An Ottumwa man faces multiple charges after police say he left his children unattended in a home early Friday morning to get alcoholic drinks from a gas station.
21-year-old Cayden Knott faces charges of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person (Class C felony), interference with official acts (simple misdemeanor), and public intoxication (simple misdemeanor).
On May 16th, just after midnight, court records say an officer observed Knott walking on a sidewalk near the intersection of Jefferson and East Maple in Ottumwa. According to police, Knott had an active arrest warrant, and upon contact with him, an officer observed Knott displaying slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from him.
Knott was administered a breath test, and court documents say it resulted in a 0.135% BAC, over the legal limit of 0.08%.
Knott was placed under arrest. Authorities say he admitted to leaving two children at his residence to get beer and a drink from a gas station. According to police, Knott lives in a residence half a mile away, and he left three children alone in the home (ages 4, 2, and nine months) unattended.
During his arrest, Knott allegedly wrapped his leg around the arresting officer and attempted to trip him. Police say Knott had to be pulled into the squad car and placed his foot in the door so it couldn’t be closed.
Knott is currently in the Wapello County Jail, where his bail has been set at $10,000.
Knott has a preliminary hearing set for May 23rd.
