Local mother charged with child endangerment

JUNEAU - The mother of a 17-month-old girl has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree after her daughter was found outside by herself Friday night.

The Juneau Police Department received a report Friday at about 9 p.m. that a child had shown up cold and dirty at a residence in Switzer Village. The child was alone and not dressed appropriately for the 29-degree temperature.

An investigation revealed that the child had been left in the care of a 40-year-old local man. Officers contacted the man, who was found asleep and under the influence of alcohol. The man was not aware the child had left his residence.

The girl's mother, a Juneau resident, knew the man was under the influence when she left the child in his care.

The Office of Children's Services was contacted and the child was taken into their custody.

Charges are pending for the 40-year-old man.