MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie man was arrested on suspicion of neglect after two of his children, ages 8 and 3, were found walking along Country Club Road — more than two miles from their home — during the pre-dawn hours.
Muncie police said the children — described as “wet,” as a result of an early morning rain, and with “no pants or shoes on” — were found by a citizen south of Jackson Street about 4:25 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17.
Bowen Alexander May Sr., 27, was being held in the Delaware County Jail under a $10,000 bond on suspicion of two counts of neglect of a dependent.
Based on information provided by one of the children, officers determined they lived at a home along East Tanner Drive.
May told officers he hadn’t seen the children since putting them to bed about 11 p.m. the previous evening.
“Bowen said he did not know the children left through the window and did not hear anything,” an officer wrote.
The father reportedly noted one of the children had left their home a few weeks earlier and was found by police near Heekin Park.
Officers — who said two other children were found in the home — reported “a strong stench of feces” in the house and said “numerous white worms” were crawling on a trash container outside the front door.
An officer also reported observing “smeared feces” on the floor throughout the home. A refrigerator was determined to hold only “condiments and sauces.”
The children’s mother reportedly told police May was “supposed to check on the kids while they are sleeping but he does not do this.”
She also said May “does not have a job and his only responsibility is to look after the kids,” according to an affidavit.
The court document said the oldest child was placed in the custody of the state Department of Child Services, while the younger three children remained with their mother.
Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman’s office will determine whether formal charges will be filed.
Court records reflect no prior charges against May.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie dad held after two children, barefoot and without pants, found 2 miles from home
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
