The parents of a naked, “non-verbal” child were arrested after police found the child playing in an Owensboro roadway.
The Owensboro Police Department said the child was reported to be playing in the road near West 5th Street and Danberry Street on Friday night at approximately 9:00.
“This child was not wearing clothes, appeared non-verbal, possibly autistic and couldn’t give officers any information on who he was or where he lived,” the Owensboro PD said. “Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) was notified to assist.”
Police and DCBS personnel worked throughout the night to identify the child and his parents, police said. Then, on Friday morning, the investigation led officers to a residence on Danberry Street where the parents were identified.
“The child had been with our officers and DCBS (for) approximately 12 hours before the parents had been located,” according to the Owensboro PD.
Police said the parents, 30-year-old Benjamin Harding and 29-year-old Summer Harding, “had not contacted 911 about their missing child.”
Additionally, the home was “in complete disarray and uninhabitable living conditions,” police said. “It was clear to patrol officers that the child was abused and neglected.”
Both suspects were charged with first-degree criminal abuse (child under the age of 12) and endangering the welfare of a minor. They were lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center on $45,000 cash bonds.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
