Mother arrested after child found walking along Knox County highway

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Deputies say a Knox County woman is in custody after her 4-year-old child was seen walking down a highway shortly after midnight Tuesday.

Investigators say 29-year-old Jennifer Tritt, of Barbourville, left her home on Morris Lane to give a ride to a friend.

Deputies say when they arrived, the child was with a social worker and a volunteer fireman. They say they child was near railroad tracks and high water.

According to deputies, they checked the home the child left and found a nine-year-old child and an elderly man, who were both sleeping.

They also say they found a loaded shotgun on a bedroom floor.

Investigators say Tritt returned home around 1:40 a.m. and was arrested. She is charged with endangering welfare of a minor and wanton endangerment.

Deputies say the children were released to another family member.