From the Laurel County Sheriff's Department -
Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler along with Sgt. John Inman, Deputy Joey Robinson and Deputy James Fox arrested two individuals early Thursday morning January 9, 2020 at approximately 3:15 AM. after deputies were dispatched to a complaint of a woman running down Vaughn Ridge Road and what appeared to be possibly a child laying in the roadway also.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they located the woman, identified as 21 year old Destiny Dawn McQueen of London, and determined that she was under the influence. While being arrested, she stated that one of her two children was standing in the roadway there. Deputies noted that no child was there. While continuing to investigate, deputies located a 5-1/2 month old boy laying in the roadway with minimal clothing on approximately eight-tenths of a mile away from where deputies had located McQueen.
Deputies noted the temperature outside of 35 degrees. EMS was then summoned to the scene to check the infant. Deputies also noted that while investigating McQueen, she had been rambling about two children. Unable to get an address from her, deputies continued to investigate and determined a possible residence she may have originated from and proceeded to that residence locating the father of the child, identified as 49 year old Michael E. Augst also of London. He was found in the roadway and also located another child in the residence approximately two years old.
Deputies determined that Augst was under the influence and noted temperature in the residence being only 60°. They request EMS to check the welfare of the older sibling. Deputies notified child welfare services to take custody of the children. The parents who were arrested were identified as the adult female found along the roadway –
Destiny Dawn McQueen was charged with wanton endangerment – first-degree; wanton endangerment – second-degree; two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor; public intoxication – controlled substances; indecent exposure – first-degree – first offense; disorderly conduct – second-degree.
Michael E. Augst was charged with complicity to commit wanton endangerment – first-degree; wanton endangerment – second-degree; two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor; public intoxication – controlled substances.
Both were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Facility.