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Seven-year-old boy found wandering down Washington Avenue with no shoes or jacket

By Alecia Kaus

Batavia Police responded to Washington Avenue and Summit Street about 3 p.m. this afternoon for a 7-year-old found wandering down Washington Avenue without shoes or a jacket.

A Batavia Police officer covered the child with his jacket and held the frightened boy before putting him in the police car to warm up.

The boy's young adult sister, who was watching the child, showed up on scene 15 minutes after police got there. She brought him a jacket and a pair of shoes.

The boy's sister told police their mother was not home, she was working. She says her little brother had just come home from school when he went missing. The young adult sister said she was responsible for the child.

The boy was found just down the street from his residence on Washington Avenue. He was only wearing a short-sleeve shirt and jeans, with no shoes, and walking down an icy, slush-covered sidewalk.

Batavia Police are investigating and charges may be filed.

John Woodworth JR

Someone had to comfort the little guy. It's obvious the sister gave two sheets in the wind. Curious though, the child arrived home from school I am assuming in a coat and shoes so, how does one not notice a child that walks outside without? Neglect comes to mind. Of course we are talking about a brother and sister issue here.

Jan 28, 2013, 7:32pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

John, how could you jump to conclusions like that? None of us know what the circumstances were. It's impossible to know how this happened with the information presented to us.

I'm glad the outcome was favorable and that temperatures were not what they were 2 days ago. The story might be different. His sister is a young adult. I'm sure his sister didn't demand that he go outside to play without a jacket and no shoes...c'mon.

Jan 28, 2013, 9:13pm Permalink
Debra Nanni

Very VERY well said Doug!!!! This was not a baby thrown in a snowbank. Little kids at that age sneak outside at times to do whatever they may be able to get away with . Growing up in the country, I am sure my mother caught me outside many times as a kid when I forgot to add shoes or coat , does not mean she was negligent.

You are so right, before this becomes a CSI case, it really needs to be put in perspective.

Jan 29, 2013, 8:50am Permalink

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