Severely Disabled Man Found Abandoned In Woods In Cobbs Creek
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police say a 21-year-old quadriplegic man who was found in a wooded area in Cobbs Creek was abandoned by his own mother, who is currently hospitalized.
Police Lieutenant John Walker said the 21-year-old man suffers from Cerebral Palsy, and was found near a walking trail Friday evening with a blanket and a Bible. His wheelchair was also nearby.
Walker said the victim was left in the woods some time Monday morning, which is when his mother took a bus to Maryland to be with her boyfriend, who was not aware of what happened.
The victim was taken to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he's listed in stable condition.
"It hurt," says neighbor Steven Floyd. "It really hurt because knowing he was this close and none of us knew he was here and someone could have helped him. It's sad."
Authorities hope to have the mother, 41-year-old Nyia Parler, back in Philadelphia Monday as she is facing numerous charges pending a hearing. She is currently in a hospital in Maryland. A warrant was issued for her arrest Friday after a jogger found her son.
"(We're) looking at the longer term," Walker said, "which is how this kid was cared for, and what actions were taken and providing of services by different agencies."
Walker says the 21-year-old suffered from dehydration, malnutrition and eye infections from his time in the woods, and is currently recovering while surrounded by family.
