Police in Colorado Springs conducting a welfare check at a day care found 26 children behind a false wall in its basement.

Law enforcement officials arrived at Play Mountain Place, a home-operated day care, to find no children inside. They attempted to contact the owner, Carla Faith, but she refused to cooperate, according to KKTV

release provided to KKTV says officers heard noises of children and began to investigate:

The owner was not arrested, but police told KKTV they are pursuing "appropriate" charges. Three adult workers were initially arrested but the charges were later canceled by detectives pending further investigation, according to KCNC-TV.

A criminal investigation is underway by the Colorado Springs Police Department Crimes Against Children Unit. The Colorado Department of Human Services told KKTV that it is suspending the day care's licensing status.

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Banks County 0 mile sign is displayed on Old Federal Road, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Carnesville. The boundary between Banks and Franklin mysteriously moved to the east, allowing the Banks sheriff to claim he lives in the county and keep his job as the top lawman. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC