The mother of a 2-year-old boy found wandering on the streets near Centennial Monday night was cited with misdemeanor child abuse today, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department.
Maria Ramirez-Marquez, 28, was issued a summons, but was not taken to jail. She also faces questions and potential repercussions from child-services agencies, said Arapahoe County Undersheriff David Walcher.
The child was found walking along the street at 7800 East Harvard Ave. around 6:45 p.m. about a quarter mile from his home at 8111 E. Yale Ave.
Police searched the area for a parent and contacted local media, which aired reports on the news and on websites. The mother called authorities at 10 p.m. to say her child was missing.
Walcher said the child-abuse statute includes neglect and putting a child in a dangerous circumstance.
“Anyone who lets a 2-year-old wander the streets unsupervised, obviously that child is in great danger,” he said.
The child had no injuries and was turned over to Department of Human Services Monday night.
He was wearing shorts, a T-shirt and Crocs when he was found. By taking streets, the child was about four-tenths of a mile from his home, but Walcher said trails near the Highline Canal put the two apartment complexes about half that distance.
