Dad left 2-year-old son home alone for 4 hours (Livonia, Michigan)

The only reason dad JAMES NEWLAND got caught is that he blew through a red light while under the influence (he also had possession of marijuana). Seems Daddy was in a chatty mood, because he soon volunteered to the cops that he had left his 2-year-old son at home alone. FOR NEARLY 4 hours. Alone in his crib with wet diapers and no food. Inexcusable. But you can almost bet this wasn't the first time Dad did such thing.

But where is Mom? Again, NOT A WORD. Note that Daddy's sister is now taking care of the baby. WHY? Can we assume this is a single or custodial father? Is there some gag order someplace that the press can't identify a dad suspected of abuse or neglect as custodial?

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police:-man-left-toddler-alone-for-hours

Police: Man Left Toddler Alone for Hours
Updated: Thursday, 08 Apr 2010, 10:54 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Apr 2010, 10:54 PM EDT

TARYN ASHER

LIVONIA, Mich. - Livonia Police pulled over a man on a motor bike at Merriman and Seven Mile after he allegedly blew through a red light, but that was just the beginning.

Click on the video player to watch dash cam video of the traffic stop.

24-year-old James Newland was arrested for driving under the influence and marijuana possession, but after what police learned next, he could be facing much more.

"He indicated he had to go home because he left his two-year-old child at home," said Livonia Police Det. Tim Larion.

Larion says Newland left his 22-month-old son at their St. Francis Street home alone for nearly four hours. When police arrived, an officer found the child in an upstairs bedroom. In the house the lights were on, doors unlocked and the music blaring.

"Found the child in the crib. It appeared that the child hadn't been changed in quite some time," Larion said. "Child had to be changed by the uniformed officer. His first dipper change, I might add. He also fed the child."

The toddler is now in the care of Newland's sister as police investigate a case of child neglect.

"Very disturbing that a parent or a father or a mother would leave a child at home alone," said Larion.

We wanted to ask Newland some questions, but he did not come to door of his home.