An Arkansas woman is facing multiple charges after police say she left three young children alone in an unsanitary home and falsely claimed a relative was supervising them.
Latrica Upshaw, 30, has been charged with third-degree escape from custody and is also accused of three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and driving while intoxicated. She is being held at the Craighead County Jail.
Officer Discovers Children Inside
According to reports, a Jonesboro Police Department officer approached Upshaw just after 9 p.m. Tuesday as she pulled into a driveway on Center Street in Jonesboro. The officer allegedly observed bloodshot, watery eyes and detected a strong odor of alcohol.
When asked for proof of insurance, Upshaw allegedly attempted to go inside her home. Officers told her to remain outside, and after a brief struggle, she was detained. During the encounter, police reported hearing children crying from inside the residence.
Officers entered the home and say they found three children — ranging from nine months to five years old — alone in what they described as severely neglected conditions. One child was reportedly wearing a soiled diaper and covered in feces. Police said the home itself was unsanitary.
Additional Allegations
Upshaw allegedly told officers that an aunt was watching the children, but authorities found no other adults inside the residence. Police say she attempted to flee before being fully taken into custody and later refused to submit to a blood alcohol content test.
Court records show Upshaw is currently being held on a $75,000 bond as the case moves forward.
