A 54-year-old grandfather was arrested for child endangerment after giving money to a homeless woman to take his granddaughter, 7, to a thrift store while he went to a bar in the Sacramento-area. He also faces charges of being drunk in public and driving with a suspended license, per The Sacramento Bee.
Authorities responded to a call at a bar’s parking lot in the Old Foothill Farms neighborhood. A passerby reported that the grandfather claimed his granddaughter was “kidnapped for human trafficking.”
When deputies arrived, they discovered the grandfather heavily intoxicated. He admitted to giving $20 to a homeless woman to take his granddaughter to a thrift store while he went to the bar. A nearby security camera recorded the woman taking the 7-year-old girl.
Additional sheriff’s personnel were summoned to locate the missing girl. The search involved a sheriff’s helicopter, aerial drones, and K-9 units. Approximately 30 minutes later, the homeless woman, upon hearing the helicopter’s announcements, returned with the girl. Deputies verified the woman’s statement that the grandfather had given her money to take the child to the thrift store. She expressed concerns about the grandfather’s ability to take care of the young girl.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman took the girl to her camp to provide food. Deputies interviewed the child, who confirmed the woman’s story. Luckily, the granddaughter was discovered to be in good health and was checked by paramedics. It was revealed that the girl’s aunt had custody but had asked the grandfather to look after her while she worked. After consulting with Child Protective Services and the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Bureau, officials allowed the girl to return home with her aunt. Consequently, the grandfather was apprehended for child endangerment.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
— A G PETERSON (@John316AP) May 9, 2024