Early Sunday morning, Chillicothe police were called to Sherman Park after a five-year-old boy was found wandering alone. At approximately 1:00 AM, officers encountered the child, who appeared visibly upset and informed them that his mother was not present.
Police dispatchers successfully contacted his mother, Shyanne Tyler, who indicated she was ten minutes away. Upon arrival, Shyanne exited a black Ford Focus and showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. She told officers that the five year old had been asleep at home and that her seven-month-old daughter was with a friend, Courtney Elliott.
Investigating further, officers contacted Courtney, who confirmed that she had agreed to watch Shyanne’s daughter but had only been asked to check on her son briefly. Courtney insisted that her son stay at their home alone, raising concerns about the child’s safety.
When officers confronted Shyanne about her arrangements for childcare, she could not provide any evidence of a babysitter for him. She became agitated, making vague threats against Courtney and asserting that her boyfriend, Toban Byrd, would soon arrive to pick up the children.
Concerned for the children’s welfare, police contacted Child Protective Services (CPS). Virginia Taylor from CPS approved Toban’s arrival to take custody of the children, but the situation escalated when Shyanne began to argue with Toban as he held one of the children. Officers intervened to separate them, allowing Toban to safely escort the children to his vehicle.
Given Shyanne’s intoxication, aggressive behavior, and failure to provide proper supervision for her children, officers placed her under arrest. She was read her Miranda rights and informed that she would be charged with endangering children and disorderly conduct.
Shyanne was taken to the Ross County Jail, where she was booked and given a court date of November 8, 2024, in Chillicothe Municipal Court. CPS has stated they will follow up on the situation in the future.
