Toddler clings to life, police investigate possible neglect

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - A 4-year-old girl at the center of child neglect investigation, remains in critical condition as of Thursday night at Dayton Children's Medical Center.

The child's 16-year-old brother called 911 Wednesday night after he discovered his sister unresponsive and sick in a bedroom. 

A dispatcher talked the boy through administering CPR while police and medics rushed to the home at 20 west Bruce avenue in Dayton.  His attempts were unsuccessful.  The girl was taken to Dayton Children's Medical Center.

Investigators questioned the boy, who was also taking care of his four other siblings, ranging in age from one to 7-years-old.  The parents were not home at the time of the incident.

"The 16-year-old reported the 4-year-old had been sick with flu like symptoms since Saturday," said Lt. Wendy Stiver, with Dayton Police. 

Lt. Stiver said there were obvious signs of neglect found inside the house.

"There was no refrigerator and very little food in the cabinets,"  "There were obvious signs of filth in the home as well."

Investigators have interviewed the child's mother, but would not reveal any details because the investigation is on-going.

No arrests have been made.  Investigators said charges are pending on the outcome of the child's condition.

Children's Services is involved in the investigation.  Police said the remaining children are with family members.