MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A father is facing charges after his son was found wandering near the road. Police say the home had no running water or electricity.
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Patrolman T.L. Farley II of the Mount Hope Police Department responded to a welfare check on Legends Highway after receiving reports of a juvenile male walking near the road holding a teddy bear.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Farley encountered a juvenile boy who appeared mentally handicapped and was nearly nonverbal. The juvenile was unable to communicate where he lived. After further investigation, it was discovered that the boy resided on a street in Mount Hope and was diagnosed with autism.
Officer Farley proceeded to the address and made contact with the boy’s father, Anthony Wickline, who appeared to have been asleep and was unaware of his son’s whereabouts. Wickline informed the officer that this was not the first time his son had wandered off. Officer Farley informed Wickline that the boy had been dangerously close to the road and nearly struck by a vehicle.
While at the residence, Officer Farley observed that the home had no running water or electricity, prompting a call to Child Protective Services (CPS). The juvenile was transferred to the care of his grandfather.
Following an investigation, it was determined that Wickline had neglected his child by creating a hazardous environment. Wickline was arrested for child neglect and transported to the Southwestern Regional Jail.
