Pikeville, KY – A 23-year-old Kentucky woman is under investigation and facing serious charges after allegedly leaving her two young children, ages 2 and 4, unattended in an apartment so she could “go smoke” marijuana, police report.
The incident has sparked concern in the Pikeville community about child safety and parental responsibility after local police responded to a disturbing call late in the evening.
How the Situation Unfolded
According to a complaint, Pikeville police officers arrived at an apartment on Northgate Drive around 9 p.m. following a domestic dispute call. To their shock, officers were greeted by two very young children who opened the door on their own.
A protective sweep of the apartment revealed the children had been left alone for hours, with no adult supervision. Neighbors then disclosed that the children’s mother, Morgan Chapman, 23, had asked one of them earlier in the day—around 5 p.m.—to watch the kids so she could “go smoke,” a term police say is commonly used to describe smoking marijuana.
“Go smoke is a common street term for smoking marijuana,” police wrote in the affidavit.
Mother’s Condition and Arrest
When officers continued their investigation, Chapman returned to the apartment. The investigating officer noted she exhibited signs of intoxication, including the strong smell of alcohol on her breath, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. Chapman claimed she had only been downstairs at a neighbor’s house briefly.
Despite her explanation, police arrested Chapman on charges of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was taken to the Pike County Detention Center and later bonded out. Notably, Chapman posed and smiled for her mug shot during booking.
Child Welfare Intervention and Community Concerns
The two children were taken into protective custody and brought to the police station for their safety. Authorities promptly notified the Kentucky Division of Protection and Permanency to investigate and provide appropriate care and resources for the minors.
- Pikeville is located approximately 150 miles southeast of Lexington in far eastern Kentucky.
- The children were left alone for nearly four hours in the apartment.
- The mother’s actions have raised concerns over child neglect and parental neglect in the area.
This incident adds to ongoing discussions about the impact of substance use on parenting and child safety within Kentucky communities.
What Does This Mean for Child Safety in Kentucky?
Cases like this highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and support regarding responsible parenting and child welfare services. Authorities encourage neighbors and community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious situations promptly to protect vulnerable children.
“Endangering the welfare of a child is a serious offense, and timely intervention can make all the difference,” said a local child welfare advocate.
As the legal process moves forward, the community of Pikeville watches closely to ensure the safety and well-being of its youngest residents.
What do you think about this situation? Have you witnessed or experienced similar cases in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
