Two toddlers out alone on one of Mt. Washington’s busiest streets have led to child-endangering charges for a 34-year-old man, after bystanders spotted the pair roaming barefoot along Beechmont Avenue on Tuesday. Police say the children, ages 2 and 4, were dirty and wearing soiled diapers when they were found near the traffic-heavy roadway, a situation that sent neighbors and officers scrambling to figure out who was supposed to be watching them.
Search For Adult Stretches To Nearly 45 Minutes
Officers and members of the public searched the area for about 30 minutes trying to locate the children’s caregiver, according to WKRC Local 12. The station reports the children were found alone and barefoot near traffic on Beechmont Avenue. Court papers cited in that coverage state that the man who was ultimately arrested had been caring for the children that afternoon, and it took officers another 15 minutes of knocking to wake him up before taking him into custody at the scene.
What Child-Endangering Charges Mean In Ohio
Court documents referenced in local media say the suspect faces two counts of child endangering. Under Ohio’s endangering-children statute, the offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but it can be elevated to a felony if a child suffers serious physical harm or if the accused has prior related convictions, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
Case Moves To Court As Relationship Remains Unclear
Per court documents cited by WKRC Local 12, the defendant is identified as 34-year-old William Rhinehart and is charged with two counts of child endangering. Media reports indicate it is not yet clear what Rhinehart’s relationship was to the children, and that the investigation and any pending court proceedings are still underway.
