By Peggy Mackenzie
A man is arrested in Ronceverte after a small child is “found in cold water in the edge of the roadway.”
Drew A. Walton, 21, was arrested and charged with child neglect creating risk of injury. He was arraigned in front of Magistrate Jim Childers and was placed on a $2,000 surety bond.
According to Ronceverte Police Chief J.R. Byer, an 18-month old toddler was found unattended in a ditch on Tuesday morning about 10:30 a.m. in Ronceverte by two people driving along Greenbrier Avenue. The witnesses reported seeing the child near the edge of the road in about four inches of water from melting snow. The 18-month-old boy was wearing only pajamas and was very cold and wet. He was taken to Greenbrier Valley Medical Center by EMS. The child did not appear to have any lifethreatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
The investigation of the case by Child Protective Services (CPS) and Ronceverte Police ensued throughout the day, speaking to family members, witnesses, and neighbors. Officers were led to a home where the custodian was asleep, while another small child was in the home. That child was placed in the care of CPS.
The children’s mother says she understands that the police and CPS are doing what they have to do, as reported by WVVA TV News in an off-camera interview. She says she was at work when the baby was found outside. Her boyfriend was watching the kids at the time. She says all she wants is to be back with her kids.