A southeast Atlanta woman is facing child cruelty charges after police say she left two small children home alone for several hours early Wednesday.
Authorities said they found two children in the bedroom of a completely dark apartment with no power that reeked of animal waste.
"Apparently the security guard that works out there was doing his routine patrol. He discovered an open door. That security guard went inside to see if everything was OK, maybe it was accidentally left open. What he found inside was two children, a 6-year-old and 2-year-old, that had been left alone," said Sgt. Greg Lyon of the Atlanta Police Department.
Authorities have charged Shantonia Heard with child neglect. Police say they were in the unit for about an hour when Heard came back. She told them that she had stepped out to recharge a cellphone. They're still investigating how long she was gone.
"I just heard somebody hollering and screaming and I came out the door and looked and seen the cops arresting my neighbor downstairs," said Maria Little, who lives above the apartment.
Little said her thoughts are about Heard's two children and what is in their future.
"I'm just worried about the kids. It just hurts. Nobody wants their kids to go to DFACS," said Little.
Police said that the children are in the custody of Division of Family and Children's Services.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:48:09 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:26 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:26:06 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
