Elyria, Ohio — April 10, 2025
A 3-year-old girl was found walking alone near Hamilton Elementary School on Thursday morning, wrapped in a blanket — triggering a swift and serious police response that ended with her mother’s arrest.
Officers with the Elyria Police Department arrived at approximately 10:57 a.m. after multiple citizens called 911 to report the small child walking unsupervised along Middle Avenue. The girl was safely escorted to a nearby home in the 1200 block of Middle Avenue, which she confirmed was hers.
Inside, officers found a 6-year-old boy asleep — but no adults present.
Elyria Police say they had prior contact at this same address in 2024 regarding a similar child endangerment case involving the same mother, 32-year-old Chardea Thompson.
After finding the home unsecured and receiving no response at the door, officers entered out of concern for the children’s safety. Thompson was later reached by phone and admitted leaving the children in the care of a relative — but also admitted that the relative was unaware the children were home alone.
Police took Thompson into custody without incident upon her return at 12:18 p.m. She was arrested on a felony charge of Endangering Children (4th degree) and on an outstanding arrest warrant from the Ohio State Highway Patrol – Medina Post.
Thompson was transported to the Lorain County Jail. The children have since been released to a responsible family member. Lorain County Children Services has been notified and is involved in the case.
Police Chief James P. Welsh thanked community members for stepping in, saying, “Our officers responded quickly to a potentially dangerous situation and ensured the safety of these young children. We thank the citizens who acted responsibly by calling police when they saw a child in danger.”
This remains an ongoing story. Charges are expected to be reviewed by the Lorain County Prosecutor. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as it moves through the Lorain County Court docket.
