SALISBURY, N.C. — Police are trying to figure out how a 4-year-old boy got out of his home, walked down a busy street and to a Salisbury Family Dollar.
A clerk, who called 911, said he wanted to get toys at the store on West Jake Alexander Boulevard.
The boy’s family lives in an apartment complex about a quarter-mile from the store.
“All the traffic and at that age, they don't realize the danger of cars,” customer Myra Eller said.
The clerk said the boy teetered back to the toy isle, picked up about $30 in toys and came to check out with no money.
Once police arrived, the boy led them back to the apartment where they said his mother was sleeping.
The store clerk said this was the second time in two weeks the boy has wandered into the store alone.
Police are investigating and neighbors who live at the apartment complex hope his parents get a wake-up call.
"The mother and dad should be held responsible,” Cora Shin said. “They need some parenting kids from somewhere and parenting guidance."
The clerk said the police officer who responded the second time bought a toy for the boy.
His parents are facing charges of neglect, police said.
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