An unaccompanied minor discovered at Shafer Stadium on Monday night led to the arrest of the child’s mother, according to the Ottumwa Police Department.
Amy Heiss, 51, was charged with neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a Class C felony.
According to court records, an autistic boy was found unsupervised at the stadium at approximately 8:05 PM. Police noted the juvenile was unable to care for himself and was wearing only soiled underwear, a pair of shoes, and a backpack.
Officers made multiple attempts to contact DHS but were unable to do so. Court documents say authorities determined Heiss to be the child’s mother but could not reach her by phone.
Police found Heiss at a residence on East 4th Street, according to the criminal complaint. Heiss allegedly told officers she was sleeping but officials noted Heiss demonstrated a lack of balance and the inability to walk without a support system. Court records say Heiss repeatedly told officers she consumed alcohol and anxiety medication. Police determined that Heiss was intoxicated and unable to care for her child.
Heiss was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail. Court records did not show a bond amount as of publication.
