Arissa Ward, a 32-year-old woman from York County, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with felony child endangerment after a 2-year-old boy she was babysitting was found wandering alone in the middle of a road in 37-degree weather. The child, discovered by a passerby on W. Main Street in Windsor, was reportedly found “cold to the touch” and wearing no socks or shoes.
A Disturbing Pattern of Neglect
Ward’s actions came under scrutiny after police discovered the young child had gotten out of her house while she was asleep. Authorities say the child managed to open the door and exit the house, walking into the road before being found by the passerby.
Police later learned that Ward had been asleep upstairs with her two children and a dog when the boy’s mother dropped him off at 6:30 a.m. on the morning of the incident. Ward’s negligence, as well as her failure to properly supervise the child, led to the dangerous situation.
The boy’s mother confirmed the details of the morning, telling police she entered the home through an unlocked front door, which was unusual for the residence. She said she had to wake Ward from sleep to hand the child over.
Afterward, Ward reportedly fell back asleep, leaving the child unattended. The mother expressed uncertainty about whether the baby gate in the house was properly latched, which might have prevented the child from leaving the room.
Previous Conviction for Child Endangerment
This is not the first time Ward has faced legal consequences for endangering a child. In 2016, she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment after accidentally suffocating her 2-month-old son.
Ward had fallen asleep while intoxicated with alcohol and marijuana, and the child was asphyxiated when she rolled over onto him. Despite the tragedy, Ward was only sentenced to two days in prison and given the opportunity to redeem herself.
The judge had expressed hope that she could care for her surviving daughter, who was 3 at the time, but Ward’s repeated negligence has now led to further criminal charges.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
In her most recent case, Ward faces felony charges of child endangerment and misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person. She was arrested after police confirmed that the child had been left alone for a significant amount of time while Ward remained asleep, oblivious to the child’s actions.
Ward, who posted bail, is due back in court on May 5, 2026. Her history of neglect and the dangerous circumstances in which the child was found have raised concerns about her ability to care for children safely.
This case has sparked outrage, with many criticizing Ward’s repeated failure to properly supervise and care for children under her responsibility. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and Ward is expected to face consequences for her actions in the upcoming court proceedings.
