A 2-year-old girl was rescued from a busy intersection in Terra Alta, West Virginia, after a bystander spotted her wandering alone in the roadway at East State Avenue and North Main Street. The Good Samaritan stayed with the child until troopers arrived — a wait of 27 minutes — during which no one from her nearby home came searching for her, according to court documents.
West Virginia State Police traced the toddler back to a home approximately 100 yards away on East State Avenue. Inside, they found more than just a missing child.
When Child Protective Services and troopers entered the residence, they encountered conditions described as unsuitable for children. Among the findings: live chickens inside a crib where children slept, cockroach infestations, and open waste containing human feces positioned near an infant’s sleeping area. Troopers also observed a juvenile holding a cigarette reportedly taken from the mother’s purse.
The children’s mother, Shannon Blacka, 31, was home at the time. During a follow-up visit, troopers found the family’s 8-month-old infant with a rash covering her thighs and back, along with scratches on her forehead. Officers also witnessed a 4-year-old strike the 2-year-old in the face. Blacka reportedly showed no reaction.
Blacka was charged with child neglect and creating risk of injury to a minor. She is currently being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $25,000 bond. Three additional children remain connected to the case. No court date has been publicly announced at this time.
Case at a glance
- Suspect: Shannon Blacka, 31, Terra Alta, WV
- Charges: Child neglect, creating risk of injury
- Bond: $25,000 — held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail
- Children involved: 4, including an 8-month-old infant
- Toddler found alone for 27 minutes at busy intersection
