Mother Arrested After Four Young Children Found Walking Alone in Cold Weather

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro woman has been arrested on a felony charge after police say four young children were found walking unattended in cold weather while attempting to reach their grandmother’s home.

Albria Lashay Scott, 28, of Jonesboro, is charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, a Class D felony, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Jonesboro Police Department.

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Officers were called Jan. 18 at approximately 5:07 p.m. to the area of Belt Street in reference to four unattended juveniles. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the children, who were identified as ages 1, 5, 6, and 8.

Police reported the youngest child was not wearing socks or a coat, and witnesses noted the temperature was below 40 degrees at the time. Officers asked the children where their parents were, and one child stated their mother, Scott, had left the night before and had not returned.

SEE MORE: January 18 Weather Records

According to the affidavit, witnesses said the children were crying, and the 1-year-old was crying while being carried by the other children. Officers reported the children told them they were trying to walk to their grandmother’s house to get food.

Police later determined the grandmother lived on Jamaica Place, approximately 5.2 miles away. When asked how they planned to get there, the children reportedly told officers they were going to “follow the trees.”

The affidavit states the children were crying because their arms were tired from carrying the 1-year-old. Officers noted the situation posed a significant risk, as the children could have become lost or been struck by traffic in a high-crime area.

Officers attempted to contact Scott, but police said she stopped responding to text messages once she learned officers were on scene.

Scott was later arrested and transported to the Craighead County Detention Center.

Judge David Boling set Scott’s bond at $25,000 cash or surety. Her next court date is scheduled for March 20.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.