2006 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
JAMES P. LYNCH, ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION

May 5, 2006

From Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch and Gloucester City Police Chief William Crothers:

Following an investigation today, no charges have been filed or are expected in connection with a 2½-year-old boy found alone early this morning on the street in Gloucester City, N.J.

Two civilians on their way to work found the boy at approximately 3 a.m. today on King Street at Cumberland Street and contacted authorities. The boy was in pajamas and was unharmed.

Investigation indicates the following:

The boy lives with his parents in Gloucester City, but stayed overnight at a relative’s home on Ridgeway Street in Gloucester City because both of his parents worked overnight shifts last night. The boy was last seen at about midnight in the bedroom where he stays when he visits his relatives. In addition, an adult who lives in the home was awake on the first floor until approximately 1:45 a.m.

Sometime after that, the boy got up, left the bedroom and walked downstairs. He apparently let himself out the front door and walked away from the home. The location where he was found is several hundred yards away.

When the residents awoke this morning, they observed that the boy was missing and contacted his mother at work. The mother contacted police at about the time the boy’s photo was released but before it was broadcast.

State child welfare workers conducted a separate investigation. The boy was evaluated at a local hospital, found to be fine and returned to his parents’ custody.