SUMMERS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Summers County man has been arrested after a toddler was found wandering alone outside for more than 30 minutes Monday evening, according to law enforcement.
The incident happened around 7:20 p.m. on April 27, 2026, along Cardinal Way between 4th and 5th Avenue, behind the REACHH facility. Authorities were called after a young child was discovered outside by herself.
When officers arrived, they met a woman who had taken the toddler into her care. The child was later identified as JD. Witnesses reported the toddler had been found in the backyard of a nearby residence on 4th Avenue before making her way toward the street.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed the child walking unattended around 7:09 p.m., leaving a yard, entering Cardinal Way, and heading toward 4th Avenue.
Roughly 30 minutes later, at about 7:39 p.m., the child’s father, identified as Willard Durrett, exited his upstairs apartment on Temple Street and acknowledged he was the parent.
Troopers, along with assisting officers, entered the residence with consent and described the living conditions as “abhorrent.” Investigators also noted that the exterior staircase leading to the apartment was in severe disrepair and posed a safety hazard.
While speaking with authorities, Durrett initially claimed he had been in the restroom while the child was outside. He later changed his statement, saying he had been playing video games at the time.
Officials say the toddler had navigated a steep, deteriorating staircase and wandered into a public roadway unclothed, remaining outside unsupervised for an extended period.
Durrett was taken into custody and charged with child neglect creating the risk of injury.
The investigation remains ongoing.
