Mom Left Son, 5, Alone Near Busy Road as She Tried to Steal a Car

A mom in West Virginia was arrested after she left her 5-year-old son alone near a busy road as she allegedly tried to steal a car.

Following Danielle Lee Murray's arrest, she was taken into custody at Tygart Valley Regional Jail and is currently being held on a $25,000 bond. Murray, 37, has been charged with child neglect, according to WBOY.

Murray was arrested in connection to an incident that took place on June 4. At the time, someone reportedly noticed that a woman was trying to steal their vehicle in Reedsville, West Virginia.

The vehicle owner called police and reported that a woman - who is now believed to be Murray - got into their car "and tried to steal it."

The car owner told the dispatcher that the suspect was a "female [who] seems a ‘bit off,'" according to a criminal complaint obtained by the outlet. The owner added that the woman appeared to be "unsteady" and was unable to stand upright.

Troopers with the West Virginia State Police then responded to the area, and they found Murray walking about a mile away from where the alleged incident took place toward a gas station. Authorities reportedly had already identified her as their suspect and asked her if she was Murray. She initially said she was not, though authorities did determine that she was, in fact, Murray.

After Murray allegedly tried to steal the car and walked toward the gas station, she reportedly left a young child who was in her care "outside with no one supervising" at an apartment complex. Law enforcement added that the area was surrounded by "heavy traffic of cars."

One neighbor told officers that the young boy was "freaking out looking for" his mother after she left, according to the complaint.

WDTV has since reported that the child is 5 years old and has autism, while he was also determined to be Murray's son. However, no further details have been shared about the boy.

Following Murray's arrest, authorities said that another family member took custody of the boy. An investigation was launched into the matter and Murray was arrested and booked into jail.

It is not currently clear if Murray has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The West Virginia State Police did not immediately respond to Us Weekly's request for comment regarding updates in the case.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing.

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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 5:26 PM.