KSP: 2 arrested after children found in tractor trailer

LONDON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky State Police have arrested two people after finding them in a 2001 Freightliner tractor trailer at an I-75 weigh station with 2 children in the passenger/sleeper compartment.

Troopers say it happened on May 5th at about 10:00 a.m.  Officers say they stopped the tractor trailer at a northbound weigh station for a safety inspection.  Officers say as they approached the truck, they noticed a foul odor along with a woman and two juveniles in the sleeper compartment.  Officers say the juveniles were 7-year-old and 16-months.

As they continued their investigation, police say they were able to determine that the driver, 37-year-old William R. Eichhorn, of Louisville, was on methamphetamine.  They also found Eichhorn in possession of a firearm and alcohol.  He was arrested on multiple charges.

The juvenile’s mother, 27-year-old Samantha Whittenburg was also arrested, charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and public intoxication.

Samantha Whittenburg

The children were placed with child protective services.