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
The state Monday assumed responsibility for a 4-year-old boy whom police found in a Texas discount store after responding to a silent burglar alarm.
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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.

Latest Comments

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.
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