Maryland State Police Arrest Talbot Co. Woman On Child Abuse, DUI Charges

(Denton, MD) – Maryland State Police arrested a Talbot County woman yesterday after she left an 18- month-old child along the roadside.

The suspect is identified as Elizabeth Newnam, 29, of Easton, Md. She is charged with one count of second degree child abuse, one count of neglect of a minor, one count of reckless endangerment, one count of second degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct and Driving under the Influence. Newnam was arrested at the scene without incident and taken to the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack for processing. Newnam was later transported to the Caroline County Detention Center where she is currently being held without bond.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m. yesterday evening, the Maryland State Police received a call from a motorist reporting that a child was left along the side of MD. Rt. 328 near Asbury Drive in Denton, MD. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack were immediately dispatched to the location.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Newnam was standing outside of her vehicle when a motorist driving by observed her throwing something into a nearby field. State police investigators were told by a witness it appeared as if she had struck a deer. The witness told investigators they turned their vehicle around to help Newnam, who returned to her vehicle and quickly fled the scene. The witness remained at the scene and walked over to where Newnam was standing and located a child with visible injuries. The witness immediately contacted the Easton barrack and was able to provide the vehicle color, make and registration. The information was dispatched to troopers nearby and moments later, troopers located Newnam inside her vehicle not far from the location where she initially left the 18- month-old child.

Newnam was located on MD. Rt. 328 at Kingston Landing Rd. with her one- year- old child son in the vehicle with her. State Police investigators believe Newnam’s son was in the vehicle when she drop the 18-month-old child off on the side of the road. During contact with Newnam, troopers detected signs of possible impairment. Newnam was taken into custody without incident. Caroline County EMS responded to the location of the 18- month-old child and transported him to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton.

Caroline County EMS personnel and deputies from the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office responded and assisted at the scene. The Maryland Department of Social Services also assisted. The investigation is ongoing.

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~ MD State Police