Arrest Made for Three Counts of Child Neglect in Relation to Last Week’s Pediatric Fall From Apartment Building Window

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department have announced the arrest of Josiane Kameni Sahok, 32, of Takoma Park, Maryland, for three counts of Child Neglect. The arrest was related to last week’s incident of a three-year-old child falling from the second story window of an apartment building.

Per Takoma Park Police: On March 21st, at approximately 11:50 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 1100 block of Linden Avenue for the report of Child Neglect. Officers were contacted by a UPS delivery driver who reported that while delivering a package to the apartment, the door was opened by a toddler. The driver called out for an adult but was met with another toddler who was crying. Officers responded, made entry into the apartment, and found two visibly upset young children. The apartment was in an unsanitary condition with no adults present. Officers were unable to contact a parent. They immediately purchased diapers for the toddlers and cleaned them up. While officers were on scene caring for the toddlers, the parent, identified as Sahok, arrived at the apartment with a 5-year-old child. Officers determined that the toddlers were left alone in the apartment for several hours. They provided Sahok with assistance and information for resources for food and other necessities while discussing the dangers of leaving children unattended. Child Protective Services was notified.

On April 12th, at approximately 2:00 pm, officers responded to the same apartment after receiving a call from a construction worker that a small child had fallen from a third-floor window. Fire and Rescue services responded and transported the child to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officers determined this was the same child from the March 21st incident and notified Child Protective Services again.

On April 13th, officers followed up with Sahok at her apartment to check on the welfare of the children. They found the apartment continued to be in an unsanitary condition and was devoid of food for the children. Officers again offered Sahok help and information for resources that could provide her assistance. On April 17th, officers filed for and obtained an arrest warrant against Sahok for child neglect. On April 18th, Sahok was arrested and Child Protective Services responded to take custody of the three neglected children. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps