PARK FOREST, Illinois-(ENEWSPF)- A woman in Park Forrest was charged after police found eight children and two dogs living in a filthy, adult-free area.
On the afternoon of December 13, 2022, at 400 Huron Street, police were searching for a person suspected of damaging a vehicle. Two of his others, who fled on foot from officers at the time, were detained near his 400 block on Indianwood Boulevard, police said.
Police said two officers were in the backyard of an empty house on Huron Street. Police said there were no cars in the driveway or in front of the residence.
Officers observed debris on the ground around the driveway and garage and backyard, police said. A detective opened the courtyard door and announced his department, police said. Police said he found several small children on the bed in the bedroom adjacent to the back living room.
Two other officers then entered the residence. Police said they found four more children and two pit bulls in the residence.There were no adults in the home, police said.
According to the report, the children in the home were not involved in the crime damage to the vehicle.
Police said a strong smell of garbage, urine and feces was encountered in the house. Police said there was trash, clothing, discarded food and dog poop covering most of the floors throughout the house. Police said there were several bugs, flies, and cockroaches in every room, including the sink, countertops, walls, ceiling, and cabinets.
Police said the house did not appear to have running water. There was electricity in the house. According to police, a gas fireplace was lit and was believed to be the main source of heat in the home.
The bathroom toilet was overflowing with feces and urine. The bathroom sink was filled with stagnant water, police said.
Despite the circumstances, the children actually felt happy, told police they were okay, and appeared cheerful to police, according to the report.
Another detective arrived on the scene and took all the children into custody “because of the overall situation and living conditions within the residence”. It was captured and later downloaded to the hard drive of the Park Forest Police Department’s photo evidence.
Police reported the situation inside the house to the Park Forest Building Department. The building bureau has denounced the house.
The incident was also reportedly captured by a body-worn camera. Ivy Harper, 34, 421 Huron St., Park Forest, has been charged with endangering the life or health of a child.
About police report
Note the frequent use of the word “alleged” in these reports, repeatedly saying “police said”. We never claim that those arrested and/or charged have committed a crime. Prosecutors and police have the burden of proving all criminal charges because an indicted person is innocent until proven guilty.
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According to police, all incidents in this report were filmed with body-worn and/or dashboard-mounted cameras by officers at their respective sites. All Park Forest police officers wear body-worn cameras. These devices are now usually abbreviated he BWC in reports.
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