Mother facing abuse charges after child wandered into street

SALISBURY, N.C. — A Salisbury mother is facing charges of child abuse after police say her son wandered into a busy street Monday. 
 
"I take care of my kids.  I take care of all my kids," said Vanessa Clemons.

She said she was cleaning her house around 6:30 p.m. that day when her 2-year-old boy woke up from a nap, unlocked the deadbolt and chain, and walked into Lincolnton Road.
 
"He takes his toy and knocks it and unlocks it," she said.
 
Police said the boy was almost hit by two different cars and those drivers called police who arrested Clemons and charged her with child abuse.

At least five neighbors told Channel 9 they've seen the boy playing in the busy road before.

However, Clemons vowed Wednesday to fight the child abuse charge.

"I never heard the door open or nothing," she said.

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