BOONVILLE— The Boonville Police Department has charged two adults with felony neglect after they allegedly left their 2-year-old child locked in a bedroom while attending a soccer game.
Officers responded to a welfare check at a residence on Maple Street shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday following reports that a toddler had been left alone. Upon arrival, police found a small child visible through a boarded window inside the locked room.
After entering the home, officers discovered the naked toddler locked in the bedroom. They remained at the scene to wait for the parents’ return. About 20 minutes later, the parents, identified as Autumn Brown, the toddler’s mother, and Tyler Brown, the toddler’s stepfather, drove past the house and noticed the police presence but didn’t stop.
The couple was pulled over by police and returned to the residence. After being read their Miranda Rights, Autumn Brown allegedly told officers that she believed it was acceptable to leave her child alone for a short period.
The Department of Child Services has since taken custody of the child. The couple was transported to the Warrick County Jail, where they are being held on charges of Level 6 Felony neglect of a dependent.
The case underscores the severe implications of leaving young children unattended, prompting police to emphasize the importance of child safety. Further investigations are ongoing.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
