Toddler found naked, standing alone on the side of Jefferson County highway

KSDK -- A 3-year-old was found standing naked and alone on the side of  a Jefferson County highway and the child's mother taken into custody for questioning.

A witness told deputies she was driving on Highway C near Butcher Branch Road in Hillsboro when she saw the toddler standing next to the northbound lane.

She said the child was visibly cold. 

Authorities canvassed the area to locate the toddler's parents.  The Department of Family Services took the toddler into custody.  The mother was located and she was taken into custody by deputies.

The mother said she had been very tired from staying up late working on school papers.  She has a 7-year-old child as well.  DFS took that child into custody until their investigation is complete.

 She says she thought her autistic 3 year old daughter was safe and in her room with the open door blocked by a 3 foot tall gate.

Police say the toddler was somehow able to push the gate open and eventually get out the home.  


The mother says every door in the house was locked and says her little girl managed to get out a garage door.

No charges have been filed at this time but an investigation is ongoing.