Campbell police report finding boy in filthy house

Staff report

CAMPBELL

Police went to a Palmer Avenue residence Friday morning to investigate why a 14-year-old boy had not attended school for more than two weeks.

When officers arrived at the residence, they noticed mounds of trash on the side of the house, as well as trash strewn across the yard and all over the front porch. Portions of the front door were missing, exposing the interior to the elements.

Inside, police discovered several cats and dogs, along with animal feces and the smell of animal urine. They also found trash in the living room and dining area.

A 48-year-old woman living at the residence told police that she planned to move to Lettie Avenue, which is why the water and electricity at the Palmer Avenue house had been shut off for about two weeks.

She added that the 14-year-old boy — who police noticed had a strong odor of filth and animal urine emanating from him — was enrolled in an online school, but she could not produce any documentation.

Police told the woman that the present living arrangements were unsuitable for the boy and that they would refer the case to Mahoning County Children Services.