Child Found Walking Alone in Detroit Lakes<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The charge stems from an incident reported on May 22, 2026, in Detroit Lakes.<\/p>\n
The complaint states a concerned citizen contacted authorities after seeing a child walking barefoot near Washington Avenue and Willow Street.<\/p>\n
The child was about five years old and was outside while light rain was falling.<\/p>\n
Officials said the child could not explain how to get home. The child reportedly said his father\u2019s name was Burnham.<\/p>\n
The child had an iPad with him. Authorities used information from the device to identify the child and locate his father.<\/p>\n
Father Responds After Child Is Located<\/h2>\n
The complaint states Tibbetts was contacted and came to pick up the child.<\/p>\n
Authorities reported Tibbetts appeared to have bloodshot and watery eyes when he arrived.<\/p>\n
Tibbetts reportedly told investigators he had left the child with friends.<\/p>\n
Investigators later spoke with the friends who said Tibbetts and another person had gone to a bar.<\/p>\n
The complaint states the child had initially been left with another adult.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Camera Footage Reviewed<\/h2>\n
Authorities also reviewed surveillance footage from the Washington Avenue and Willow Street area.<\/p>\n
The footage showed the child walking into the roadway area.<\/p>\n
The complaint states the first vehicle approaching was driven by the concerned citizen who stopped and contacted authorities.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The charge is a gross misdemeanor. The maximum possible penalty is up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
For more Minnesota court and public safety updates, visit TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Detroit](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit-Lakes-Father-Charged-After-Child-Found-Alone-300x240.png\")