On February 17^th, 2025, at 02:28 a.m. Clermont County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of Pine Bridge Drive and Amelia Olive Branch in Batavia Township, Clermont County for a 6-year-old child outside walking around alone. The 911 caller was driving by the area and observed the child wearing her coat, pajamas, and gym shoes in the 22-degree weather, with no adult in sight. 

Deputies arrived on scene at 02:31 a.m. and noticed the child carrying a tablet and were able to determine her address through data contained within. Central Joint Fire and EMS responded to evaluate the child with no medical concerns noted. Deputies made contact with the father of the child at their apartment in the 40th block of Lucy Run Road of Batavia Township within the Crown Station Apartment complex. The father indicated he went to bed around 9:30 p.m. and the front door was locked, and a chain was also in place. Deputies discovered a trash can had been placed near the door which allowed the child to exit without her father’s knowledge.

The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit was contacted and detectives responded to the scene to investigate. Detectives interviewed the father who advised prior to going to bed he ensured the residence was locked. It appears the child moved the trash can to the door, in order to remove the locks and exit the residence. The father advised the child is non-verbal and autistic. Clermont County Children’s Protective Services was notified of the situation. Detectives consulted with the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the matter and advised no criminal charges will be filed at this time.