Ohio day care provider charged after toddler found riding scooter in chilly weather

The owner of an Ohio home day care center was charged with endangering children after a 2-year-old boy she was supposed to be watching was found blocks away, riding a scooter in near-freezing weather.

Jillian Jaunzemis, of Sandusky, was issued the citation Monday, WJWreported. She pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge Tuesday.

According to police, Jaunzemis said she believed the boy was sleeping in the downstairs area of the home with five other children, the television station reported.

Jaunzemis said she was upstairs and did not realize the boy had left the home, WJW reported.

A man discovered the boy riding a plastic scooter several blocks away and called the police, the television station reported.

A man spotted the child on a scooter near Polk Street and called police. He said the child did not have shoes or a jacket, and the man stopped oncoming traffic to keep the boy safe.

"I really couldn't believe it, especially that time of the day and the temperature, barely dressed, out there riding on this little scooter in the middle of the street," Sandusky police Officer David West told WEWS. "The man who stopped, stayed with the child, and he's waving to the other car to slow down, showing him what we've got over here, and the car did slow down and stop. So kudos to the caller."

According to a police report, the child’s socks were wet, “as were the legs of his pants.”

The boy also appeared to be shivering, as it was 35 degrees outside when he was found, the report said.

West said the front door to the day care center had a deadbolt but was easily accessible to toddlers.

"We tried to explain to her maybe some child proofing, doorknob covers, if she's watching more than one kid maybe get an alarm on the door, so if the door opens there is a beeping sound," West told WEWS.

"I have been a mother for 12 years and this never happened before," Jaunzemis told WJW.

Jaunzemis said she has now added another lock to the front door, the television station reported.

About the Author