Incident: In Moore, Oklahoma, a 6-year-old boy was discovered wandering alone after fleeing his home. (Source: Google Maps). Insets show Dilon Moore and Cathy Ngo (Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office).
An Oklahoma boy was taken in by some caring neighbors after he was seen wandering outside by himself because he said he ran away from home.
Authorities from the Moore Police Department eventually found the boy’s father, Dilon Moore, 35, and his stepmother, Cathy Ngo, 37, for questioning. They later confessed to mistreating the boy, which included “burning the child’s foot with a ‘Bic’ lighter” as a form of “discipline,” as indicated in a Facebook post. Both Moore and Ngo face charges of child abuse and neglect and were held at the Cleveland County Jail.
The child was discovered wandering alone in the Moore neighborhood, part of southern Oklahoma City, on September 21st and was taken in by neighbors. Police, arriving on the scene, noted he had “visible injuries, including scars, burn injuries to his feet, and showed signs of malnutrition.”
Michael Smithpeter, the neighbor who temporarily sheltered the boy before the police arrived, shared with local CBS affiliate KWTV, “His chest was sunken, and his stomach was swollen.” He continued, “He expressed a desire to find a family that could love him and take care of him. While I don’t have the physical space, I have love to offer. I’d do anything for this little one.”
The boy received medical attention at a hospital and was later released. KWTV reported that he has now been placed in foster care.
Moore and Ngo remain in custody, each on $200,000 bond.
