Sheriff Commends Deputies For Helping Children Left Alone
On September 2, 2020, Officer Christopher Akey of The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a home in Crown Point for a 9-1-1 hang-up call, according to Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.
Officer Ryan Fay was off duty, but responded because he was in the area, Martinez said in a release Wednesday. When Fay arrived, he could hear a child inside crying and screaming, “Mommy, where are you?” Officer Fay spoke to the child through the door and asked her to open the door. Once inside, the officer was able to comfort and calm the 6-year-old and her 2-year-old sister. Fay checked the residence for any other children or adults who may have needed medical attention. The 6-year-old girl told the officer about a 6-month-old who was asleep in a back bedroom.
Officers Christopher Akey, Kyle Kranz and Grant Traxler arrived at the scene to assist and try to identify the parents and determine their location. The 6-month-old girl began to scream, and Officer Fay picked her up from her crib and rocked her to try to soothe her. Officers Kranz, Traxler and Akey found documents in the home with information on the mother and possibly the father, as well. Officers relayed the information to a dispatcher who contacted the mother. While waiting for her to arrive, Officer Traxler observed that the 6-month-old needed a diaper change. Officer Traxler changed the baby’s diaper with the help of her 6-year-old sister, Martinez said. Officer Kranz sat with the 6-year-old and 2-year-old while the children attempted to find their favorite television show. The mother eventually returned to the home.
Special Victims Unit detectives are now investigating the case. Charges are pending. The Department of Child Services has also launched an investigation.
“The level of care and concern these officers showed demonstrates their desire to help improve the lives of the public they serve. They stepped in where help was needed and did what they could to ensure the wellbeing of the children in this case. I applaud them for a job well done. I will be issuing an official commendation for these officers,” Martinez state’s.
