By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Tuesday July 12, Fort Payne resident Justin Tyrone Pinkney was arrested and charged with endangering a child when he left his two children in an unattended vehicle. With temperatures reaching 92 degrees on Tuesday and the humidity at 99 percent, it’s no surprise that investigators and the Department of Human Resources (DHR) decided to file charges. What is surprising, however, Pinkney was arrested for the abuse of those same children only three months ago.
On April 2 of this year, Fort Payne Police officers were responding to an apartment in the Sanders Avenue North area, when they discovered a child with bruises and marks on his body. The child had apparently been left alone while Pinkney was out of town. After issuing a BOLO for Pinkney, he was pulled over several days later.
During the stop, officers smelled a strong marijuana odor, prompting a search of the vehicle. Pinkney’s 11-month old son was in the vehicle, and officers discovered marijuana in the infant’s car seat. After questioning, Pinkney was charged with first degree possession of marijuana paraphernalia and child abuse.
Almost exactly three months later, Pinkney’s kids were left alone in a vehicle in sweltering heat. If concerned citizens had not contacted the sheriff’s office, the infant might have perished in the heat.
DeKalb County DHR was contacted, but couldn’t comment because of confidentiality. However, they did say that child custody decisions were handled through the judicial system.
The public can help prevent situations like this by reporting any instance of suspected abuse to their local law enforcement, the sheriff’s office or DHR.
“Anybody who suspects child or elder abuse needs to report it to us, their local police department or DHR,” Sheriff Jimmy Harris said.
“Sometimes people are afraid to come forward. If anyone needs to contact us, they can call our tip line. Their name will be kept confidential, and we try to follow up on every case,” Harris added.
If you suspect elder or child abuse, contact your local police department, The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Tipline at 256-845-3801 (24 hours), or DeKalb County DHR at 256-844-2700 (8 am to 4:30 pm).
