POTEET, Texas — A mother is facing serious criminal charges after she allegedly left her two toddlers home alone and drove nearly 30 miles to visit her boyfriend — leaving her children without any adult supervision in the middle of the night.
Angelina Herrera was arrested earlier this week and charged with two counts of abandoning or endangering a child, along with one count of possession of a controlled substance.
Toddlers Left Alone While Mother Was Miles Away
According to the Poteet Police Department, officers responded early Tuesday morning after an anonymous tip reported that two toddlers had been left alone at a residence.
Their mother, police say, had driven to San Antonio — roughly 30 miles north of Poteet — to spend time with her boyfriend.
Officers arrived at the home but got no answer at the door. They stayed outside and waited.
A Traffic Stop Changed Everything
While officers were still at the residence, dispatchers learned that Herrera was on her way back.
She never made it home.
Atascosa County sheriff’s deputies pulled her vehicle over for speeding — a stop completely unrelated to the child welfare call. During that traffic stop, deputies found enough evidence to charge her with possession of a controlled substance and placed her under arrest.
Children Found Safe — But the Questions Remain
Around the same time, a family member arrived at the home and let officers inside.
The two toddlers were found unharmed and still asleep.
Herrera now faces three charges. It remains unclear how long the children were left alone before officers arrived, or whether she has hired an attorney.
What is clear is that two very young children were left without anyone to protect them — and only luck kept the outcome from being far worse.
What do you think should happen to parents who leave toddlers home alone? Share your thoughts in the comments.