A 15-year-old boy found himself stranded on the side of a major Tennessee highway with no phone and no way to reach help after his mother allegedly abandoned him during an argument, authorities said.
Angel C. Harris, 31, has been charged with child neglect or endangerment and interference with emergency calls, both misdemeanors, according to court records reviewed by CrimeBytes. She was booked into the Shelby County Jail before being released on her own recognizance.
Background
According to an affidavit of complaint obtained by CrimeBytes, the incident occurred Sunday evening when Harris and her 15-year-old son were driving south on US Highway 51 in Millington, Tennessee—a city approximately 15 miles north of Memphis. The two began arguing about the individuals the teenager was associating with, the boy told investigators.
During the argument, Harris pulled over to the side of the highway. After her son exited the vehicle, she drove away southbound, leaving him stranded on the roadside of the major thoroughfare.
"He stated he had no family, friends, or other person in Millington he could contact to pick him up," according to the affidavit. The teenager reportedly had to cross "US Highway 51 without a crosswalk during nighttime conditions and medium traffic" to seek assistance.
The Investigation
The boy made his way to Patriot Box Sports Grill, located on Highway 51 in Millington. Once inside, he asked a stranger if he could use her phone to call 911.
Officers with the Millington Police Department responded to the scene around 7:45 p.m. The teenager told officers he was not physically injured but was emotionally distressed from being left along the highway. He explained that he typically stays with his grandmother.
Investigators checked for any missing-person reports filed for the child and found none. They were able to contact the boy's grandmother, who agreed to pick him up.
When officers spoke with Harris, she reportedly stated that "police wasn't going to do anything anyway" and admitted to leaving her son on the highway and not returning or calling anyone to check on his well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Angel C. Harris, 31, charged with child neglect or endangerment and interference with emergency calls, both misdemeanors
- The incident occurred Sunday evening on US Highway 51 in Millington, Tennessee
- Before driving away, Harris allegedly took her son's phone as he attempted to call 911
- The teenager crossed the busy highway without a crosswalk during nighttime conditions to reach a restaurant where he could ask for help
- Harris told investigators she believed police "wasn't going to do anything anyway"
What's Next
Harris is due in court on September 17 to face the charges. The case remains under investigation by the Millington Police Department.