Abandoned Child

On October 28th 2008 at approximately 3:06 AM Martinsburg Police responded to the 300 Block of South Water Street in reference to an abandoned child. Officers arrived at the scene and located a small infant approximately two to three years of age and also a child safety seat which had been left along the sidewalk.

A witness advised that they observed a vehicle in the area shortly before observing the child. It was advised the child was not in the car seat but was running towards the departing vehicle.

Martinsburg Police Detectives were able to identify the abandoned child after her photograph was released to the media. A witness came forward to the police and advised she recognized the photo of the child as a child that she had previously watched in the past.

At approximately 11:59 AM Martinsburg Police were able to locate a residence for the abandoned two year old infant and Det Lt. GB Swartwood and Ptlm. D. English responded to this Martinsburg West King Street area residence.

The mother of the infant child was located at the residence and she identified the photograph of her child. She was advised her child had been taken into the custody of the Martinsburg Police Department. She also had an additional four year old daughter at her residence. The mother and her daughter were brought to the police department were an interview was attempted.

The mother was later taken by emergency medical personnel to Martinsburg City Hospital after she complained of an illness. Her four year old infant daughter was taken into the custody and care of the Martinsburg Police Department and later released into the custody of a DHHR representative. DHHR currently has custody of both children.

The investigation is ongoing into this matter and criminal charges will be forthcoming. The Martinsburg Police Department would like to thank the media and the community for their prompt response and concern.