all get transported, secure the room, and I get a search warrant. You got two. You got two. I would prefer not to have to put you guys all in handcuffs and do that as long as there's no Okay, are you fine with that? [Music] One of them's through Whitehall. I heard that. >> Yeah, one's through Whitehall, one's through the state. Yeah, the other one's through the state. So you just want to give us consent? Yeah. Okay. Does anybody have anything else inside this room that I need to be aware of before we conduct search? Sir? Okay. I haven't even been here. My dad doesn't have a bank card. I have to rent the room. What I'm going to do all right. Yeah, I know I appreciate that. Have you? What What branch Are you in, partner? >> We need Brian. Military? No, that's my brother. Ah, okay. So I see you're wearing colors, so Do you have anything on you, partner? No. Okay. You got anything in your pockets, partner? Okay, I appreciate you. Is that a wallet back there? Yeah, I'll be holding it. Okay, yeah, if you just want to take that out of your pocket. I'll try and make this as fast as I can that way you guys can get get out of here. All right, you got anything else on you, partner? Everything I get I'm putting right there. Okay. There you go. There you go. If we have to step outside, can I put him in the truck? >> You absolutely can. If you guys all want to sit in the truck, I don't care. That way you're not in the cold, okay? All right. Are you on parole right now? Am I? Yeah. In Virginia I'm parole baking. Okay. For fines? Yeah, that's what it's for. You can go put the baby in the truck and you guys can hang out in the truck if you want. Yeah. You can go outside if you want to. You just can't leave, okay? What's the diaper bag and stuff I just brought in, didn't it? Very wet. Just brought it in, huh? Chronic thing or? Well, I have a bunch of stomach issues but I have a bad heart and Soon after, everyone in the room was questioned for further investigation. Okay. Hook them all. Sir, put your hands behind your back. I'm going to bring you back here, okay? You can Now have you take a seat here against the against the wall here. You're all under arrest. I'm getting arrested, too? All of you. That's an ice? Yeah, it's got it. That's what he's talking about. I don't think I can get down there. You stay with the baby. Yeah, what is going on? You're all detained. Ain't nobody leaving. Oh no, partner, you're all going. I just got $5,000 cash. So where's the rest of it? That's what I I bought it 2 days ago and I've been getting high. You didn't smoke an ounce in a day, dude. You didn't smoke an ounce in a day. A deeper assessment uncovered serious issues showing that the child had been in an environment that posed serious risks. Individually You got You got four bags here, dude. One, two, three, four. Packaged ready for sale. That's disgusting. I know he does have like He's like terminal and cancer. So he says he's been throwing up like crazy, too. Oh, that's interesting. All of this was laying right here. So we haven't searched at all. I would say it's the girl that Gina arrested because he let her go to the bathroom. Yeah, I'd say she dumped it. This room's disgusting. It stinks in here. He told me I've been throwing up in the trash can. Watch out. Yep. Oh. Yeah, you want to take a picture of this? That's why he didn't want me to go trash can. Oh yeah, bud. Try and collect as much as we can. Let me go grab an evidence bag. So he's up here selling to those people is what he was doing. We just walked in on it. It was in the bottom of that thing, huh? Plus there was some in that lid. Papa Gina is going to be happy with this one. Look at that. That's what we got out of that trash bag. Yeah. This thing's -45 g. That's funny. He said he bought it like this. These are all the baggies that match that. Yeah. All right. This is going to be a good one right here, I think. Watch out for needles and [ __ ] There's two little rubber things in here. Who would have guessed? Oh, there we go. You ever seen that? No. The holy grail. [Laughter] It's like a decorative piece. It kind of looks like it, don't it? Broken pipe. I'm a proud redneck head. Yeah. Wait, was it really? Yes. That bottle I have I didn't place it there. The mother was primarily responsible as she rented the room and was in charge of the child, though all adults shared responsibility for the situation. So, these bottles were here. >> These bags that contained all these paraphernalia right beside the bottles. This stuff was inside of these bags, but the bags were right here and the bottles were right here. My formula never looked like that. What is that? That's I'm not sure if that's the bottle. The bag that was right next to the bottle had the Not to mention all that. Oh, and all those. Baby Baby was in this room. Baby was right there in that chair. Yeah. Feel like we've got felony charges all day. What? Didn't charge it? No, he did charge it. Okay, I'm charging it. >> And then I couldn't figure out how to get into the station. >> Oh, that's why you That's why you texted me. >> person watching me. She's like, "Do you not ever come here?" I was like, "Yeah, I come here. I don't know what's happening." I'm going to go ask her what's in this. Yeah, go for it. Surprise, [ __ ] Pipe. Deborah King in here with her pipe. I probably got to arrest me, too, cuz I got a bunch of fixings. What did she say it was? She didn't say. I don't know. What do you mean you don't know? >> I love it how feisty you get. Oh, well, no, you guys did it. You guys did it when you dumped everything out. >> We did that? >> Yeah, apparently. We mixed it up and everything? I guess so. It's magic. Kinko, are you thirsty? Yeah, I'm I'm getting a little hungry. I haven't had lunch yet. No, there's not. >> That's what that is. I promise you. >> go get my phone. I'm taking a picture of that. Molding in the baby bottle. The mother faced charges of conspiracy to commit a drug-related crime, conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, child in possession of a controlled substance with intent to traffic. Other adults were also held accountable. Some were already on probation in Virginia, while others had active warrants from Whitehall. What do you think is the best way to protect children who are living in unsafe environments, while also helping families learn and improve? Okay, so who was supposed to be looking after him? Me. That's me. He He just had to been like 20 minutes ago. In fact, the boy spent some time with police before his mother arrived. On April 1st, 2024, Elyria police in Ohio received an emergency call about a 2-year-old boy walking unsupervised. Officers quickly arrived, comforted him, and ensured his safety. The situation was challenging because he was too young to provide his name or any family information. [Laughter] [Music] Is he totally nonverbal? He tried to say something, but we can't make out what he's saying. Don't tell him he's Do you know your name? Do you know Do you know your name? Their info. [Music] Yeah, you call us to see if we have anything. Officers went around the neighborhood with the child, knocking on doors to find his family, but no one seemed to know him. Have you seen him before? I mean, yes, I've seen It's a lot of kids over here, so he looks familiar. >> Okay. Okay. I'm having dispatch run through Okay, all six of these. Just to see if there's ever been a call before. Is this your house, buddy? Hey, man, can I borrow you for a second if you don't mind? Cuz you're young. Do you live down here? No, I live on Taggart. Do you live down here? Do you recognize this one? No. Okay. All right, thanks, man. I appreciate it. What? WE DON'T KNOW. SHE KNOW WHO HE IS? OKAY. [Applause] OH, REALLY? YEAH. What's that? Okay, so her Okay, so I thought that's I thought it was one of y'all's kids. Okay. So, you know my Hey there. I know you're you usually know like everything that's going on, so I'm like, Maybe she knows she's home. You seen him? Cuz you you helped us last time we were down here, so No. Yeah, I got a house full of stuff. Easter. I've never seen this little boy. That might make sense, actually. Is it over here somewhere? Possibly. How How long was he with you guys? This one. Well, I think he might be confusing him. Come on, let's go try down here. Just stop here for a second and see if he starts See if he walks himself. Do you recognize any of this? Here? Can you show us? Can you show us? Cuz we're trying to He's all We're trying to find it. Can you show us? Yeah, he's been like walking around pointing at every door, so if you know him, we'd really appreciate it. Do you recognize him? I think he wants to stay at our house. Here, 1 second, buddy. I think he's staying 103. This is 103. This is 103. I'm in 105. I'm in 105. Okay. All right, we're going to go to the next one. Really? There's supposed to be a car for them. Surprisingly, even longtime residents in the area had never seen the boy before. Cuz he knocked at the door. I thought that was her son cuz he looked like Okay. All right. We appreciate it. Let's try 113 then since that comes back. No. I think that's his mom's car, but I'm not sure if that's the same kid I've been seeing in that car. This white one? Okay. Hey, buddy. Do you know this? Hello. Hey, buddy. Is this yours? This one? Do you know whose this is? No. Okay. All right. Okay. Well, do you know I know a lot of people down here have Do you know anyone that this might come to to mind as to who he might belong to? Honestly, cuz I know I don't see a lot of cars here that too. It's like a lot of people There's not been a lot of cars here. Most of the people with cars kind of moved through, but there is Yeah, the girl that I know with kids, her car isn't here, though, so All right, thank you. Come on, buddy. With no leads, officers took a photo of the boy and shared it on social media to ask for the public's help. Cooperation between police and the community helped keep him safe. And we have two options. It's not super cold, so we don't have to take him back right away, but let's snap a picture of him. Let's send that to Hey, buddy. Tell Mike Walker, and then he can give that to Lee. Um just call Mike. Be like, "I'm going to send you a picture." See if we can get that up on Facebook. >> I'll walk this cuz it's not like raining or anything. Yeah, take him back to the cruiser. Call Mike. Let him know what we have. I'm going to go walk around just to see if anyone else is walking looking for their kid. Let me grab a picture of him just so I can show other people. I can send you mine. [Applause] All right, just send it to Mike. Okay. Just start getting the process rolling for getting that on social media. Put him in a car. I just sent you a picture. Do you know who this boy is by chance, man? Man? Have you ever seen him before? If I If I've ever seen him, it's probably been in the front or somewhere, but >> So, we have a No. Okay. Child. Okay. So, he was down there looking in a lady's car, but we don't know if Yeah, we don't know if he was He can't speak for So, we're just kind of going around, but he keeps going up to like every door like he's looking here, but everybody's saying they don't recognize him. Yeah. Bring him back there. Back to the station? >> Back to the station. Okay. Leave a unit canvassing. I can canvas. You want to take back? Or I can take back, but he's going to start uploading to social media. >> Yeah, I can I can take the kiddo back if you want to do that. You have all your notes and stuff like I got it there for me. Come on, buddy. Let's go back. All right, come on, buddy. He was taken to the station while officers continued trying to identify his family. Shortly after, his mother arrived. They found her? Yeah. Are you mom? Yes. Where do you stay? What's your son's name? Yash We're recording here, ma'am. Is there anyone else at the house? Is it just you? His the dad's there right now. >> who was supposed to be looking after him? Me. That's me. >> Okay. >> He just had been like 20 minutes ago. I usually leave my screen doors locked because he opens my door and go out. This is the second time he's done it. And I called him, he was at the park. This was what? Yesterday before yesterday. He just started doing this. I don't I don't play that. My my kids don't come outside at all play with other kids. They're always in the house. That's probably why because he's always in the house. He needs to get out. >> What's your name? De'Asia. D E V Is that your last name? Yes. I got four kids, too. I It's not just him. All right, ma'am. So, what we're going to do, we have him at our station. All right, so I'm just going to take you back and then we'll we'll talk about everything there, okay? >> Okay. All right. So, you want to hop in the back of mine? We'll get you going. >> let um my baby's father know first? >> Yeah, I'll drive you I can drive you over there and yeah, we'll we'll get it handled there, all right? You want to get on the passenger side? We'll get on the passenger side. The mother was later taken to the station to reunite with her child. Additional context about the family's situation and her role in caring for the child was shared. All righty. Going down on the sergeant still? You already talked to Sergeant Walker about some of the resources that are available. So, this card has the QR code and you can follow there's There's numerous different resources that you can go. I just want to talk to you about what happened. This isn't an interrogation or anything. I just want to have a friendly conversation kind of about what happened, what may have led up to this. This isn't going to be used against you or anything like that. Do you have any other children in the home? >> Yes. Okay. Three other kids. I have a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 9-month-old. Same father? >> Yes. Same father. >> For all four? >> Yes. >> Okay. Is Is he in the home with you? No. He's there sometimes. I usually don't have these problems. Like he did day before yesterday. That was the first time it ever happened to me. But I'm starting to think that like they're in the house so much. Mhm. He wants to probably get out. And you know what I'm saying? >> I I get what you're saying. My sergeant mentioned he was doing stuff with his ears when you were talking to him and you said that your other son does that. >> I know my other son does do that. >> Which Which other one is doing >> The The oldest. >> The oldest? >> Yeah, but I think it's more of a It's like when they get in trouble. It's not like I do all the time cuz I don't yell all the time, but when they know they're about to get in trouble, it's like they get like a certain type of way. It's not a all the time thing. It's sometimes. He don't He don't do it all the time. I would say my oldest do it more than him. Did Sergeant Walker talk to you about autism and all of that? >> Yeah. Okay. Is the Cuz obviously he's two, so he should >> Yeah, he'll be three on the 14th. So, he's almost three and he's not talking? I don't know if it's just because they're they're in the house all the time and they don't be around much. You know what I'm saying? >> Mhm. >> If they were around kids, they would know a little bit more or So, if So, we have him who's obviously not talking. >> Like he talk He talks. >> Okay. >> He He really talks. >> around other people then? >> It's probably around other people. Like he talks more than any of my other kids ever did at his age. Like he says full sentences. Okay. She said she had been under pressure caring for several young children. Police suggested family support programs to ensure the child's safety and healthy development. That card that we had for you, like I said, you go on there, it's going to pull up a whole list of resources that you can point in the direction for kids that might have It's First off, the list on there for the the resources goes everything from people who are homeless to everything that we deal with. But you will find a subsection that deals with kids who go through this kind of stuff. Something that you might want to look into is our department offers a program called Project Lifesaver should he go missing again. If he is diagnosed autistic or any other special need, they do offer a program where they put a GPS tracker on him because if he is demonstrating the ability this young to be able to escape a house, you turn your back one second and then You know what I'm saying? If something happened because this was an hour it took us to find him or to find you where he was at. Yeah. And that's See, that's what I'm saying. Time just be flying and I just don't You know what I'm saying? When you got three other kids and you got so much going on, you got to do this, do that. I'm helping my son with his homework. He's homeschooled. So, is Is everybody in the house homeschooled or do >> No, he's just homeschooled. And the other one's not schooled yet. He'll be in school next year. Who's homeschooled? >> My oldest. The 6-year-old Is he's the only one that's 6-year-old? Yes. That's homeschooled? >> period. >> Nobody else helps you with managing all of the kids and Is the father in the He's He's He's He's in there. Like he You know, he's there. >> Does he help with the schooling and all of that watching the kids? About how many days a week would you say? Two or like three days. Three days a week? Is that like a full day or like a part of the day or >> Part of the day. >> How many hours would you say? Probably five hours a day. Five or six hours? I guess he's working. Okay. Is he paying child support or do you guys just like kind of co-parent? >> We co-parent. Okay. Did you talk to my partner about what happened today or >> No, I didn't. If you want to talk about it, we can talk about it. I do. Okay. The mother explained how the child had wandered off. So, basically you just want to tell me what happened and if I have any questions, we'll go from there. Okay. So, I don't know. How long was How long How long was he You said he was gone for like an hour? He was gone about an hour. So, like was he like So, he had to be So, somebody must have like gotten him right when he went outside cuz that's the only way. So, the way the way he was brought to our attention is someone called cuz he was looking in the window of cars across the street. Like he was looking for something. So, he kept pointing back towards the east and kept saying go that way, but we ended up on Hodge and then like he was kind of by like where the mailboxes were. We'd walk towards Hodge and then come back down and eventually got to the point where we were like we don't know. And your neighbor said that like wasn't They didn't recognize him. The lady on the end who was really helpful talks to us all the time. She didn't recognize him. I figured if Okay, so your kids are pretty much kind of introverted. Okay. I don't I don't want to seem like a bad, but I don't want my my children seeing the wrong stuff. You know what I'm saying? They be cussing and You know, I don't want my kids introduced to that type of stuff. stuff. So, I got to keep them away, but I still feel like I should, you know, I do like in the summertime take them to parks and stuff like that. But as far as them just going outside and playing with the kids, like I don't trust them. He is smart. He is smart. I will say that. So, if I had to phrase this in a politically correct term for my record, you don't want your kids going outside to keep them away from the social life of Well, is that how you would say that? >> Okay. Yeah, just Well, And I'm trying to like read between the lines of what you're saying, but I'm trying to phrase it in a in a way I just want to make sure you're in agreement with that. >> Yeah. Yes. Um so, that would make sense why they don't see going on. Obviously, we did try knocking on your door. I think we tried knocking on your door. I'm 100% sure cuz I did come back. Obviously, they did find you eventually. Did they find you by knocking on the >> No, when I I was on the phone WITH THE POLICE, I WAS JUST WALKING AND I SEEN PEOPLE. THEY WERE LIKE, "ARE YOU looking for a little boy?" I'm like, "Yeah." So, you noticed he was gone? Yeah. Okay. Okay. I'm not I'm new to this stuff. This stuff don't happen to Got some bread. That's pretty much all I have. Let me I'm going to talk to my boss. We'll see if we can get you out of here. She still had to be accountable for the situation. Family services were involved to review the circumstances and she would have the opportunity to share her perspective. The process focused on providing support rather than punishment, reflecting the humane approach of the US system. All right. De'Asia, understand the you are going to be cited today for endangering children. Now, before you freak out about it, you have your day in court, you can explain what happened that you were busy preoccupied with the other kids. I am going to listen before you get upset. I am going to put everything in there about how he could possibly be on the spectrum and that we don't know, which would work in your benefit. >> Like so not fair. Like it's not fair cuz I'm not It's like Hey, sweetie. And And like you told me too, you went out trying to find him. You tried to to call Just Just understand from our side, it was an hour. We were starting to put his picture online. We had a lot of steps moving to try and find you because we couldn't. This is not the end of the world. At the end of the day, we are here to assist you. This is a simple go to court, make your case. They're going to read our report, okay? We do have to contact CPS anytime a child goes missing and we we reunite him with the family. That's why I was asking you the questions about homework. I don't see any issues as of right now with what you told me. But they're probably going to come out and just want to talk to you and say, "Hey, what's going on?" All the same questions I asked are probably in a little bit more detail, okay? Getting discharged, it is like not the end of the world. You have court on Wednesday. It's going to at 10:00 a.m. I don't even have a car. I have a car, but it's not even working right now. I have four kids. I don't even have any help. So, what I'll do Like what transportation? So, what I'll do and that like I said, that's why you're not going to jail. I'm giving you this. What I will do is I will write down Do you want me to write down the phone number to the court? You can call them and say, "I have to show up Wednesday, but I don't have a ride. This is what I got charged with. How can we work together?" They might not know what you're talking about immediately because the court won't have our copy of this until tomorrow morning. So, maybe wait until tomorrow morning. So, like I said, they won't have a copy of this until it goes over tomorrow and it gets reviewed. But, as of right now, your court date is on Wednesday the 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at the court. The address is listed right here. It's the one right across the street from where Okay. If you don't think you can make it, call tomorrow morning. Call them. They always work with people. Okay? Officer Hackney is going to take you home, okay? He's going to take the kiddo home. You guys can go together. Do you have any questions for me on what you can expect going forward? I know a lot of parents think because something happens and we have to do our job, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. But, they think this is the end of the world. They think someone's going to come take their kids. Like I said, I talked to you about his home life. He's going for The other kids are going to school. You're doing your job. You're feeding them. They have beds. That's all going in here. see any issue coming of this, but they do have to follow up just because we've had an incident. Do you have any questions for me of what you can expect going forward? No, I've been through this before when that um oldest was a couple months old. So. Okay. I mean, I know how it goes. Okay. And again, that's not saying you're a bad person. I honestly think in this situation, I mean, with him being able to show that he can push a chair. And I will put that. I'll be like, "We were talking about home life and he pushed a chair up to the door." I mean, it's on my camera that he has that capability to do that. And if you're saying by he's 2 and he's dressing himself every day, that shows a high degree of intelligence, okay? So, but Officer Hackney, if you wouldn't mind giving her a ride back home, make sure she takes this with her and if she's got any questions, just answer them. Awesome. Those four. Okay? The mother was charged with endangering children. Under Ohio law, if convicted, she could face up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine. The case is a reminder that parents should seek support from the community to create a safe environment for children to grow. Iowa reveals an important lesson. Sometimes challenges in caring for children can be linked to an adult's health or stress. She's going to jail. She's having a psychiatric episode. She's She's bipolar. On April 15th, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa, police received a call about a woman outside in the rain with several young children. When officers arrived, they found the situation challenging and worked carefully to ensure everyone's safety. Did you guys call it in? Okay. [Music] They're inside. Okay. Who are you? Oh, that's her. Okay. Okay. I'm going to grab this stuff out of the car. Okay, thank you. Hi. Good morning, police. What's going on today? [Music] What's going on with you today? Can you tell me your name? Megan. Megan? Why are you sitting on the ground, Megan? Where are you coming from, Megan? You don't know? Okay. Have you had anything to drink today, Megan? Yes. Yes? A lot? Like what? How did you get here? Is this your car? Yeah. Were you driving your car? No. Not today? Yes. How'd your car get here then? That was today? Yes. Did you just drive your car here? If you didn't drive your car, how'd you get your car here? Okay, we're going to go walk to my car. I'll help you up. Come on. Okay, we're going to stand up now. Come on, Megan. Let's stand up. Come on. We'll get you out of the rain. You got to stand up for me. I don't know what I'm promising. You got to get up. Okay. We're going to walk to my car. We're walking this way, okay? Okay, Megan. Take a seat for me. Slide your legs in. Fortunately, neighbors stepped in to help. They quickly brought the children to a dry place to keep them safe from the rain. Did any of you guys see her driving the car? I didn't. I was just filling gas over here when I turned around, she was on the ground and the kids were standing outside and then they came over and then the store rep came over and took the kids inside. Okay. And then I walked over here and she was on the ground and that's all I seen. All righty. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> anything I can do to help her out? No, I think you're good. I appreciate you stopping by though. Hey guys. What are you eating? What is that? SpongeBob? All right, guys. These are our friends, right? You can be just like us. See, it looks just like mine. Woah. Does it have a name? Yeah, it's a It's Mouse? Yeah. I like that name. Yes, we are police officers. Yep. Yeah? Where's your dad at? [Music] [Applause] He's trying to find your mom? Do you guys live with your dad or your mom? You live with They live together? [Music] Who Who's mom is that out there? That is their mom. And that's your aunt? Make your aunt. Okay. So, our parents are somewhere far away and are going to a wedding. Okay. [Music] [Music] Who does? Uh my mom. She does? How'd she get the owie on her knee? Cuz when you're fell down. She fell down what? When did she fall? She just like came out of the car and then collapsed on the What were you guys doing before you came to here? Got you. What hotel are you guys going to? I forget, but Does it have a pool? Yeah. And inside? Yeah, and outside. It's too cold outside. It's raining. [Music] Police worked with the mother and tried to contact a trusted family member who could care for the children temporarily. All right, Megan. So, here's the deal. Obviously, you're extremely intoxicated, right? Right? Who are those kids to you? Are they your kids? Yes? Okay. Do you live with anybody else? Yes. Who? Your husband? Is your husband been drinking today? Yes. He has been? Do you have any other family close? Megan, you got to talk to me. Do you have any other family close? No. No? Do you have any good friends? Yes. You have good friends? >> Yes. Do they live close? Yes. Anyone that you would trust watching your kids? Yes? Okay. Who is that? Britney? Okay. Are we able to call Britney? Do you know her number by heart? You do? Okay. I'm going to call Britney, okay? What's Britney's phone number? You said you know it by heart, right? Well, you don't know it by heart. Okay. Where's your phone? Can I look in your car for your phone? Okay. Can you find Britney in your phone? Your dad was calling you. Does he live close? Don't call my dad. Okay. Let's call Britney. Does he live close? He does? Okay. Hi, this is Officer Dykstra with the Des Moines Police Department. Who is this? Hello, is anybody there? All right, I'm going to try to call your dad, okay? Hello, this is Jim. Hi, Jim. This is Officer Dykstra with the Des Moines Police. I am. I can. Are you Are you Megan's dad? Okay. Do you live in Des Moines? Okay. Can you come to the QuickTrip at East 30th and University, please? Yes, she's okay. I just need someone to come take the kids, okay? How far How far away are you? You're extremely intoxicated, right? And what have you What have you been drinking today? Like hard alcohol? Yeah? You're under arrest for public intoxication, okay? Yes. Would you like to submit to preliminary breath test? Is that a no? Okay. Soon after, the children's grandfather arrived. He immediately comforted them to help them feel safe in an unfamiliar situation. Hey, how old are you guys? [Music] Seven, four and a half. And how old are you? So, your grandpa's coming to get you guys, okay? Who's grandpa's coming? You're going to a hotel? Okay. Yeah, we're going to go get your mom some help when you go with your grandma. Hi, are you Jim? So, she was found outside of her car, just absolutely hammered. Okay. They're not in there right now. They're inside. So, I'm just going to explain it to you and then we'll go inside and get the kids. She was outside. She said that she wasn't driving the car or anything like that. So, I'm not really able to prove that she was driving the car at this time. So, she's not being charged with OWI, but she's getting charged with public intoxication and four counts of child endangerment, okay? Does that make sense why that would happen? Okay. She's in the back, she's going to be going with us today, but I'll take you inside and you can go get the kids, okay? So, outside we just sit on the curb just to make sure that Hi guys. When your dad gets here, you can have whatever you want. Where are the kids going? The address. Like I assume your place, right? For now. The family shared that the mother had been struggling with ongoing mental health challenges. This highlights that psychological support is important not only for the individual, but also for the well-being of children in the family. Sir, do you want to do me one last favor and just park her car here and I'll let them know and I'll let them know if you just want to have someone come get her or something. Yeah, their house is actually just two blocks away. Okay. She's going to jail. She's having a psychiatric episode. She's She's bipolar. She's stopped taking her medicine and I think she When she does that, sometimes she she drinks. I mean, that's not illegal, which is What's that? You can't force her to take medicine. No, I know, but I mean, she's she needs psychiatric care for sure. Well, make sure you tell the jail that Okay. We'll get there. We'll be the ones, me and him will be the ones. >> kids? Did you find them? Yeah, they were okay. They were just in the car. She was outside the car, so they can't charge her with OWI. I mean, we don't want to I mean, we don't want to She just finally got it >> She is getting charged with four counts of child Yeah, I figured that. >> Public intox. Yeah, she she We fought for a long time that she had a drinking problem. We finally got the medical care that she needed and they diagnosed her with bipolar and she's been absolutely fine since that was like four months ago. The last few days she's been acting a little weird and I thought maybe she stopped taking her medicine. >> Based on the kids' statements as well, I mean, they said she was sounding funny, walking funny. And I I was trying to figure out where she was and get to them. All right, whose dad are you? >> The two um It's the one with the curly hair girl. Pearl and Jack are my niece and nephew. Okay. And their parents are in Minnesota right now. I'm watching them. >> Yeah, that's what they had said. Said you guys are going to some hotel. Hotel? Yeah, we were going to go swim at uh Sunny Sunny Creek Inn in Urbandale. Our Our cousin works there. Do you want to take Jack and Pearl home? Yeah, where's my mom? She's with the kids. She doesn't have boosters in your car. Pearl can ride in my car? Yeah, Pearl and Jack's stuff's here. Okay. Your children are here. I'll take them home. Come get me. Do you want my information to give a statement or anything? Do you need dad's information? >> I was talking to her while all this was going on. Yeah, I'm Just so I have that. I appreciate all your help, okay? You're good to get out of here. >> And she's definitely having a medical emergency. She's bipolar. Okay. >> taking her medication. If she does that, it all goes crazy. Okay, I'll note that in the report, okay? Okay, but I mean, she's going to need medical help in a different facility. The jail staff has nurses on staff that'll look at her. Thank you all so appreciated. >> Thank you. Even with support, the mother still faced legal responsibilities. However, authorities considered her current mental state rather than focusing solely on Hi, we're going to have to have you step out, okay? You're going to have to step out. We're going to have to search you and then we're going to take you in a wagon, okay? Faster we do this, faster we can get there, okay? It's going to be warmer. No, I'll help you out. I love you, baby. You'll be okay. Come on, baby. Hey, you got to keep holding on. There you go. Can you step out and face towards the wet Face towards the car for me, okay? All right, hey. Oh god. You don't have anything in your pockets, do you? All right, I've got it. So, go ahead, put your hands behind your back for me, okay? Okay, hey. Let's go this way. Okay, let's go out this door. Did that officer offer you a PBT? No. What? Nothing. Did he offer you a PBT? Okay. Go ahead and step up, okay? Watch your head. Come on, just got to get in here. Come on. You're okay, just slide forward on your knees. All right, here. Let's have you step out. Do you want me to go in and return her? Yep. All right. Come on, come here, come here, come here. I got her. You got her? Okay. Let's go this way. Okay. Hey. What's going on? What's going on? Why'd you fall down like that? Because Are you okay? Yeah. Okay. Hey, come here. What? Okay. Got the medics here to come get you, okay? Let's slide you out of here. We're here to help you, okay? Okay. What's your name? Megan. The mother was charged with public intoxication and four counts of child endangerment. Under Iowa law, she could face four to eight years in prison and a $6,000 fine. This case is a reminder. When mental health support is lacking, children can be most affected. Strengthening parents' well-being and family connections is key to keeping children safe. After everything, the most important thing isn't assigning blame. It's ensuring that children are protected and can grow up in a safe environment. US law focuses not only on rules, but also on education, support, and helping parents maintain well-being because caregiving challenges can come from stress or health struggles rather than intent to harm. 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