Woman finds toddler wandering street in pajamas

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An 18-month-old girl is expected to be released Tuesday night from the hospital after she was found wandering an east side neighborhood. Investigators said the toddler's condition is very good considering she was found wandering her neighborhood wearing only pajamas.

Judy Smith said she and her husband were headed to donate blood at the Colts Bleed Blue event at Lucas Oil Stadium when they were suddenly diverted Tuesday morning. The two were near the corner of 17th and Coolidge Avenue on the city's east side when Smith spotted the child.

"I wasn't quite sure what I was seeing and then I looked again and realized that what I saw in the street was moving down the middle of the street," Smith said.

Smith said she stopped her car and picked the toddler up. She also called 911.

Police arrived to find the toddler crying, had a dirty diaper and had no coat on.

"She had really bright red hands," Smith recalled.

The girl's mother told police she and her daughter took a nap. Investigators said the mother realized the child was missing when police knocked on her door.

Police said the baby apparently woke up from the nap and went out the front door, which, her mother told police, is normally locked.

Officers said it is yet to be determined whether the child's mother will face charges.

"That's why the detective is looking at the case. He'll present everything to the prosecutor," said IMPD Sgt. Matthew Mount.

Smith said the incident could have been avoided.

"If the latch is for an 18-month-old to get out of the door, it probably should have been fixed before now," Smith said.

Investigators said Child Protective Services is expected to make a home inspection Wednesday.

At that time, CPS will make a decision whether or not to return the child home.