Five young children were seen trying to cross a Florida highway wearing only heavily soiled diapers Wednesday, according to police.
NBC News reports that the children are aged 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1. They were not able to say their names or where their parents were.
They were stopped by a motorist before crossing the highway.
In a statement, Hernando County Sheriff's Office said the 1-year-old, a girl, "had a severe rash on various parts of her body. Paramedics advised the rash appeared to be several weeks old.
"After being on scene for over 30 minutes, deputies were approached by Samantha McCarthy. McCarthy went to the lobby of the Motel 6 because the children she was caring for were missing. McCarthy told deputies that she had been sleeping and did not realize the children had left the room. She stated the door was locked and had no idea how they could have gotten out," the office said.
McCarthy told police the rash on one of the children was there for two to three days and had not been treated. She said she planned on seeking treatment for the child later that day, but had no transportation and did not make an appointment.
Deputies contacted Department of Children and Families, which checked the motel room and found minimal clothing and no food.
McCarthy was arrested and charged with child neglect with her bond set at $5,000.
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