Babysitter passes out drunk and toddler wanders outside in the cold, NJ cops say

A toddler was found alone outside in the New Jersey cold, leading to the discovery of the child’s unconscious babysitter, New Jersey police say.

Police said a 35-year-old caretaker was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child following the Jan. 13 incident in Brigantine, about a 65-mile drive southeast from Philadelphia.

A neighbor who recognized the child found the toddler outside the home around 12:30 p.m., police said. When the neighbor went to the child’s home, the caretaker was found “unconscious and unresponsive,” per police.

The child’s parent, who was at work, was called and immediately came home, police said.

An investigation revealed the babysitter was hired “from a well-known online platform,” according to police. She is accused of drinking “a significant amount of the homeowner’s alcohol” before passing out.

Police said the caretaker was hospitalized before being taken into custody.

It’s unclear how long the child was outside or if they needed medical treatment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Brigantine Police at 609-266-7414.

This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Babysitter passes out drunk and toddler wanders outside in the cold, NJ cops say."