Parents charged after child found on U.S. 190

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The parents of a girl were charged with child desertion after their 2-year-old was found in the middle of U.S. 190 on the east side of Eunice, according to a news release from St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
A caller reported the girl at about 12:28 p.m. and then stopped to remove the girl from the road.
The parents, Rafael Maglalang and Chesly John were found asleep in their residence, which is located about 50 yards from the highway, Guidroz said.
Both were charged with child desertion and released, he stated. The child was released into their custody pending additional investigation, he stated.
Sheriffs’ deputies, Eunice Police and Eunice City Marshal deputies were dispatched to the scene.
The parents and the child were transported to the office for questioning and the Department of Child and Family Services were notified.
The child’s father reportedly stated that this was the second time the girl was able to leave the home and he had changed the front door lock, Guidroz stated.
The father did admit that he noticed her trying to unlock the back door but was not able to open it and he did not use the back door that day, Guidroz stated.
The mother admitted that she goes out the back door to smoke but denied using the door that day, Guidroz stated.