ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Police were called after a witness saw a 5-year-old boy by himself Sunday at the intersection of 4th Street South and Paris Avenue, St. Petersburg police say.
The 5-year-old boy was crying and upset after he said his caretaker left and got on the bus, according to the arrest report. He was found with dirty clothes and no shoes or socks on, saying he hadn't eaten today, according to the report.
The boy said he was left at the bus stop when the woman he was with got on the bus, telling him to go to his home which was two blocks away, according to police. The area is a known high crime and drug area and even though the boy had keys to the apartment, he couldn't unlock the door, police said.
Kelly Lorene Kimmel, 34, was arrested and charged with neglect of a child without causing great bodily harm. Her bond was set at $2,000 and she is awaiting trial.
Following her arrest, police tried to interview Kimmel's husband, Clark Pierce, 30, about the accused child neglect. Child protective services had already been called and were present when Pierce came to the door. There was another child present in the home who police say was the sister of the boy.
Police say he was uncooperative and tried walking away. He got out of his chair and balled his fist while shouting at officers during the attempted interview, according to the arrest report.
Pierce was arrested and charged with obstruction or resisting an officer without violence. He was given a $150 bond.
Both children were removed from the home and taken in the custody of child protective services.
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