WILLIMANTIC — A 2-year-old was found riding a tricycle alone Monday morning in Willimantic and now the toddler’s babysitter is facing charges.
The boy was found around 8:45 a.m. Monday, according to Willimantic Police. The toddler, who was uninjured, was picked up by a passing Willimantic police officer who was on patrol and had been flagged down by a concerned neighbor.
The babysitter arrived at the police department about 40 minutes later, police said. She told officers she was in the shower when the boy left home.
Maria Torres, 60, of Willimantic was charged with risk of injury to a minor. She was released on $1000 bond and is due in Danielson Superior Court on September 8.
“We are pleased that this incident ended in the manner in which it did,” said Corporal Stanley Parizo, Jr. “Society expects and demands that we safeguard our children, and that was not being done this morning.”
The Department of Children and Families have been notified and will continue to investigate. The boy was reunited with his mother around 9:45 a.m.
