MOORE, OK – A 6-year-old boy wandering alone through a neighborhood in Moore prompted an act of compassion from local residents, ultimately leading authorities to uncover a disturbing case of alleged child abuse.

The incident occurred on September 21, when neighbors spotted the child outside by himself and quickly took him in to provide safety and comfort. Police say the boy told the neighbors he had run away from his home, seeking a family to care for him.

When officers from the Moore Police Department arrived, they immediately noticed the child bore signs of physical harm. According to authorities, the boy displayed prominent scars, burn marks on the bottoms of his feet, and signs suggestive of malnutrition.

As investigators dug deeper, they were able to locate the child’s father, Dilon Moore, 35, and his stepmother, Cathy Ngo, 37. Police conducted interviews with the couple, during which both reportedly admitted to inflicting harm on the child. Investigators allege the boy’s foot was deliberately burned with a lighter as a form of punishment.

Following their interviews, both Moore and Ngo were arrested on charges of child abuse and child neglect. They were booked into the Cleveland County Jail, where each is being held on $200,000 bond.

The child was brought to a hospital for evaluation and medical care. Officials report that after treatment, he was released and later placed in foster care, ensuring he would not have to return to the environment where the alleged abuse occurred.

Neighbors who helped the boy described his condition as alarming. One resident said the boy appeared physically frail, with a sunken chest and distended abdomen. The child reportedly expressed his wish for a loving and supportive family, a statement that deeply moved those who came to his aid.

The Moore Police Department has acknowledged the vital role the community played in protecting the child, as neighbors acted quickly to shield him from further harm and contact authorities.

As the case continues, Moore and Ngo are expected to remain in custody while awaiting court proceedings. The boy’s welfare is now overseen by child protective services as the investigation moves forward.