PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two people are arrested after they were found passed out in a van with two young children with bug bites and infested with lice.
On Wednesday, officers from the Princeton Police Department responded to a concerning report of a white van parked at 407 Rogers Street with an unconscious individual behind the wheel. Upon arriving at the scene, Patrolman E. D. Leftwich discovered a troubling situation involving two adults and two juveniles inside the van.
The vehicle, a white 2006 Ford EC2 commercial van, had a shattered windshield held together by pieces of wood. Inside, officers found two juveniles playing with objects, while the adults, later identified as James Stafford and Tara McKinney, were passed out in the front seats. Glass pipes, suspected to be used for drug consumption, were visible in the cup holders.
After several attempts, McKinney woke up and roused Stafford. Both adults were removed from the vehicle, and during a search, officers found two gas canisters, a mattress, and children’s toys and blankets inside. A locked safe containing a loaded Kel-Tec .22LR pistol and a loaded Remington 12-gauge shotgun were also discovered, along with drug paraphernalia and a small amount of a crystalline substance.
The two juveniles, who appeared disheveled with visible bug bites, were treated on-site by the Princeton Fire Department and later transported to Princeton Community Hospital. Both children were found to be suffering from lice and other neglect-related issues. Child Protective Services (CPS) was contacted to manage their care.
James Stafford, who has a prior drug possession charge, and Tara McKinney were taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including drug possession and child endangerment. The investigation is ongoing as authorities assess the welfare of the children.
