Child, 5, Calls 911; Scared To Be Home Alone

ROSWELL, Ga. -- A Roswell mother is out of jail on bond, after police said, her son called 911 to report a crime, then confessed he was scared to be home alone by himself all night.

Police arrested Patina Miner early Friday on charges of reckless conduct.

Channel 2's Mike Petchenik obtained a copy of the boy's 911 call from just after 11 Friday night.

Dispatcher: "Roswell 911"

Child: "People’s in my house and they won’t leave.

When asked to hand the phone off to an adult, the boy hung up the phone. Police called him back.

Dispatcher: ”Is your mom or dad there?

Child: ”My mom works at (inaudible) and my Dad is in Florida.

Dispatcher: ”How old are you?

Child: "Five."

Dispatcher: ”And you’re home alone?

Child: "Yes."

Miner was staying at an Extended Stay motel off Old Holcomb Bridge Road.

Investigators said the Miner told them she couldn't find child care and had to go to work at the IRS office in Duluth.

"Nobody should leave their child home alone, especially 5-year-olds," said Roswell police Officer Lisa Holland. "They cannot take care of themselves."

Holland said DFACS has custody of the boy but that the agency would likely work to reunite him with his mother.

Petchenik attempted to reach Miner at her hotel room, but she didn't answer the door. A call to her cellphone also was not retued. Miner's neighbors told Petchenik they're angry about what happened.

"I have kids myself and I’d never dream of leaving them home by theirself (sic) , ever," said Angie Phillips.