WACO, TX — Waco police said two young girls who were thought to be missing have been found safe. Police said they were never even missing.
The girls' mother originally reported that a person known to her had taken her daughters, T'Shanti Battle, 4, and Thariyah Battle, 3.
Police began searching for the man, Chris Petty, and an Amber Alert was issued for the two girls. Police later said they no longer consider Petty as a suspect in this case, but he is wanted on multiple warrants that include an unrelated family violence charge.
After the alert was sent, police received information that led them to the girls.
Police said the mother of the girls forgot she took them to day care Wednesday and left them there. Day care staff made several attempts to contact the mother, but were unsuccessful. One of the day care workers took the two girls home and took care of them overnight.
Police said the investigation led them to find unfavorable living conditions inside the girls' home. Child Protective Services was notified and has removed the children from the mother's custody.
The investigation is ongoing and police said charges may be filed at a later time.
