A 19-year-old mother from Maryland has been arrested after allegedly leaving her six-month-old baby alone at home while she went to a McDonald's with friends, according to police reports.
Arrest and Charges
Kira Faust, a resident of Bel Air, was taken into custody on Monday by the Aberdeen Police Department. Officers responded to a call about an infant left unattended in a residence on West Bel Air Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered the baby alone and found the home to be in 'unsafe and unsanitary living conditions,' authorities stated.
When located, Faust reportedly told police she had left her child to meet friends at a nearby McDonald's. The baby, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into protective custody by the Aberdeen Police Department. Medical supplies were provided by UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center to care for the infant while Child Protective Services arranged a safe placement.
Faust has been charged with neglect and was released on her own recognizance.
Background
According to her LinkedIn profile, Faust previously worked as a childcare worker at Churchville Presbyterian Preschool and Daycare in Aberdeen. A spokesperson for the daycare confirmed that she had been employed there for nearly two years, excluding maternity leave, and was officially let go on May 11. No reason was given for her departure.
Bel Air, located about 30 miles from Baltimore, has a population of approximately 10,000 residents.
Similar Incidents
In a separate case last November, Nyla Simmons, a 22-year-old mother in Georgia, was arrested after leaving her seven-month-old son in a hot vehicle while she worked. The child died, and Simmons was charged with second-degree cruelty to children and murder.
