Investigators say mother neglected toddlers; Faces child endangerment charges

EAST HILLS, Pa. — A 21-year-old East Hills mother was arrested Monday after police said she was neglecting her two young children.

Authorities said the two toddlers were brought to UPMC Children’s Hospital after police went to their apartment on Park Hill Drive to investigate the report of child abuse.

According to police, Anita Coates’ son was crying in pain when officers arrived at the apartment. Police said it appeared as if the boy suffered an injury to his head several days ago.

Officials said a 2-year-old girl has been released from the hospital, but her 3-year-old brother remains in the hospital with a head injury.

Investigators said Coates told them she heard her son crying in his bedroom on Saturday, and when she checked on him he was face down on the floor.

Doctors said the boy had to have fallen a significant height and suffered a traumatic head injury.

Coates is facing child-endangerment charges, police said. Her children are in the custody of Child and Youth Services.

WPXI