A Baldwin woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon after her 4-year-old son was found walking alone along Willingham Avenue without adult supervision.
According to a press release from the City of Baldwin, Habersham County E-911 received multiple calls at approximately 3:50 p.m. on January 14, 2026, reporting a young child walking by himself on the roadway. Two concerned adults stopped to help and remained with the child at a nearby business until law enforcement arrived.
Officers with the Baldwin Police Department responded and began searching for the child’s guardian. The boy told officers his mother had left him at home to go shopping and that he was trying to find her. He was unable to provide his parents’ full names or describe where he lived, prompting officers to request assistance from the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
About 30 to 45 minutes later, the child’s mother, Miranda Perry, arrived at the scene looking for her son. Perry told officers the child had left their apartment at the Heritage Garden complex. She stated she had left him at home while she picked up her other children from the bus stop and went to a local clothing store. She also reported that the child’s father, who works night shifts, was asleep inside the apartment and was unaware the child had left.
Following the investigation, Perry was arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct. DFCS assumed responsibility for the child’s welfare and will continue its investigation.
City officials used the incident to remind parents and caregivers that child safety devices such as doorknob covers and latches are not fail-safe and should not replace proper supervision. Authorities also emphasized that if a child is left with a sleeping caregiver, that person must be aware and able to supervise the child.
This incident marks the second recent case in which a child was found on a busy roadway after being left with a sleeping caregiver. Officials noted that no injuries occurred in either situation.
Baldwin Police thanked the citizens who intervened and ensured the child’s safety until help arrived.
