He decided to use drugs while a small child in his care walked around the neighborhood, cops say

A 28-year-old Palmetto man is charged with felony child neglect after using drugs and passing out while a child he was supposed to be watching roamed around a Bradenton neighborhood, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

Officers say the crime occurred on Dec. 17 and following an investigation, probable cause was developed to issue a warrant for Trevin Chase Cook who was booked into the Manatee County jail on Thursday.

According to the warrant, Cook picked up the child from school and walked the minor home. The child, who was described in the report as having a learning disability, was in his care while the minor’s mother and grandmother were out of the residence. The address was redacted from the report.

Neighbors soon spotted the child roaming the neighborhood alone, including walking in and out of the street several times, according to the arrest report.

Officers say witnesses told them the child was outside alone for more than 45 minutes. One neighbor brought the child home, found the garage door open and Cook unconscious on the ground.

EMS arrived and after unsuccessfully trying to wake him up, administered Narcan, which had the desired effect, officers say. Cook told officers that he had taken Xanax and had simply fallen asleep. However, paramedics said Cook would not have responded to the Narcan in such a manner if he had overdosed on Xanax, police said.

Cook refused to cooperate with the investigation and the warrant was issued. He is charged with felony child neglect and remains in custody without bond pending a future court date.