Parents suspected of mistreating kids

Police arrested the mother and stepfather of three unsupervised children and a disabled adult who appeared malnourished after officers found them in a southwest Atlanta residence.

Officers responded to the house in the 3000 block of Thornberry Lane about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, police spokesman John Chafee said in a statement.

The people who called police had moved out of the house about three weeks ago, according to Chafee.

“They returned to the home today to retrieve some of their property, when they located the children and 21-year-old in the home,” Chafee said.

The current residents apparently had moved into the home after the people who called police moved out, police said.

The mother and stepfather returned to the scene and were taken into custody and charged with violating state law on protection of disabled adults and elder persons.

The children appeared to be in good health, police said. Their ages were not released.

Chafee said it is his understanding that the woman is the mother of the disabled man and the three children.

“The children have been placed in the care of a family member, and (the Division of Family and Children Services) is following up with them,” Chafee said.

The disabled man, who is 21, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.

No identities were released. Police are investigating.