A Louisville woman, Natanya Garison, is facing serious charges after police say she left her 12-year-old daughter home alone with no food while she drove under the influence of alcohol. Garison was arrested early Saturday morning following an incident at a gas station in the St. Denis neighborhood. She faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence (DUI), abandoning a minor, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The arrest slip reveals that police were dispatched to the gas station around 2:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a suspicious vehicle. Officers found Garison slumped over and nonresponsive in her running car. After waking her up, they noticed an empty Bud Light bottle in the driver’s side door and detected a strong smell of alcohol on her breath. Garison was unable to stand on her own and was slurring her words, prompting EMS to evaluate her before police began their questioning.

During the investigation, Garison’s 12-year-old daughter called, crying and breathing frantically, revealing she had been left home alone for nearly three hours. Police later discovered the child had no access to food except for canned cat food and found another empty beer bottle on the counter at Garison’s home. The child, who had no family in the state to call for help, was placed in the care of Child Protective Services.

Garison’s bond was set at $5,000, and she was arraigned Monday morning. This article delves deeply into the details of the incident, the legal implications, and the broader societal issues it highlights.

The Incident: A Detailed Account

The alarming sequence of events began in the early hours of Saturday morning when police were called to a gas station in the St. Denis neighborhood of Louisville. Officers arrived to find Natanya Garison slumped over in her vehicle, which was parked at a pump with the engine running.

“She was completely unresponsive when we first approached the car,” said one of the responding officers. “We had to knock on the window several times to wake her up.”

When Garison finally opened the door, officers immediately noticed signs of intoxication. An empty Bud Light bottle was visible in the driver’s side door, and the smell of alcohol was strong on her breath. Garison was unable to stand on her own and struggled to speak coherently, slurring her words as she attempted to answer questions.

EMS personnel were called to the scene to evaluate Garison’s condition. While they determined she did not require immediate medical attention, her level of intoxication raised serious concerns.

The Disturbing Phone Call

As police continued their investigation, Garison’s 12-year-old daughter called her mother’s phone. The child was crying and breathing frantically, explaining that she had been left home alone for nearly three hours and was scared.

“The girl sounded terrified,” said one officer. “She was crying and saying she didn’t know where her mom was or what to do.”

The phone call prompted officers to take immediate action. After transporting Garison to Metro Corrections, they learned that her daughter had been left alone without access to food or supervision.

The Home Visit: A Shocking Discovery

An officer was dispatched to Garison’s home to check on the child. Upon arrival, they found the 12-year-old alone in the house. The officer noted that there was no food in the home except for canned cat food, and another empty beer bottle was found on the counter.

“It was heartbreaking,” the officer said. “The child was clearly scared and hungry. She told us she had no family in the state to call for help.”

Child Protective Services (CPS) was immediately contacted, and a report was filed to ensure the child’s safety. The 12-year-old was placed in the care of CPS while authorities worked to determine the best course of action for her well-being.

The Charges: A Breakdown

Natanya Garison is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident, including:

1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): This charge stems from Garison’s apparent intoxication while operating a vehicle.
2. Abandoning a Minor: This charge relates to leaving her 12-year-old daughter home alone without supervision or access to food.
3. Endangering the Welfare of a Child: This charge reflects the unsafe and neglectful conditions in which the child was left.

Garison refused a breathalyzer test at the jail, which could result in additional penalties under Kentucky law. Her bond was set at $5,000, and she was arraigned Monday morning.

The Broader Implications: Child Welfare and Substance Abuse

The incident involving Natanya Garison highlights the critical issues of child welfare and substance abuse. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), millions of children in the United States live in households where substance abuse is present, putting them at risk of neglect and abuse.

In Kentucky, like many other states, child welfare agencies are overwhelmed with cases of neglect and abuse. Advocates for child welfare emphasize the importance of early intervention and support for families struggling with substance abuse.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact substance abuse can have on families,” said a local child welfare advocate. “We need to do more to support parents and protect children from harm.”

The Community’s Response: Outrage and Calls for Action

The Louisville community has reacted with outrage to the incident, with many expressing their concern for the 12-year-old girl and calling for accountability.

“It’s heartbreaking to think of a child being left alone like that,” said a neighbor. “We need to do more as a community to look out for each other and ensure that children are safe.”

In the wake of the incident, local organizations have mobilized to provide support and resources to families in need. Counseling services, food banks, and child welfare programs are being promoted to help prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

A Call to Action: Protecting Children and Supporting Families

The case of Natanya Garison serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children and supporting families in crisis. As the Louisville community comes together to address the issues raised by this incident, there is a renewed determination to create a safer and more supportive environment for all children.

“We cannot afford to let children fall through the cracks,” said a community leader. “It’s time for us to come together as a society and ensure that every child has access to the care and support they need to thrive.”

In the days and weeks to come, the Louisville community will continue to advocate for the well-being of children and work toward solutions that address the root causes of neglect and abuse.

Continue Reading for Updates on This Developing Story.