Hopkinsville woman charged after child found wandering in cold

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – A Hopkinsville woman is facing charges after police say a toddler was found wandering in the cold alone.

According to a uniform citation, the Hopkinsville Police Department responded Tuesday just before 4:30 p.m. for reports of a toddler walking the streets alone.

Police say upon arrival, they located the 1-year-old with no socks or shoes in 25 degree weather.

Authorities say the caller who reported the incident kept the child warm in her car prior to officers’ arrival.

After a neighborhood canvass, officers say they located the child’s home over 30 minutes after arrival.

Police say the child’s mother, identified as Stacey Williams, 28, of Hopkinsville, “failed to exercise reasonable diligence in the control of the child.”

Officers say they could smell the odor of marijuana coming from Williams’ residence so strongly that it could be noticed in the street.

Police say Williams admitted they would find marijuana inside but denied consent to search.

After obtaining a search warrant, police say officers entered the residence and found a duffel bag of several ounces of marijuana, as well as packaging and a digital scale.

Williams was arrested and is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and trafficking in marijuana, first offense ( between 8 ounces and 5 pounds).