ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office found a 8-month-old baby overturned in a child swing outside who suffered from severe sunburn and dehydration Thursday afternoon.
Shortly after 12 p.m., police say they received a call from a nearby neighbor who heard a child crying for a long time. Deputies arrived at 5948 Squires Lane in Ball and discovered the infant overturned in a child swing on the porch.
"The baby's really dirty and dehydrated more than anything," said Lt. Troy Verheyden. "We found straps around the baby's neck."
Police recovered the baby out of the swing and was checked for injuries. Emergency medical responders were also called to examine the child.
The Office of Child Protection took a 4-year-old, who was discovered in the home by police, and the infant into custody.
Police found the mother in the house sleeping. The mother, Ashley Ware, 27, arrested and charged for cruelty to a juvenile.
Police say the case is open and the incident is still under investigation.
