CULLODEN, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A welfare check turned into a disturbing discovery Friday morning when deputies and a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker found a mother crouched in the bushes with her visibly dirty and injured child, allegedly trying to evade authorities.
Deputies responded to a call at 234 Walton Road around 10:14 a.m. to assist CPS in checking on the well-being of a child. After multiple unanswered knocks at the front door, Cpl. Petronko and a CPS worker walked around the home—where they heard a child crying from the bushes behind the house.
There, they discovered Brittany Vandale attempting to hide with her child. According to the report, the child was covered in dirt, had visible injuries, and was wearing clothing soiled with what appeared to be fecal matter and urine. Vandale reportedly told officers she was tired of dealing with CPS and law enforcement.
Further investigation of the home revealed hazardous living conditions, including an overwhelming stench of feces and urine, flies throughout the residence, trash strewn across the floor, and a mattress with no sheets that was also infested with flies. Vandale admitted the home lacked running water, stating they filled buckets from a hose outside.
CPS took immediate custody of the child and documented the scene with photographs showing the child’s injuries, uncleanliness, and the unsanitary state of the home.
The child’s father was also on scene and was taken into custody on outstanding warrants from Putnam County. Vandale herself had a non-extraditable warrant out of Maryland.
Due to the findings, an arrest warrant has been requested for Brittany Vandale through Cabell County Magistrate Court on the charge of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury/Resulting in Injury.
