ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — On their way to work, an Englewood resident discovered a young child who looked to be approximately four years of age, sitting alone in front of a local business on Saturday.
The resident tried talking to the child, but he began to cry. The child attempted to run away, but she was able to calm him down and called 911.
When deputies arrived, the child only stated that when he woke up, his father was gone, so he decided to go for a walk. He mentioned that he lived in a blue house with a gold van and that his father was away.
Deputies began searching for a blue house with a gold van that could be the child’s home.
The Department of Children and Families was called and responded, which ultimately helped identify the child’s father as Eric T. Sickler, 32.
Deputies went to a home on Tramore Avenue and found the door unsecured with no one inside. Sickler arrived home from DUI school in Venice soon after.
Sickler stated he had searched everywhere for the child but was unable to locate him. The father was notified that his child was safe at the District One office with law enforcement and DCF.
Sickler is charged with Neglect Child without great bodily harm for failing to provide the care, supervision, and necessities to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
