Detroit Lakes Father Charged After Child Found Alone

Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man is facing a gross misdemeanor child neglect charge after a young child was found alone outside near a city intersection.

Child Found Walking Alone in Detroit Lakes

According to a criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court, Burnham Lyle Tibbetts IV, 28, of Naytahwaush, is charged with neglect of a child likely to cause substantial harm to physical or emotional health.

The charge stems from an incident reported on May 22, 2026, in Detroit Lakes.

The complaint states a concerned citizen contacted authorities after seeing a child walking barefoot near Washington Avenue and Willow Street.

The child was about five years old and was outside while light rain was falling.

Officials said the child could not explain how to get home. The child reportedly said his father’s name was Burnham.

The child had an iPad with him. Authorities used information from the device to identify the child and locate his father.

Father Responds After Child Is Located

The complaint states Tibbetts was contacted and came to pick up the child.

Authorities reported Tibbetts appeared to have bloodshot and watery eyes when he arrived.

Tibbetts reportedly told investigators he had left the child with friends.

Investigators later spoke with the friends who said Tibbetts and another person had gone to a bar.

The complaint states the child had initially been left with another adult.

Investigators said plans later changed, and the child was left under the supervision of another child who was eight years old and asleep when authorities arrived.

Camera Footage Reviewed

Authorities also reviewed surveillance footage from the Washington Avenue and Willow Street area.

The footage showed the child walking into the roadway area.

The complaint states the first vehicle approaching was driven by the concerned citizen who stopped and contacted authorities.

Tibbetts is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.378.1(a)(1), which involves neglect of a child that causes or is likely to cause substantial harm.

The charge is a gross misdemeanor. The maximum possible penalty is up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For more Minnesota court and public safety updates, visit TRF News.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.