Chicago police found four small toddlers home alone in Austin on New Year’s Eve. After one of them asked passing officers for aid, the 1–11-year-old kids were found in a West Side home. Dominique Bishop-Smith, 29, was arrested for four misdemeanor child endangerment offenses.
New Year’s Eve Child Endangerment: Woman Charged After 4 Kids Found Alone in Chicago
The disturbing incident occurred Sunday afternoon in the 4800 block of West Jackson Boulevard when an 11-year-old child hailed down police. He said he and the other kids were left unsupervised at a residence in the neighborhood. Officers quickly arrived at the address and found a 1-year-old boy, a 4-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy.
Bishop-Smith’s relationship with the kids is unknown. Officers took the children to Oak Park’s West Suburban Medical Center out of concern for their health. The cops failed to find a guardian for the children.
Dominique Bishop-Smith faces four misdemeanor child endangerment charges. The charges show the seriousness of leaving small children alone, especially on New Year’s Eve.
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Child Safety Reminder: New Year’s Eve Incident Highlights Risks of Unsupervised Kids and Stresses Community Awareness
The incident shows how vulnerable youngsters are when left unsupervised and the risks involved. The 11-year-old’s police call emphasizes the need for community awareness and care to protect children.
Authorities will likely probe the incident and Bishop-Smith’s relationship with the children during the court procedure. The four youngsters briefly placed in medical care due to a lack of a guardian remain in the spotlight.
This tragic occurrence reminds us of the importance of appropriate adult monitoring in kid safety, especially during family celebrations.
READ ALSO: 4 children left alone on New Year’s Eve in Austin; woman charged with child endangerment
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