MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A child welfare concern quickly turned into a disturbing discovery for Memphis police after officers reportedly encountered two toddlers running into traffic and nearly being hit by a passing car.

According to an arrest affidavit, officers were responding to a report involving the children when they saw the 3-year-old and 2-year-old run into the street.

Police intervened before the situation became even more dangerous. The children then pointed officers toward their home in the 3900 block of Ridgedale Street, leading authorities to investigate what was happening inside.

What officers allegedly discovered at the residence raised even more concerns about the children’s safety.

Four Children Allegedly Left Home Alone

When officers entered the residence, the affidavit says no adults were present. Inside, police reportedly found four of the family’s eight children. Two of them were infant twins who were allegedly secured in car seats.

According to the affidavit, the infants appeared to be asleep and would not wake up when officers tried to check on them.

The conditions inside the home also reportedly concerned investigators. Police said the residence had no air conditioning and was not clean.

With the children apparently left without an adult caregiver, officers called paramedics to evaluate the infants. The paramedics reportedly found that the babies appeared small for their age, according to the arrest affidavit.

Police Say 3-Year-Old Was Near Bleach

The situation became even more alarming when officers allegedly discovered a bleach bottle inside the kitchen.

The affidavit for Keenia Haynes states that a 3-year-old was trying to put bleach in a bottle, raising immediate concerns about the child’s potential exposure to the dangerous household chemical.

“A bleach bottle was located in the kitchen and the 3-year-old was trying to put it in a bottle,” the affidavit says.

The discovery came after the toddlers had already been found outside and in danger of entering traffic.

With no adult apparently present inside the residence, police began determining who was responsible for the children and where their mother was.

Mother Returns From Kroger

According to the affidavit, Keenia Haynes, 35, eventually returned to the residence at approximately 3:16 p.m. Police allege that Haynes was carrying a beer when she arrived.

The affidavit says Haynes told officers she had gone to Kroger to purchase food and claimed that she had been away for approximately 30 minutes.

However, during that period, police say four of her children had been left inside the residence without adult supervision, while the two youngest toddlers ended up outside and running toward traffic.

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Haynes is now facing four counts of child neglect in connection with the incident.

Other Children Were at School

Haynes has eight children in total, according to police. At the time officers responded to the residence, her other children — ages 7, 8, 12 and 13 — were reportedly at school.

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services was contacted after police discovered the children and became concerned about their care and safety.

Authorities arranged for custody and care of all eight children, according to the affidavit. Police have not reported whether relatives were available to take care of the children.

The case remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the children’s supervision and the conditions officers allegedly encountered inside the home.

Mother Faces Child Neglect Charges

Haynes is scheduled to appear in court Monday for a bond hearing.

The allegations against her include leaving four children alone during the day while she went to Kroger. Police say the incident became especially dangerous when the two toddlers left the home and entered traffic.

The presence of infant twins inside the residence, the reported lack of air conditioning and cleanliness concerns, and the allegation involving bleach have all added to the seriousness of the case.

The children were placed into protective care following the police response. The allegations remain part of an ongoing legal case, and Haynes will have an opportunity to respond to the charges in court.

What do you think about the circumstances described in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.