TAYLOR, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two parents are now facing charges after police say their child was found on the side of the road with a sign asking for help.
According to the criminal complaint, an officer was deployed to the 200 block of Main Street in Taylor on August 31, around 4:45 p.m., after a caller reported a boy near the roadway with a cardboard sign that stated "PLS HeLP."
The caller told the officer that the boy was crying, visibly dirty, and wearing a cast on his leg.
The caller pulled over to check on the boy, who said he was looking for his parents and was unsure of where they were, officials say. The caller told the child to return home while he called 911 to help.
The officer went to the address to make contact with the child. According to police, the boy told the officer he had been alone since 9:00 a.m. and his parents were at a carnival, but didn't tell him exactly where they were going.
Mother charged in death of baby
The victim also stated that he had not eaten all day, as his parents didn't allow him to cook when they weren't home, due to his young age of only 10 years old, the criminal complaint states.
Officials were able to contact the boy's parents, who said it would take them an hour to return home. While waiting, the officer reportedly called Children and Youth Services.
The affidavit states that the home was covered in clutter, garbage, dirty dishes, and medication within reach of children.
The victim's mother, identified as Holly Herchelroth, reportedly told police they were planning to come home later in the day after a demolition derby. Herchelroth initially stated that they had left at noon, but later said she only contacted her son to tell him that they had just arrived at the fair at noon, police reported. Herchelroth also stated that the boy's cast was due to a bike accident.
Officials say arrangements were made for the boy and another child to stay with their godparents.
Holly Herchelroth and the victim's father, Benjamin Herchelroth, both face charges for endangering the welfare of a child.
