Police and CPS Investigate Possible Child Neglect in Silver Spring
Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department’s Special Victims Investigations Division and investigators from Child Protective Services (CPS) are investigating possible child neglect allegations that occurred on Sunday in Silver Spring.
According to a police account, shortly before 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Montgomery County Emergency Call Center received a call to check the welfare of two children in the area of Fenton and Easley Streets. Police said the call was dispatched at 5 p.m. and the first officer arrived in the area at 5:01 p.m. The officer made contact with the complainant who directed the officer to the Fenton Street parking garage where the officer found the children. This was at 5:03 p.m., police said. The officer observed a homeless subject who he was familiar with, eyeing the children. This male subject remained in the area during the time that the officer was there with the children, according to the police account.
Police said the officer began by identifying the children and notifying his supervisors. At 5:16 p.m., he contacted Child Protective Services (CPS), per established protocol. Under Maryland law, police officers who become aware of circumstances involving possible child abuse or neglect are mandated to contact representatives of Child Protective Services.
At approximately 6:10 p.m., the officer contacted another CPS employee for guidance. At 6:41 p.m., the original CPS worker contacted the officer and stated that a decision was still forthcoming from within CPS.
At 7:18 p.m., police said a decision was made to transport the children to the CPS offices located at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville. The officer was also advised that CPS would notify the parents. The officer followed the direction of the CPS worker as procedures dictate – due to the serious nature of a Child Protective Services investigation and concern for the welfare of the children, they cannot be returned home until their safety can be assured.
Prior to being transported to the CPS offices, police said one of the children asked to use the bathroom. After an approximate 20 minute ride to CPS, the officer and children arrived at CPS at approximately 7:43 p.m. A bathroom was made available at that time, according to police.
While the children were with the officer, police said the kids told the officer that they were hungry and thirsty, stating that they had last eaten hamburgers between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. that afternoon. The officer related these facts to the CPS employee and advised that he had provided his own bottles of water to them. According to a police account, the officer had his personal lunch with him as well and was giving it to the children when the older child advised that he and his sister had food allergies – at that point the officer did not want to provide any food item that might cause an adverse reaction to the children so he did not give them his lunch as planned.
Investigators from Child Protective Services as well as detectives from the Montgomery County Police – Special Victims Investigations Division continue to work together on this event.
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