Smith said that on Sunday, she had traveled from Memphis to Nashville with a male acquaintance, leaving the child behind in Memphis with someone that she believed to be the man’s sister. She said the man — whom she did not name — later revealed that the “sister” was actually his girlfriend.
Child left at Goodwill donation center in Southaven, Mississippi.Southaven Police Department
She claimed the man, whom she did not identify, then left her at a Nashville store after she refused his demand that she work for him.
“He was like, ‘You better get out there and [prostitute]’ and all that type of stuff," she said. “I told him, ‘I’m not doing nothing.'”
Suspect with abandoned child.Southaven Police Department
The toddler had with him a plastic grocery bag containing a note and some clothing, according to police.
An employee at the Goodwill centerearlier toldWREG that the man had said “the child’s mother couldn’t care for him” before leaving the premise.
The note left with the toddler reportedly read: “child abandoned … no phone number for mom.”
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Surveillance cameras in the area captured images of the man and a woman who authorities believe were involved in the incident.
So far, that person’s name or alleged connection to the case has not been released.
“At this time the investigation is still ongoing, no suspect information or charges are being released,” Southaven Police Department Chief Macon Mooresaid in a statementMonday. “We would like to thank all of the citizens who showed concern for the child, rest assured he is well, and being taken care of and will be reunited with family when CPS determines this is proper.”
“We would also like to thank all of the citizens who offered tips regarding the suspects in this case,” he added. “The cooperation from the community and a unified effort from law enforcement led to the speedy apprehension of suspects.”
The statement continued: “Upon knowing the child’s circumstances, we immediately reported the situation to police. Our security leaders are working closely with local authorities, including reviewing surveillance footage. At this time, the matter is an ongoing investigation with the police.”
WREG reports the child was being held in the custody of Child Protective Services until Smith could return to the Memphis area, according to Memphis activist Barbara Buress, who conducted the Facebook Live interview, adding that she had arranged for Smith to be picked up in Nashville.
source: people.com
