Parent arrested after 7 kids found living out of U-Haul truck; covered in urine & lice

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: East Ridge Police say a family of 7 children were living out of the back of a U-Haul when a parent was arrested for driving with several children in the box truck on Tuesday.

Police say the children smelled of urine and all had lice when they were taken to a nearby hospital.

Police were alerted of the situation after a witness called about a possible kidnapping while driving on I-75 North.

However, ERPD Assistant Police Chief Josh Creel says it was not a case of kidnapping or human trafficking, but "rather poor decision making on the part of the custodial parent."

The parent was arrested.


PREVIOUS STORY: East Ridge police say a call from a witness about a possible kidnapping involving a moving truck on Tuesday turned out to be poor decision making by a parent who is now facing charges.

The call came into the 911 center at 2:20pm.

ERPD Assistant Police Chief Josh Creel says officers stopped the U-Haul at the East Brainerd Exit off I-75 North.

Creel says officers confirmed the witness’s information about children being in the back of the truck.

However, Creel says it was not a case of kidnapping or human trafficking, but "rather poor decision making on the part of the custodial parent."

A total of seven kids were found in the truck with two riding in the front and five riding in the rear cargo area.

All of the children were taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation but appeared to be in good health.

Creel says the parent was arrested on charges related to reckless endangerment.