Caregiver arrested after tot wanders off

Metropolitan police arrested a baby sitter after a toddler was found outside in freezing temperatures on the south side Wednesday.

Jessica Jorgenson, 28, will appear before a Marion County judge Friday for an initial hearing on a felony neglect charge and misdemeanor drug charges.

A witness found the 2-year-old boy wandering near State and Troy avenues and called police about 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reports.

Officers later determined the child was supposed to be in Jorgenson's care in a home in the 2900 block of South State Street.

Investigators found drugs in Jorgenson’s home and police say she admitted to smoking marijuana Wednesday morning, Fox59 reported.

The toddler was returned to his mother. Jorgenson's children, ages 7 and 4, were placed in the custody of child welfare workers.

Jorgenson faces preliminary charges of child neglect, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @vicryc.