On Monday May 21 2018, Watertown Police Department Officers were called to the area for a young boy walking through the area with no apparent supervision. Officers conducted a canvass of the neighborhood but were unable to locate a guardian or anyone that was able to recognize the boy.

South Dakota Department of Social Services Child Protection Services was contacted.  After over an hour, temporary custody of the 3 year old child was granted to CPS. CPS took the child to a medical facility for an examination.

Officers received citizen reports that the child may reside at a residence in the neighborhood. Multiple Officers checked the address only to have the adult at the residence, David Martin, advise he was not missing any children in his custody.

Through social media, the boy was identified and his parents were contacted. The boy’s family advised he should be in the custody of his grandfather, David. David was interviewed again 2 hours after the boy was located only to advise the boy was his grandchild and should have been in his custody.

David was arrested for abuse and neglect of a minor under the age of 7 and for obstructing a law enforcement officer.

Another child at the residence was taken into temporary custody of CPS.

Person Arrested:  David R Martin
DOB:  11/22/1955
Address:  Watertown, South Dakota
Charges:  Abuse of a Minor under 7 years old, Obstructing Law Enforcement Officer
Bond:  $2,5000 C/S