By Chris Wright WDRB-TV Fox 41 News
cwright@fox41.com
LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB Fox 41) --
A Louisville woman is accused of locking her small children outside in the middle of a tornado watch.
Police say when they arrived at Ashley White's home Monday, her one and three year-old were 'filthy, hungry, and very scared.'
Police say when they were finally able to speak to White, she told them she had fallen asleep and did not know the whereabouts of her kids. Her two young girls had just been found by a neighbor outside her Central Avenue home.
"Yesterday afternoon, it was stormy, rainy dark. We were having tornado warnings. The lady was home asleep and had no idea where the children were," said LMPD spokesperson Carey Klain.
Police had a tough time waking White, and she later told them she's been battling an addiction to the painkiller Opana. Investigators are not sure exactly how long the children were outside alone, but they say this street is no place for unsupervised kids.
"We're talking about a one and a three-year-old. Any amount of time outside is dangerous. It puts them in extreme danger," said Klain.
Besides Monday's severe weather, locals say the road is infamous for its traffic. Some neighbors we spoke to say they won't let their kids out to play right here because speeding is such an issue on this stretch of central.
Police say they got lucky this time, and are praising neighbors for springing into action.
"They were filthy, hungry, and very scared. We were very fortunate that we did have neighbors who were paying attention, and were able to assist and help these children to safety," said Klain.
Neighbors say White had just moved into the home last month. She faces ‘endangering the welfare of a minor charges.' She was arraigned Tuesday, and is being held on a five thousand dollar bond.
