Missing toddler, baby found crying in trash receptacle

DAYTON (AP) — A 2-year-old girl and 8-month-old boy were found crying inside a trash receptacle Monday morning, 13 hours after their mother reported them missing and said her boyfriend fled with them after a fight, police said.

Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl said the children were thirsty, hungry and dirty, but appeared to be in remarkably good condition considering their ordeal. The trash receptacle was outside an electrical repair business.

The children were discovered by two employees of the electrical repair company. Biehl said one of the employees arrived at work after picking up some supplies and thought he heard the sound of crying. The employees found the children after opening the lid of the trash receptacle.

Biehl said the city-issued trash receptacle is twice as big as an average residential trash can and is not emptied mechanically by garbage trucks.

Biehl said the children were given fluids at the scene and then taken to the hospital.

Dayton police Lt. Brian Johns said the children were reported missing Sunday night by their mother, who said her boyfriend took them after the couple argued.

Johns said the man was intoxicated and refused to tell police where the children were.