Two cops arrested in neglect of 9-year-old

Karen Zekan

Friday, Sept. 12, 1997 | 10:05 a.m.

Two Metro Police officers have been arrested and accused of child neglect after Henderson Police found their 9-year-old boy at home alone.

Linda Williams, 31, and Christopher Williams, 28, were in custody at Henderson Detention Center Thursday evening after a warrant was obtained in the incident that happened almost eight weeks ago.

A call from an unidentified person was responsible for drawing Henderson Police and Nevada Child Protective Services officers to the couple's home at 134 Coastal Way, near U.S. 95 and Horizon Ridge Parkway, on July 24 about 11:30 p.m.

Capt. Richard Perkins said officers found the boy alone while his parents were apparently at work. A CPS worker took the boy from the home and placed him into protective custody. An incident report was submitted to the district attorney's office that ultimately resulted in the warrant.

Police were not at liberty to disclose specific elements of the Williamses' case until it is settled in court.

Authorities said there is no law on the books stating a particular age when a child can be left alone.

Law enforcement officers, however, take several factors into consideration before they can pursue a child neglect charge, including the child's maturity, the condition of the house, the time period in which the parents or guardians have left the child alone, whether food is available, if dangerous items are inside the house, and whether the child knows the telephone number or other means to contact the parents or guardians.

The Williamses' court date is pending.