Columbus police arrested a Kentucky man on drug-related charges and for neglect of a dependent after officers were told he had spent 45 minutes in a restaurant bathroom with a crying infant.
Police were sent to a restaurant in the 2200 block of West Jonathan Moore Pike at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday after a person said an unidentified man had been in the bathroom for nearly an hour with a crying infant.
Officers located the man identified as Joshua C. Edwards, 28, Simpsonville, Kentucky, inside his vehicle in the restaurant parking lot, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman. Officers observed that Edwards appeared to be under the influence of an unknown type of intoxicant and was not aware of officers who were outside his vehicle, Harris said.
After waking up Edwards, officers said he attempted to grab a syringe that was inside the vehicle, Harris said. Edwards was arrested on preliminary charges of possession of heroin, possession of a legend drug injection device and neglect of a dependent, all felonies, Harris said.
A family member was called to take custody and care for the small child involved in the incident, Harris said.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
