2 Unsupervised Young Children Found Near Road In Naugatuck, Woman Arrested: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A woman accused of leaving two young children alone unsupervised while she was at work was arrested Saturday afternoon after both kids were found wandering near a road in Naugatuck, according to police.

In a news release, police said they received a report around noon of two unsupervised small children found wandering near Cross Street.

Concerned citizens contacted police after spotting the children, ages 2 and 4, playing near the road wearing only onesie pajamas in cold weather, police said.

A group of good Samaritans, who had intervened to ensure the children were safe, flagged down officers when they arrived in the area, police said.

Officers determined the children were likely from the immediate area and found the garage door of a nearby home wide open, according to police.

After further investigation, officers determined no one was present at the home, police said.

Officers located the children's caregiver, identified as Carol Peynado, 54, of Naugatuck, who admitted to leaving the children unsupervised for several hours while she went to work, according to police.

Both children were taken to the Naugatuck Police Department and medically evaluated. While in good physical health, one child showed signs of soiled clothing and neglect, according to police.

Peynado was charged with two counts each of risk of injury to a minor, first-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons.

Peynado was held on a $50,000 bond and appeared in court Tuesday, police said.

Police also noted the Department of Children and Families was notified about the incident "and is actively involved in this case."

The department commended the citizens who intervened to protect both children from traffic and weather hazards.

"Their quick thinking and compassion ensured the children's safety in a dangerous situation," police said in a news release. "This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and underscores the serious consequences of neglect. The Naugatuck Police Department is dedicated to protecting the wellbeing of all children in our community."