A 60-year-old woman in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is facing criminal charges after authorities say she restrained her seizing 8-year-old daughter with a dog leash instead of seeking emergency medical help, driving past two hospitals on the way home.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the incident began at a campground in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, where the child reportedly ingested bleach and started vomiting blood. Rather than calling emergency services, the woman — identified as Lisa Miller — allegedly bound the girl’s hands with a dog leash and secured her further with seat belts before leaving the campground, reportedly telling another child in the vehicle she intended to “lock her up” once they got home.
West Virginia State Police troopers were first alerted to the situation around 4 p.m. on Monday and began a welfare check after learning the child may have crossed into Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State Police troopers picked up the search along Route 51 and eventually located the vehicle in Fayette County, roughly 40 miles from the campground.
When troopers stopped the car, they found the 8-year-old girl unresponsive in the back seat. She was rushed to a nearby hospital due to the severity of her condition and was later airlifted to another medical facility, where she remained in critical condition on life support as of Tuesday, officials said.
Investigators say that by the time troopers intervened, the child was actively seizing and had visible bruising on her body. Miller had reportedly driven past two hospitals during the trip without stopping for help.
She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person, and is currently being held without bail at the Fayette County Jail. The Pennsylvania State Police say additional charges against her are expected.
Miller appeared for a preliminary arraignment on Tuesday, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 28.