A Cobb County woman is accused of barricading four children inside a room for three days while she was under the influence of methamphetamine, police said.
Yolanda Mendez, 35, allegedly did not allow the children, ages 16, 13, 9 and 3, to attend school for three days and deprived them of adequate food while keeping them in unsanitary conditions, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the AJC. Mendez, of a Marietta address, remained in the Cobb County jail on Wednesday without bond.
Cobb County police officers conducting a welfare check Nov. 17 at Mendez's apartment found the door barricaded, according to spokesman Sgt. Dana Pierce. While officers were at the home, one of the children inside placed a call to 911, Pierce said.
Police said Mendez grabbed two large kitchen knives and attempted to stab an officer who entered the home, the warrant states. One of the children was able to get the knife from the woman, Pierce said.
No one was injured in the confrontation and Mendez was taken into custody. Police said she will undergo a mental evaluation.
Mendez faces four misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, jail records indicate. She faces felony charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon during a crime, and is also being held on an immigration violation, according to jail records.
The four children were released to a relative, police said.
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