2 women are accused of child endangerment

10/13/2002

Two South Toledo women are charged with child endangerment after a 3-year-old boy for whom they are guardians wandered away Friday and played on railroad tracks near Airline Avenue, Toledo police said.

Melva Blunk, 55, and Connie Blunk, 32, of the 1600 block of Western Avenue, were charged after a witness reported taking the boy from the tracks about 3:30 p.m., Toledo police said. Minutes after the child was removed, a train came through.

Police searched the neighborhood for the child's home and had difficulty communicating with him because of his age. His guardians later called the police about the child and were questioned.

Both suspects blamed the other, police said. The child was left in the custody of other relatives. A report is scheduled to be turned over to Lucas County Children's Services. Connie Blunk was released from jail late Friday. Melva Blunk remained in jail last night.