News

Two-year-old boy escapes daycare, found riding toy bike in street

SANDUSKY, Ohio — Police in Ohio found a two-year-old boy riding a toy bike in the street in 35 degree weather.

It turns out he escaped from a daycare that has had four similar complaints in less than five years.

Sandusky police body cam video showed a disoriented two year old boy riding a toy tricycle, his socks and pants soaked.

The child was unable to tell police where he came from or how he ended up on a busy street.

Officer David West of the Sandusky police was the first on the scene.

"I really couldn't believe it, especially that time of the day and the temperature, barely dressed, just walking on this little scooter in the middle of the street," West told WEWS.

Video of his dash cam showed the young child on the street and also showed how a good Samaritan stopped his vehicle, got out of the car, called police and signaled another car in the oncoming lane.

"And he's waving to the other car to slow down, look what we've got over here, and the car did slow down and stop. So kudos to the caller," said West.

Police had to go door to door to track down the daycare owner, who police said was watching six other children sleeping on the first floor.

Children Services was called to the scene and, fortunately, the child did not suffer any injuries.

The daycare owner has been charged with a misdemeanor.

Police said the front door of the home daycare did have a deadbolt lock, but that it was easily accessible for a toddler to reach up and open the door.

"We tried to explain to her maybe some child proofing, door knob covers, if she's watching more than one kid maybe get an alarm or something on the door so if the door opens there is a beeping sound," said West.

That daycare owner is pleading not guilty to the charges against her.

She could go to jail for up to a year if convicted.