NAUGATUCK — Two young children were found wandering unsupervised near Cross Street on Saturday, leading to the arrest of their caregiver, police said.
Around noon, concerned citizens contacted the Naugatuck Police Department after observing two children, ages 2 and 4, playing near the roadway in cold weather while wearing only onesie pajamas.
Officers responding to the scene were directed to the children by good Samaritans who had intervened to ensure their safety.
Police canvassed the area and found a nearby home with an open garage door and no one present.
The children’s caregiver, Carol Peynado, 54, was later located.
She admitted to leaving the children unsupervised for several hours while she went to work, according to police.
Both children were transported to the police department and medically evaluated.
While in good physical health, one child showed signs of soiled clothing and neglect, authorities said.
Peynado was arrested and charged with two counts each of risk of injury to a minor, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and cruelty to persons.
She was held on a $50,000 bond and appeared in court on Jan. 21.
The Department of Children and Families was notified and is involved in the case.