Mother Arrested for Leaving Kids in Unkempt Home While Driving Under Influence, Misleading Police

An Arkansas woman is facing serious allegations after reportedly leaving three young children unattended in a home described as filthy, and then misleading authorities about their supervision.

Latrica Upshaw, 30, is now charged with third-degree escape from custody, as revealed by jail records reviewed by Law&Crime.

In addition to this charge, Upshaw is facing three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, along with charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and driving while intoxicated (DWI), according to a report by local news outlet Jonesboro Right Now.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday, shortly after 9 p.m., when a Jonesboro police officer approached Upshaw’s van as she pulled into a driveway on Center Street in the city. According to court documents accessed by local media, the officer noticed Upshaw’s bloodshot, watery eyes and detected a strong smell of alcohol.

When asked to provide proof of insurance, Upshaw allegedly attempted to enter her home. Officers instructed her to remain outside, and following a brief struggle, she was taken into custody. During this confrontation, the officers reportedly heard children crying inside the house.

The officers entered and are said to have found three children — from nine months old to five years old — in an unsanitary situation. One of the children was reportedly wearing a soiled diaper and covered in feces, and officers noted the home was severely neglected.

Though Upshaw allegedly claimed an aunt was looking after the children, the officers found no one but the three young children inside.

The defendant was arrested, but not before attempting to run away from officers, according to Jonesboro Right Now.

Then, once Upshaw was caught again, she would not agree to a blood alcohol content test, police said.

The defendant is currently detained on a $75,000 bond in the Craighead County Jail, records show.