Investigators noticed David Dexter, 30, and Christan Wilson, 28, sitting in a vehicle in a parking lot around 5:30 p.m. in a small park and after about 10 minutes approached them to find out if they needed help, police said.
When the officer got close to the vehicle, Dexter tried to hide an object. The officer noticed a number of drug paraphernalia items in plain view and began a drug investigation, police said.
Investigators found several needles prepared for injection and took Dexter into custody. He told investigators that they were using Dilaudid and had purchased the drug with the child in the vehicle. A search of Wilson’s purse revealed more drug paraphernalia.
Officers noticed the shoeless child, wearing only a shirt and a soiled diaper, was freely walking around the cabin of the vehicle. The car was filled with roaches and other insects, spoiled food and dirty clothes. Bugs were walking on a seat near the child, police said.
The child had numerous scabs and open wounds that attracted insects. Dexter told investigators one of the child’s wounds happened when she walked into a lit cigarette.
Emergency responders medically cleared the child, who was then placed in the care of family.
Dexter and Wilson were arrested and charged with child abuse, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.