A 32 year-old woman in Pearland, Texas went to Chuck E Cheese last Thursday night to celebrate her 5 year-old daughter's birthday. Her ten children were present along with nine other children.
After the party was over, they left for home around 11:00 that night. At 8:00 am the next morning, the mother called 911 and said, "I think I left my child at Chuck E Cheese last night. She's five."
Employees found the 5 year-old playing in the restaurant around 11:00 pm. They tried to get information about her mother or where she lived, but the child was unable to help police figure out the identity of her parents. Police placed the child in emergency custody.
It was nine hours after she left Chuck E Cheese before the mom realized her child was missing. She said she got up to get the children ready for school and noticed the 5 year-old was not there.
The child was later placed in the custody of her grandmother until the mother was investigated. However, the child is back with her mother at present.
On March 4, another child was left at Chuck E Cheese. Employees contacted police at 8:30 pm to report that a 3 year-old girl, Harmony, was left at Chuck E Cheese in Bel Air, Maryland. She asked an employee for something to drink and that's when they noticed that she was alone.
Police waited at the restaurant for over an hour and then took Harmony to the Precinct. Police say Harmony left Chuck E Cheese with a large group of people, but she ran back into the restaurant because she had a token left.
Police couldn't locate her parents so they put her picture on the evening news at 11:00 pm. They received multiple calls, including calls from her parents.
Child Protective Services released Harmony to her mother and no charges are expected to be filed since the mother did not intentionally abandon her. Relieved parents picked her up from the Hartford County Southern Precinct at 11:30 pm that evening. Harmony's parents share custody and each thought she was with the other.
The parents in both stories gave many reasons why their child was left behind. But, no matter how many reasons, reasons do not excuse their behavior. A few words exchanged or telephone call to check on the child and this would not have happened. At the very least, it would have been discovered sooner.
Plug-in, parents and make your children a priority. Watch them more carefully and prepare them for this type situation by teaching them your telephone number, address, full name; any information that would help authorities contact you.
Peace
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