News

Actions

Baby, small dog, marijuana found alone in mom’s motel room

Posted at 12:50 PM, Sep 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-09-04 06:29:47-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Police charged a mother with child neglect after motel housekeepers found her 9-month-old son alone in a Henrico County motel room.

The cleaning crew at the Knights Inn, along the 9000 block of Brook Road, found the baby on the motel room bed Friday afternoon, according to Henrico Police. The child had been left alone "for several hours" before officers arrived.

Knights Inn on Brook Rd. (PHOTO: Shelby Brown)

Knights Inn on Brook Rd. (PHOTO: Shelby Brown)

There was also marijuana and a small dog in the room, police said.

Tishika Nicole Blackston, 19, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect and possession of marijuana.

Police told CBS 6 reporter Shelby Brown that Blackston was either out shopping or eating when she left the child alone.

The baby, who was not hurt, was released to the care of a family member.

"We have to notify child protective services," Henrico Police Lt. Linda Toney said. "There are some other reports that have to be done beyond just the initial police investigation."

If convicted, Blackston faces up to five years in jail.

No one at the Knights Inn wished to comment for the story.

Tishika Nicole Blackston (PHOTO: Henrico Police)

Tishika Nicole Blackston (PHOTO: Henrico Police)