FERGUS FALLS, MN – A grandmother has been charged with child endangerment after allegedly leaving her grandchild in a ditch while under the influence of alcohol. Anastasia E. Vaughn, 52, was apprehended by authorities in Fergus Falls, approximately 175 miles northwest of Minneapolis, on Tuesday.

A concerned driver made a call to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office around 4:30 p.m., worried about the well-being of an infant they had seen in the company of Vaughn. The driver noticed Vaughn walking shoeless in adverse weather conditions along Cedar Park Loop near Swan Lake, carrying an infant.

Despite the cold, rainy, and windy conditions, Vaughn insisted to the driver that she and the baby were “fine” and continued on her way. Shortly after, the driver witnessed Vaughn running from a roadside ditch, without the baby in her arms. Upon investigation, the driver found the infant in the ditch and alerted emergency services.

Sheriff’s deputies reached the scene and discovered Vaughn wandering nearby in the woods. An affidavit detailed her unsteady gait, the strong scent of alcohol, and notably slurred speech, in addition to bloodshot and watery eyes. Vaughn, identified as the infant’s grandmother, appeared confused and was unable to recall the events clearly.

When questioned, Vaughn reportedly claimed she was searching for a child but could not provide specific answers. She also declined to disclose the quantity of alcohol consumed.

Vaughn’s husband arrived on the scene and corroborated that she had been drinking. Vaughn’s breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.229, nearly triple the legal driving limit in Minnesota.

Minnesota law states that a conviction for child endangerment can result in up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $3,000. Vaughn is currently being held in Otter Tail County Jail with a bond set at $10,000.

The young child involved in the incident is reportedly safe, though further details on the child’s condition have not been disclosed. As the investigation continues, authorities are urged to assess the situation with care, ensuring the child’s safety and well-being going forward.

The disturbing nature of the incident has sparked discussions on the importance of child safety and the risks posed by substance abuse.

Legal proceedings will follow, and the community awaits further details regarding the resolution of the case.