A Tennessee mother has been arrested after allegedly leaving her 2-year-old daughter home alone for more than nine hours. Shelby Bradshaw, 33, faces charges of child abuse and neglect after police found her toddler alone in their Greenbrier apartment while she was away.
A Disturbing Discovery
The incident occurred on Thursday morning when a maintenance crew at Bradshaw’s apartment complex found the child alone inside the apartment.
The maintenance workers immediately called the authorities, and Greenbrier Police were dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving, Officer Curt Allen discovered the child standing in her crib, appearing confused and scared.
Allen described the scene as unsettling, recalling how the little girl reached up her arms, wanting to be held. He picked her up and comforted her while waiting for a family member to arrive. Although the child seemed frightened at first, she appeared to calm down once she was in the officer’s arms.
Bradshaw’s Arrival
When Bradshaw returned, more than nine hours after leaving her daughter alone, she was confronted by the police. Body camera footage from the officers shows Bradshaw appearing confused as to why she was being questioned.
According to the police, Bradshaw claimed she had driven about 25 minutes away to see a man and had left her daughter at home, expecting her to be asleep when she returned.
Bradshaw reportedly told authorities that she is a full-time mother and needed a break. She explained that she had tried to find someone to help her the night before but couldn’t find anyone to care for the child.
Charges and Investigation
Bradshaw was arrested and is currently in jail with a $25,000 bond. The child is now staying with relatives, and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has launched an investigation into the situation.
This case has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children, especially when parents or caregivers leave young children unattended for long periods.
Shelby Bradshaw’s actions have led to her facing serious charges for child abuse and neglect. While her child is safe now, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the potential risks of leaving young children unsupervised.
