Clairton grandmother charged after 3-year-old found outside without shoes, socks

A Clairton grandmother is facing charges after police say she got drunk and passed out while she was babysitting her three-year-old grandson.

Lateefah Smith was silent as Channel 11 questioned her as she walked out of her arraignment this afternoon.

Clairton Police blasted a photo of Smith’s three-year-old grandson on Facebook this morning — saying neighbors along Vankirk Street found the little boy walking around without shoes or socks while wearing a dirty diaper.

Because he’s so young, he wasn’t able to communicate with officers, so they asked if anyone knew the child.

According to police, Smith was babysitting the little boy and brought him to a friend’s house at around 4 a.m., then fell asleep. Detectives believe the little boy snuck out around 7 a.m.

Neighbors were concerned about the child.

This is a small world, and anything could have happened. I’m very glad that he’s safe,” said Marianne Maksin, a Clairton resident.

Police say Smith’s friend woke her up when she saw the little boy on Facebook.

Officers tell Channel 11 that when smith showed up to the police department, she had slurred speech and reeked of alcohol.

Police say the little boy was safe and unharmed and was taken to Children’s Hospital until they found his family.

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