A 5-year-old boy found walking alone in the middle of a road in Pennsylvania has led to the arrest of three adults after investigators reported discovering concerning living conditions inside a nearby home. Authorities allege the child had been confined to a bedroom secured with wooden boards, a baby gate, and zip ties, prompting child endangerment charges against the home’s occupants.
Discovery
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, troopers responded to a call at approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 10 after Good Samaritans found a young boy walking naked in the middle of the road near the intersection of Quarry Road and South Lancaster Street in Swatara Township.
The child was taken to a local hospital for evaluation while investigators worked to determine where he had come from.
Police later identified a nearby residence on North Poplar Street as the location from which the child had reportedly left.
Investigation
When troopers entered the home, they reported finding what they described as hoarding conditions.
According to investigators, trash was scattered throughout the residence, hundreds of flies were present, and clutter made it difficult to move through the home.
As officers continued their search, they focused on a bedroom that they identified as belonging to the 5-year-old child.
Bedroom
State police said the bedroom door had a baby gate attached to the outside of the frame using numerous zip ties and duct tape.
Investigators also reported that wooden boards had been drilled above the gate to prevent the child from leaving the room.
Inside the bedroom, officers said they found feces smeared on the walls and window, trash covering the floor, food scattered across a damaged bed, children’s toys, and a large number of flies.
According to the police affidavit, the room’s condition raised significant concerns about the child’s living environment.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Swatara Township, Pennsylvania |
| Child’s age | 5 years old |
| Date of incident | July 10 |
| Charges | Endangering the welfare of a child |
| Number of defendants | Three |
Allegations
According to investigators, one of the defendants, Jade Shuey, told police the child spent approximately 90 percent of his time inside the bedroom.
Authorities allege she stated that the child sometimes remained in the room for as long as three days at a time, receiving food through the gate. Police also reported that she said the child was bathed about once a week, if that.
Investigators further alleged that Tucker Heagy told officers they typically had to cut between five and ten zip ties to open the gate whenever the child was allowed out of the room.
Police also claimed the household purchased zip ties in bulk because they were used frequently.
These allegations have not been proven in court.
Arrests
Police arrested Jade Shuey, 21, Stephanie Schaffner, 42, and Tucker Heagy, 20.
Court records show all three were charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Following their preliminary arraignment, they were taken to the Lebanon County Prison after being unable to post bail.
Authorities have not publicly clarified each defendant’s relationship to the child.
Court
The three defendants are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on July 23.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations outlined by law enforcement will be subject to judicial proceedings.
As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
In Swatara Township, Pennsylvania.
How old was the child?
The boy was 5 years old.
What charges were filed?
Endangering the welfare of a child.
How many people were charged?
Three adults were charged.
When is the court hearing?
A preliminary hearing is set for July 23.
