Mother charged with child endangering after leaving her children home alone

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Dayton resident Erica Warner celebrated her 30th birthday on Monday.

Tuesday, police said she took off for Columbus, leaving her 5 young children to fend for themselves.

"The food source was minimal at best," said Sgt. Larry Tolpin.      

Earlier in the day, officers were tipped off about the situation inside Warner's home at 31 Gerlaugh Avenue in East Dayton.

Inside the residence investigators said they found a 10 year-old caring for his 2,3,4 and 8 year old siblings.

"Initially the officers thought the home might be vacant when they entered due to the lack of furniture," added Tolpin.
    
According to the police report towels and blankets on the floor were being used as makeshift beds, but the home did have running water and heat.

Officers said that still does not account for a lack of supervision. Tolpin said Warner did not return home until Tuesday night, at least seven hours after she left.  

"If you see something that is concerning, similar to this, it's one phone call away" said Sgt. Tolpin. "It's the right thing to do for the right reason".

Tolpin told 2 NEWS the children are now staying with family members and are doing well.

In the meantime, Erica Warner has been booked into the Montgomery County Jail on child endangering charges.