Boy slips away from church daycare, wanders onto busy Kannapolis road

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Kannapolis parents were shocked after learning a boy attending River of Life Academy Childcare Development Center wandered off the property at about 11:30 a.m. Monday and into the middle of Dale Earnhardt Boulevard.

The incident happened during recess. Police said the 4-year-old child walked alone at least 100 yards from the church daycare and could have easily been hit by a car.

A good Samaritan found him wandering in the middle of the busy road and called the police.

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Police and state regulators are investigating the daycare.

"It's terrible,” said one grandparent, Robin Barringer. “I mean, the child could have gotten killed. I don't understand how this happened."

Church leaders said the teacher has been identified and insist the incident was an honest mistake.

This daycare has been open for three years and has a three-star rating, which is about average.

The pastor at the daycare released a statement:

“There was an incident today. A child was left unattended for three to five minutes in the playground area. He left the playground.

“This is the first time an incident that has ever occurred. It breaks out hearts and we love our kids. We are working fully with any investigators or parents in the community.

“We take full responsibility.”

Cox Media Group