Cynthia Jackson, 39, of Bellefontaine, was charged Friday, April 11, after a young boy entrusted to her care was found wandering alone along the 300 block of South Main Street.
Officers with the Bellefontaine Police Department were dispatched that area around 12:20 p.m. after a report that a small child was seen walking alone. Upon arrival, officers located a six-year-old boy wearing pajamas and and zip-up hoodie in 39-degree weather. One of the adults who found the boy recognized him from school and was able to identify him and where he was supposed to be staying.
The child told officers his babysitter was asleep, so he left the home looking for Nerf guns. He was hesitant to go with officers but was safely transported by cruiser to his reported babysitter’s residence at 629 N. Main St.
Jackson told police she had heard the boy leave the house about an hour earlier and believed he was still nearby. She stated she later had to leave to pick up her grandchildren and briefly checked the area but didn’t see the boy. She said she planned to give him more time to return home before calling the child’s grandmother.
The child was eventually released to a family member. Jackson was issued a summons for endangering children.