Child found wandering alone on a road all night

HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A father was arrested for child neglect after his toddler was found wandering alone on the road all night.

On the morning of October 13, 2024, Huntington Police responded to reports of a young child walking alone in the street near a residential area. The incident occurred at approximately 5:05 a.m. after a concerned neighbor called authorities. The neighbor reported that he had seen the child on the road multiple times throughout the night and had attempted to guide the child to safety.

When officers arrived, the child was safely brought to the sidewalk. A nearby neighbor directed officers to the child’s home. Officers attempted to make contact with the child’s parents but were initially unsuccessful. After searching the property, they were able to contact the child’s father, Christopher Helphinstine, in the garage.

Upon being informed of the situation, Helphinstine became hostile toward the officers, leading them to place him in mechanical restraints to prevent further escalation. Following an investigation, police arrested Helphinstine on charges of child neglect.

Cpl. Heighton contacted Child Protective Services (CPS), and the child was safely transported to Huntington Police Department headquarters. Helphinstine was also transported without incident, and authorities indicated that further actions would be taken, including serving a criminal complaint to the child’s mother at a later time.

The investigation is ongoing, and CPS is continuing its involvement to ensure the child’s safety.