A Florida woman is behind bars after police rescued a young boy hiding in a home filled with flies and dog feces.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reports that 58-year-old Toni Reid was arrested after police responded to a call about a child who locked her outside of their home in the Fort Walton Beach area. When Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home on April 22, they gained access and found a 6-year-old boy inside the residence, hiding in of a closet.
The responding deputies said that while they were in the home, they became “covered in fleas.”
“Dog feces and urine were spread throughout the home. There was also an abundance of flies multiple knives within the victim’s reach in the kitchen, as well as multiple chemicals on kitchen counters,” Okaloosa police wrote on Facebook.
OCSO News Release: A Fort Walton Beach area woman has been charged with child neglect after Okaloosa County…
Posted by Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office on Monday, May 4, 2020
Three flea-infested dogs were reportedly found inside the home, including an elderly dog who couldn’t walk. The child’s bedroom had an old, bare mattress on the floor with a hole in it, down to the inner springs.
Northwest Daily News reports that Reid had no reaction when authorities informed her that they were removing the child from her care. She showed concern about the dogs, however, and making arrangements for a new home for them.
Reid reportedly blamed the boy for the condition of his room and insisted she kept a clean house. She allegedly said that if the house was dirty, it was because the boy made it that way.
Reid has been charged with one count of child neglect. At this time, the relationship between the child and Reid is unclear.
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[Feature Photo: Pixabay]