TEXARKANA, Texas–A Texarkana man has been charged with child endangerment/abandonment after his 4-year-old was found wandering in a high-traffic area wearing only socks, a tee-shirt and a diaper in mid-December.
Aladdin Carter, 33, reportedly told investigators that he had fallen asleep before the child apparently wandered from their home the morning of Dec. 17, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The little girl was found around 10:30 a.m. by civilians in a parking lot in the 1700 block of New Boston Road. The girl allegedly complained to the bystanders who helped her and called police that she was cold. The temperature was approximately 51 degrees Fahrenheit, it had been raining and the child’s feet were wet.
Police were unable to locate Aladdin at his residence in the 1700 block of W. 18th St. after finding the home unlocked and empty. Officers were able to make contact with a relative who came and picked up the child.
Aladdin allegedly contacted the police at about 1:30 p.m. regarding his daughter. He allegedly claimed he had been out searching for her.
If convicted of child endangerment/abandonment, Carter faces six months to two years in a state jail.
Carter is currently being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set at $75,000.
The case has been assigned to 102nd District Judge Jeff Addison. Carter is represented by the Bowie County Public Defender’s Office.