Local

Mother charged after abandoning baby in west Charlotte, CMPD says

By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com
By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A mother was charged after abandoning her baby in west Charlotte, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Ya'kesha Monique Patterson is charged with misdemeanor child neglect.

A call came in Friday morning from a man who claimed to have found an abandoned infant Thursday night.

some text

Officers told Channel 9 that the man said he saw the child and the woman walking through the Lakewood Manor complex on Watson Drive around 9 p.m. Thursday.

The woman asked the man to watch the baby for a while, but never returned, authorities said. The baby is about 6 to 8 months old and was wearing a red plaid outfit.

some text

Police said the mother and the 911 caller, who police said are known to each other, have told police conflicting stories, and the circumstances surrounding the case are still unclear.

Reporter Glenn Counts was at the scene when Patterson returned around 11 a.m. to find her baby missing.

Patterson used Channel 9's phone to contact police.

(Click PLAY to watch the mother's 911 phone call)

“I left my baby with my uncle. He was supposed to watch her,” Patterson said to Channel 9.

The child remains in the custody of DSS.

Officers who responded to the call believe Patterson will be able to get her child back after some questioning.

some text

Many states have what are called safe haven laws. North Carolina's safe haven law designates people, not places, where a baby can be surrendered.

For more on North Carolina's safe haven laws, CLICK HERE.

Your best options for a Safe Surrender contact include:

  • A health care provider
  • A law enforcement officer
  • A social services worker
  • An emergency medical personnel
  • A trusted responsible adult who understands the best interests of the child

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

Most Read