Arrest Made for Child Neglect
The Richmond Police Department has arrested the mother of a child found wandering alone on West Broad Street three times since Friday.
Detectives arrested Michelle L. Knighten, 39, of the 100 block of West Broad Street and charged her with felony child neglect. Her photo is attached.
On Friday, officers were called to the 100 block of West Broad Street twice for reports of a 4-year-old boy wandering alone. On both occasions officers returned the child to the mother unharmed. Officers believed the first incident was the result of a distracted mother and the second incident was the result of Knighten suffering from a medical condition. Knighten was transported for treatment and the boy was placed in the custody of his father. Child Protective Services were notified after both incidents and responded.
No charges were placed.
Yesterday morning, officers were called to the scene again and found the same boy alone on West Broad Street. CPS was notified again.
Detectives consulted with officers, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and other city agencies today and it was decided that Knighten be arrested and charged.
