Toddler Found Abandoned In SW OKC Apartment, Child's Mother Passed Out In Truck

A citizen dialed 911 after making a shocking discovery on Monday at a southwest Oklahoma City apartment complex. Police found an abandoned toddler just after midnight and the child’s mother passed out in a parked truck. Police said 21-year-old Stephanie Young appeared to have overdosed on a drug and later told hospital staff and officers that she took Xanax. 

The investigation started when the citizen arrived home and saw a neighbor’s door left open.

“The reporting person indicated they had seen the apartment door open and a two-year-old little girl just standing inside the apartment,” Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department, said. 

The man told officers the child was alone, and police confirmed the lack of supervision when they searched the apartment. The citizen mentioned the toddler's mother drove a green pickup. Officers located the truck in the parking lot.  

“Went to check it and found the mom inside. She was passed out,” Knight said. “They were able to wake her up.”

 While police called the state’s Department of Human Services child protective services to the scene, officers searched the apartment again.

 “It’s important to note there was drug paraphernalia inside the apartment,” Knight said.

 Young was taken to the hospital to be medically cleared and then booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on one complaint of child neglect.

 “It was a dangerous situation for the child because you’re talking about a vulnerable two-year-old little girl,” Knight said. “And there’s drugs and drug paraphernalia laying out in the open.”

 Young also had outstanding DUI and drug-related warrants.