Drug paraphernalia found on and near child’s car seat

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Beckley mother was charged with child neglect after a large amount of drug paraphernalia was found on and near the child’s car seat.

On July 13, 2024, Beckley Police was dispatched to 2933 Robert C. Byrd Drive for a welfare check on a child. Dispatch had received a call reporting a child hanging out of a vehicle, with a white female walking around the vehicle and looking at the ground. The caller stated the female appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Upon arrival, Police observed Kalee Carmickle outside the vehicle with her child. Police asked Ms. Carmickle if she was alright and if there were any drugs on her person or in the vehicle. She stated there were not. Officer L. Capehart arrived and used K9 Zero to perform a free-air sniff around the vehicle. The K9 indicated the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a large amount of drug paraphernalia, including a yellow grocery bag with a marijuana pipe on the car seat. There was also burnt foil and melted straws in the vehicle near the back seat where the child’s car seat was located. The child appeared to be approximately 2-3 years old.

Police contacted Child Protective Services. Carmickle was charged with child neglect.

These events took place within the city limits of Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia.