Clarksville child found Monday now safe, back with her parents

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Police are thankful for the public’s assistance identifying a child found early Monday morning.

After sharing information with local media and posting on social media outlets, the Clarksville Police quickly found the parents. While some may be concerned over the child’s well being, investigators believe this situation has many players involved, miscommunication, and a smart child that opened a locked door.

Sunday evening, Alana’s family, including her mother and brother, were at their grandmother’s house with several family members present including Alana, her brother, and mother. Alana’s mother had an appointment the next day and she was going to stay at the grandmother’s house, to be watched by a teenage family member.

The teenager has provided care for Alana on other occasions without incident and the family says is generally very responsible.

The teenager, who had been napping during the evening events, woke up and Alana was asleep in bed with her. When she went to bed for the night, she slept heavily and either forgot or it was not communicated to her that she was babysitting Alana.

She woke around 2:50 p.m. and was not aware Alana had gotten out or even the fact she was supposed to have Alana since the communication between Alana’s mother and the teenager had not been confirmed.

The other adults had already left for work Monday morning. It is believed that Alana may have heard her mother leaving for her morning appointment. When she ventured out to follow she opened the locked door.  It was very short time after that the Good Samaritan woman found the child in the roadway and police were called.

Police were unsuccessful after canvassing the area and trying to find known family members. Alana was transported to DCS.  When the found child’s photo was circulated, the child and parents were quickly identified and united with Alana.

After considering the totality of the events, no history of child related reports,  the healthy condition of the child, the lack of intentional neglect, there will be no charges filed at this time.