Local

Mom admits to drinking, smoking pot when 4-year-old daughter wandered from home

FOREST HILLS, Pa. — A Forest Hills woman is facing several charges, including endangering the welfare of children. Police said the woman's 4-year-old daughter wandered away from her home Tuesday while she was drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana at a neighbor's house.

According to police, a woman found the 4-year-old girl wandering alone outside Forest Hills Plaza on Ardmore Boulevard.

The woman told police the girl didn't have on a coat or shoes.

"I saw on the sidewalk this little sweetie. She had one sock on and her other foot was bare," the woman said. "She said, 'I can't find my mommy,' and she was trying not to cry."

While the woman looked after the girl, others notified police.

"Her lower lip was quivering. She was so scared, so I took my jacket off and wrapped her up in it," the woman said.

Authorities said no one was home at the girl's house so they took her to the police station.

"She was able to point out her home and tell us where she lived," Forest Hills Police Chief Chuck Williams said.

According to police, officers eventually tracked down the girl's mother, Markea Kirby.

Police said Kirby first said she was at a neighbor's house drinking tea, but later admitted she was drinking and smoking.

Robert Lawson, who lives on Kirby's street, said he talked to her about the incident.

"She doesn't know how her daughter would walk out of the house like that. She told her to stay in there," Lawson said.

Kirby is free on bond, and her two daughters are in the care of Child, Youth and Families.