WEBSTER COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — A West Virginia woman has been charged after four children were found alone in a vehicle with suspected drugs and a knife, court records said.
Cynidel Alexis Hardin, 27, of Cowen, W.Va., is charged with four counts of child neglect creating risk of injury following a welfare check Monday night, according to a criminal complaint filed in Webster County Magistrate Court.
Troopers said they were initially called to check on the children after a family member said Hardin’s vehicle had allegedly been seen at a known drug house for most of the day.
When troopers arrived at Hardin’s home they said they found the vehicle on with four children alone inside, according to the complaint. Two of the children were allegedly screaming and crying.
Hardin eventually exited the home and while talking with investigators, troopers said they noticed one of the children holding an open pocket knife in the vehicle.
Troopers said they also found a small bag of drug paraphernalia and suspected heroin in an infant’s car seat, according to the complaint.
Hardin is currently being held on a $40,000 bond.