Copperas Cove, Texas (KWKT) – A shocking incident unfolded in Copperas Cove, Texas, when a 12-year-old boy returned from school to find himself unexpectedly alone. The boy’s family had vanished, leaving the apartment completely empty.

Authorities from the Copperas Cove police department reported that the boy’s mother and her boyfriend had seemingly moved out during the day while he was at school. Upon his return, the young boy discovered the stark reality of an abandoned home.

The boy sought help from a neighbor, who then contacted the police. During their investigation, officers learned from the boy that his mother, identified as Erica Renee Sanders, and her boyfriend, Keven Dwayne Adams, had mentioned plans to move at some point, but no specific timeline had been given.

Further details emerged from a neighbor, who informed the police that the couple had a troubling history of forcing the boy out of the home on previous occasions, according to an arrest affidavit.

In an effort to resolve the situation, officers were able to reach Sanders and Adams by phone. The couple claimed that arrangements had been made for the boy’s uncle to pick him up. However, when police contacted the uncle, he denied any knowledge of such plans, adding another layer of confusion to the distressing situation.

Police said when they interviewed Adams, he “complained at length” about the 12-year-old.

The affidavit stated that when child protective services contacted the couple, they refused to provide an address where they were staying.

It was 5 1/2 hours from the time the boy returned to find his home empty to the time when he, the couple and the police finally connected, according to the affidavit.

Copperas Cove police records indicated that Adams and Sanders were both arrested on charges of abandoning or endangering a child without intent to return.