Police officials said the 32-year-old mother reportedly left her her non-verbal autistic 5-year-old son in a dark, dead-end street before driving off. The boy was later found walking nearby by passing motorists. “These types of cases simply break your heart. All children should grow up loved and wanted. I hope the child ultimately lands in a caring, loving home.” prosecutors said. The boy is now in the custody of Jobs and Family Services.
The 32-year-old mother from Indiana, Heather Adkins, was taken into custody on Saturday in Kentucky. Police officials said the mother was arrested at a gas station for an unpaid fine from 2011. She reportedly confirmed to authorities that she is the same person CTPD were looking for in connection with the abandoned 5-year-old.
Investigators believe the 32-year-old mom left her son in a dark, dead-end street in Ohio before driving off. Police said the boy was later found walking nearby by passing motorists.
County Prosecutor Joe Deters released the following statement: “These types of cases simply break your heart. All children should grow up loved and wanted. I hope the child ultimately lands in a caring, loving home.”
According to the police officials, the 5-year-old boy is now in the custody of Jobs and Family Services. It remains unclear why the mother was in Kentucky during the time of her arrest. Police said the mother will stay at the SCDC in Kentucky for a few days and then will be transported to Ohio.
The 32-year-old mom faces one count of endangering children, court records say. This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.