CPS Steps In After 4-Year-Old Triggers Discount Store Alarm
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CPS Steps In After 4-Year-Old Triggers Discount Store Alarm Save Email Print
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(December 15, 2008)—State Child Protective Services has taken responsibility for a 4-year-old boy whom police found early Monday morning at a Beaumont discount store, playing with toys, after responding to a silent burglar alarm.

Police say store surveillance video showed the unidentified boy as he tried one of the front doors to a Family Dollar store about 3 a.m. Monday, only to find it locked.

But a second door was unlocked and the child went inside, triggering the silent alarm.

Beaumont Detective Randy Stevens said the child evidently unlocked a door at his nearby home, got out, then crossed a multilane street to reach the store.

"You can tell the child has been well cared for," Stevens told KFDM TV News.

"He was very talkative and was playing with the officers."

A canvass of the neighborhood turned up a family member who was searching for the child.

CPS spokeswoman Shari Pulliam says the agency has taken oversight of the child during a review of the incident.

She said the boy will be allowed to stay with other relatives, not the parents, during the CPS review period.
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Posted by: Eve Location: Waco on Dec 17, 2008 at 04:41 PM
"To Anonymous about bashing CPS":9:20am Look at the report of the foster mother that gave birth to a baby after having sex with a 13yr old boy. That tells alot don't you think?
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 17, 2008 at 01:22 PM
A: The simple fact that the family didn't call 911 immediately should tell you something.... B: CPS has an obligation to investigate anytime a child was or could have been hurt because of the negligence of a family member... I would certainly think that anyone in their right mind would realize you could not leave this child in the house until you knew he would be safe there and this wouldn't happen again... and finally CPS employees are not mind readers, CPS only knows what people report to them, so if you know of a child that is being abused or neglected, make the call because you might save a kid's life....
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 17, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I don't think it's bashing CPS as much as the people that misuse them. There are people......your neighbors, friends, relatives who think CPS needs to be called in anytime they don't like something or think their way is best. CPS is there to step in and help children that are being mistreated and abused but it seems they are too busy these days with the busy bodies and "perfect parents" of the world.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 17, 2008 at 09:20 AM
To those of you bashing CPS, what do you base your information on? Have you had any experience with CPS? I was a foster parent for a year. I had therapeutic children, kids with serious problems basically. This child crossed a multilane road to get to the store. He was in danger. CPS has to investigate that because someone made them aware of it. Yes kids are being neglected and abused every day but it has to be pretty bad for them to be removed and someone has to call it in. I had children who were removed because they were holding bags of pot and sleeping next to big bottles of beer. One child would chase his mom down the street begging her to stay home so he wouldn't have to take care of his little sisters. He was 5, they were 3 and 6 months. He would tell me I needed to pick her up every time she cried. He was trying to tell ME how to care for her and he was only 5. It has to get that bad in most cases before they can remove them because some people complain that the kids are fine.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Temple on Dec 17, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Two of my kids sleepwalk. We KNOW they do it so we put an extra lock on the front door (up high where they can't reach). I'm not saying that's what the kid was doing, but sometimes things happen. My daughter nearly ended up in the backyard, lol!! Fortunately we've always heard them. This could have ended badly, but I think there is a simple solution to prevent it from happening again.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Dec 17, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Holy Cow, what the heck was wrong with everyone the last couple of days? I was going to defend Amanda against the dozens of people who told her to learn to read, then I saw her post calling everyone idiots, lol. Then I read the one where she says she is no longer going to read articles on KWTX so I guess its a moot point...Chill out everyone, Its almost CHRISTMAS!
Posted by: God's Child Location: Waco on Dec 17, 2008 at 06:14 AM
I think CPS are missing out on Children that are getting mistreated and abused. By interfering with stories like this. Thats why so many kids are getting hurt cause they take kids from parents that deserve there children and parents that dont deserve there kids get to keep there kids. Thats very sad, as far as Amanda she can't have any kids. I have four kids and my daughter was sleep walking and went straight to the door thank God I was woke and stopped her. Things happen you shouldnt judge the parents.Look at it like this Amanda what if this was your son do you think CPS should take him. Don't judge parents based on something like this.Kids are to smart these days and learn so quick. God was with this child and I pray that he returns home with his Mom. Gosd bless you all and Amanda get some help I dont like people like yourself.
Posted by: WILLIAM Location: WACO on Dec 17, 2008 at 03:32 AM
To the majority who wasted their comments bashing Amanda. You do understand the story is about a child that could have been injured or worse, not about another adults comment which was based on the wrong facts as presented??? His parents are probably good people. If CPS had not stepped in to investigate and something happened to the child the same people complaining now would be complaining from the other side saying why didn't CPS step in and take that poor child. If the home life checks out the child will go home, hopefully quickly.
Posted by: Lily Location: Killeen on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Essence, I was just pointing out what poor judgement CPS showed in taking this child from his parents. it clearly wasnt a case of abuse or neglect and I just felt that they had jumped the gun taking the boy from his parents when even the story said that the boy appeared well cared for and his family was already looking for him. I guess I worded my comment incorrectly. I was going for sarcasam. lol
Posted by: dmg Location: waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Geez, everybody needs to back off Amanda! And CPS needs to be protecting kids from real dangers...like kids who are being sexually abused and they don't step in. This kiddo was probably a very curious child who let himself out....4 y/o' s are smart, they learn quickly and don't forget anything!
Posted by: hello again on Dec 16, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Guess some of you have never worked with CPS before... The state government dictates how they handle cases & they "reunite" children to give the parent chance after chance. What about the child's one chance of a healthy, happy, and safe childhood? Abused kids are sent back time after time because parents played along with the dog & pony show. No wonder a little girl turns to Santa for help.
Posted by: QBee Location: unknown on Dec 16, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Wow! He is a smart young man. Thank God he is ok. I hope he is returned to his parents soon. This could happen to anyone.
Posted by: Ibelieve Location: KILLEEN on Dec 16, 2008 at 06:51 PM
this is a miracle kid. this is god will. this child deserve a reward for finding the dollar store unlocked. god protected him from harms way. thank god for angels.
Posted by: Amy Location: Waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 04:39 PM
If I woke up to find my child missing, I WOULD CALL 911 on my cell while I was out looking. The story does not indicate that a 911 call was made, just that they found the family member looking for the child.
Posted by: Marlin Resident Location: Marlin on Dec 16, 2008 at 04:39 PM
I have to agree with the majority of the posts here. Children are very curious and will go to any means to get what they want. This child obviously knew the store was there, how to get there (because mom and dad took and had the toys to play with and wanted them. At 3AM the family was sleeping and had no clue this child got out. I bet the parents invest in a door alarm now. Just because the child got out does not mean the parents are bad. My son did the same thing at about the same age. Sure opened my eyes! :) It could happen to anyone at anytime! I do hope this family gets their child back in time to have a merry christmas.
Posted by: Eve Location: Waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I dont think there was anything about thus child being abused. The child managed to unlock the door of his home and got out in the middle of the night. People think that it's crazy but kids these days will surprise you like that boy that shot his dad and the other boy that killed his sister. CPS should not have taken that boy away. it happens Manual don't come with kids. my brother set the bathroom rug on fire. All humans make mistakes. Next time have the parents put bars on the windows and dead bolt the door the kid's room.
Posted by: Rosemary Location: Waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
To Lucky: You give CPS way too much credit. They are far from being a wonderful organization. They don't always do the right thing. Even though a child may have clear signs of physical abuse and mental abuse, they do not always pull the child from the home. They just take the word of the parent that they promise never to do it again. That is no way to run an organization.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Amanda posted her comment before the site UPDATED the story. She was commenting on the story before CPS actually came into the picture. Be nice.
Posted by: thisguy on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:24 PM
would we consider this kid a hoodlum in the making or just a kid who wanted a toy earlier in the day and was determined to play with it? cute kid though haha.... unfortunate events for the parents....let this be a lesson to all parents who have toddlers running around learning new things....
Posted by: Amanda Location: Robinson on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Thank you Louise. I posted a 3rd comment defending myself against all these comments but I guess KWTX didn't want to post it. We'll see if this one gets posted. I quit watching their newscast so now I guess I will quit reading the news on their website as well. Thanks KWTX!!!
Posted by: Essence Location: Killeen on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Uh, lily? You comment does not make any sense. It doesnt matter who CPS puts him with, everyone has locks. This also means that if they put him in your house, there is still a possibility for him to unlock your doors and get out.
Posted by: LC Location: hewitt on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:18 AM
When my children were that young, I installed chain locks on the doors that only adults could reach. Won't keep them from finding something to stand on to reach the lock, but it will slow them down.
Posted by: Lucky Location: Waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I think CPS is a wonderful organization for children who are poorly cared for and abused. But in a case like this one, the child had in his mind to play with those toys. He is not a case of neglect or abuse, he is just a curious and very lucky boy. I did something like that when I was his age, about 30 years ago, and luckily for me, my police officer father had just returned home when I was walking in the house while staying with neighbors 2 blocks away. Kids?!!
Posted by: mom of two Location: here on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
thank goodness the little child is okay and safe. my prayers are with the family hopefully they get child back before christmas. toddlers now days are getting really smart. I have a two yr old. and she knows how to unlock the front door, luckily I have it blocked off after I found out she knew how to unlock it. Plus it says that they were out looking for the child so they do care about the child. This kind of thing could of happened to anyone. Thank god the second door was unlock but feel sorry for the employee that did that. Here is alittle humor I guess the child was ready for christmas to be here already :)
Posted by: Louise Location: Hewitt on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Please stop picking on Amanda. Yesterday the first edition of the story indicated that the child WAS returned to the parents. KWTX left her comment attached to the updated story. I agree, this could have happened to anyone. Bright child unlocks door while parents are sleeping. The story indicated that the child appears well cared for. Just glad there is a happy ending. He needs to go back home to his family.
Posted by: JB Location: Temple on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Once again CPS takes a child that does not need to be taken. The article clearly states that the child unlocked the door, looked well taken care of and a family member was serching for him. I don't know about any of the rest of you but I have caught my son unlocking the front door( that had a saftey lock at the top)before. Children are very smart, and sometimes things happen. I just wish that for once CPS would step in on a case were the child was clearly being abused, rather what they did with this child
Posted by: Me Location: Temple on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Okay,I think amanda gets the point the first time someone commented that she read it wrong but I feel for the parents. The child was 4 years old. My son was 2 when he started learning how to unlock doors, so we had to install ones higher up so he couldnt open the door. The parents were sleeping and now everyone calls them bad parents. I am glad the child was safe. I hope they get him back before christmas. This could of happened to anyone.
Posted by: Amy Location: Waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I wonder if it is possible that he may have been sleep walking. It could happen.
Posted by: Sandra Location: Temple on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I bet this little guy is a handful now, and will probably be a bigger one as he gets bigger. And don't jump to conclusions that the parents are at fault. There are some kids who have their own way of doing things, no matter how good their parents may be.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 16, 2008 at 09:26 AM
This child got out on his or her own it looks like. If he looked clean and well taken care of then the child should be given back to the parents especially around Christmas. CPS is not what CPS really is. They no more care about the well being of kids then anything. If they did then they need to be looking at the kids that are abused and neglected instead of a kid that is well taken care of. This is how the system works though.
Posted by: OH MY GOODNESS Location: Killeen on Dec 16, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Ok does anyone read the comments before makeing one? Almost all of them are berating Amanda enough. Children are smart and this child is probably loved and well cared for, notice that the parent was already aware and out looking for him/her.
Posted by: susiebw Location: kempner on Dec 16, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Something doesn't sound right there, bet there is more to this story.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Temple on Dec 16, 2008 at 08:29 AM
So sad I pray for the family. CPS is crazy to take that child away hopefully they will have him/her back before Christmas.
Posted by: LC Location: hewitt on Dec 16, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Wow!! What are the odds that one of the doors to the store was unlocked. God was clearly looking out for this child! If it were locked, he could have wondered off somewhere else and been injured, lost or even abducted. As far as anyone being responsible, judging from the article, this could have happened to anyone!
Posted by: Amanda Location: Robinson on Dec 16, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Hey to all you idiots...If you had read the story before they updated it you would understand my first comment. Notice my first comment was at 12:30 and my second comment was at 3:05 after they updated the story. And yes I do have kids, and yes I do understand kids do stuff like this but that was the reason I was questioning the police releasing the child back to the parents in the first place. If this happened to me I would expect CPS to investigate me too. People with young kids need to know that they are sneaky and need to child proof their homes better to protect their precious children.
Posted by: Carol Location: central texas on Dec 16, 2008 at 07:23 AM
CPS is supposed to be helping people not hindering them. How are the parents suppose to discipline the child if he is off getting a free vacation with relatives? Why cant CPS just help them install a latch higher on the door and leave them parents alone? I am sure CPS has its uses but I am not seeing it in this instance. Even the detective said that it was obvious that the kid was well cared for. Ugh... idiots... kids do stupid stuff.. even four year olds. If I was his parent I would take that as a wake up call that I need to pay closer attention and stay a step ahead of my boy.. because he is a pretty smart little dude.
Posted by: sallyann Location: texas on Dec 16, 2008 at 06:48 AM
happy that someone left a door unlocked (im sure they are out of a job) no telling where the child would have been. but cps said family member was out looking for the child. parents can put a alarm on door that chimes each time it opens. they sell from $1.00 at dollar store to $15.00 at radio shack.
Posted by: Don Location: Texas on Dec 16, 2008 at 05:53 AM
When my little brother was 3, he was able to get out of the house, get on his tricycle and ride to the nearest store. My parents caught up with him though. Kids are smarter than you think. It's not that they weren't watching him, but he was sneaky like that at that age. So, yes, it has happened before--like for the last 100 years. The only difference between then and now is peoples' perception of what constitutes child abuse today is warped.
Posted by: Julia Location: Killeen on Dec 16, 2008 at 02:55 AM
How come the Family Dollar door was unlocked at 3 am? Somebody just might get fired!
Posted by: echo? Location: my livingroom on Dec 16, 2008 at 01:25 AM
How many more people need to tell Amanda to read?? Good grief, there's already enough posts repeating each other. I think she gets it now.
Posted by: k Location: waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:13 AM
to be fair, the initial report said the child was released to a parent. so I am assuming either that was a lie or CPS subsequently went to the house, took the child and dropped him off with other relatives, who no doubt have absolutely no contact with the parents in question. Amanda isn't stupid, she just read the story hours before anyone else did. and the subsequent article didn't extrapolate at all. none of us really knows what is going on with this child and his family, and every article I have read says somethign different. maybe none of us have any right to say what is going on.
Posted by: Re Location: Waco on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Well...I think Amanda got the hint. Hopefully she read the article again..slowly,lol. Seriously, this is horrible. Thank God the kid is ok. Many different scenerios could have taken place here..like he could have been abducted by a passerbyer, or hit by a car..anything could have happened to him. I think CPS did the right thing by placing him with relatives. At least he is in the care of people he knows. I just hope this all works out for the best interest of the child. Kids are smart and they can do things you wouldn't believe..like unlock a door at such a young age. I am just glad he was found ok.
Posted by: granny Location: central tx on Dec 16, 2008 at 12:07 AM
OK AMANDA GO BACK TO THE LAST LINE IN THIS STORY IT CLEARLY STATES THAT THE CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO STAY WITH OTHER RELATIVES,NOT THE PARENTS,DURING THE CPS REVIEW PERIOD.I HOPE YOU GOT IT THIS TIME.OR DID YOU MEAN THAT THE CHILD WAS RELEASED TO HIS PARENTS,MOM & DAD?
Posted by: Bob Location: Woodway on Dec 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
To all who are bashing Amanda; the article originally said that the child was released to his parents. They then updated the article after she posted her comment.
Posted by: hello Location: anyone on Dec 15, 2008 at 09:56 PM
It clearly says the child was not released to the parents. At 3am I'm sure most people would be sleeping and it says the child unlocked the door at home so this could happen to anyone. Now if this has happened before, that would be different.
Posted by: Rachel Location: Temple on Dec 15, 2008 at 09:50 PM
The child, it says, is staying with other relatives, not the parents.
Posted by: LauriAnn Location: Marlin on Dec 15, 2008 at 08:46 PM
The child was released to other relatives, not the parents, during the CPS review period.
Posted by: s Location: texas on Dec 15, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Sometimes things like this happen!! The child is ok and they even said he looks well taken care of. CPS really needs to worry about the ones who are being left and abused. Don't judge you never know what might happen to you!!!
Posted by: C Location: Waco on Dec 15, 2008 at 07:47 PM
This is so sad, thank God the child is ok, and to Amanda read again the child was released to relatives, not the parents at this time, but according to the report they said the child appeared to be well taken care of he or she may have been just a little too smart, and knew how to get out of the house?
Posted by: lily Location: killeen on Dec 15, 2008 at 07:17 PM
OMG! Hasnt anybody that reads this board had one of their kids get out of the house while they were sleeping??? THe story says that the kid UNLOCKED the door to get out. So they put the kids with relatives.. hmm what he cant unlock doors at a relatives house???? CPS is a JOKE!
Posted by: J Location: Waco on Dec 15, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Amanda, it says that the child was released to other family members, not the parents.. Crazy story..
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Here comes perfect parent Amanda that can't read. The child was not released to the parents but to other relatives. I imagine you are one of the "my child will never"? Funny how things are automatically normal and ok when your child does.
Posted by: Renee Location: Belton on Dec 15, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Amanda read the last line. The child will stay with other relatives. NOT the parents.
Posted by: JES Location: Temple on Dec 15, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Amanda, where does it say that the child was released to his parents? It says he was released to stay with relatives, not the parents. Take a reading comprehension class.
Posted by: angel Location: not in the clouds... on Dec 15, 2008 at 04:54 PM
She said the boy will be allowed to stay with other relatives, not the parents, during the CPS review period. try rereading the article...or at least read the last line :)
Posted by: observer Location: temple on Dec 15, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Amanda: No that wouldn't make sense. And it's not what the article says. It says "the boy will be allowed to stay with other relatives, not the parents, during the CPS review period". READ before commenting dear
Posted by: Parent Location: Waco on Dec 15, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Amanda, You're oviously not reading the article correctly. The child was release to relative, not the parents. You can't always blame the parents. Do you have any kids? Because if you did, you'd know that kids can learn to open a door even if you lock it. Don't crucify the parents without learning the whole story first.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2008 at 03:11 PM
read it again!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Amanda Location: Robinson on Dec 15, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Thank goodness CPS stepped in. Obviously Beaumont police are too stupid to realize something was wrong.
Posted by: Amanda Location: Robinson on Dec 15, 2008 at 12:30 PM
And the child was released to their parents? That doesn't make sense. I hope they completed a thorough investigation of the parents.
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