A Northern California man paid a homeless woman $20 to babysit his granddaughter as he got drunk at a bar, sparking a massive search for the girl. Jason Warren, 54, left his granddaughter with the homeless woman at a thrift store while he spent four hours drinking at a bar, according to authorities. When he returned, he claimed his granddaughter had been kidnapped for human trafficking, prompting law enforcement to launch a search using helicopters, drones, and a dog. The homeless woman eventually returned to the parking lot with the child, revealing that Warren was highly intoxicated and unable to care for the girl.
The homeless woman, identified as 34-year-old Lauren Jope, took the child to her camp to ensure she had food and was safe. The girl did not appear to have any physical harm from her time with Jope. Jope explained that Warren had become belligerently drunk and she feared for the girl’s safety, prompting her intervention. Sheriff’s Sgt. Amar Gandhi commended Jope for her actions, describing her as a guardian angel and praising her for her quick thinking in the situation. Warren was booked on suspicion of child endangerment but was later released from custody.
During a jailhouse interview, Warren expressed confusion over being blamed for the incident, stating that he trusted the homeless woman and believed it was God’s will for her to watch his granddaughter. Warren claimed that he didn’t do anything wrong and left the situation in God’s hands. It was revealed that the child’s aunt, who has full custody of her, had asked Warren to care for the girl while she went to work. The aunt entrusted Warren with her niece, leading to the events that unfolded.
Authorities confirmed that the 7-year-old girl was returned safely to her family and did not sustain any injuries during her time with the homeless woman. The incident raised questions about the responsibility of individuals in caring for children and the potential dangers of leaving them in the care of strangers, particularly in vulnerable situations. The homeless woman’s actions were applauded for ensuring the girl’s safety and well-being, highlighting the importance of community intervention in safeguarding children. Warren’s arrest and subsequent release highlighted the complexities of the situation and the various perspectives involved in the incident.
