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A Carter County man and woman were arrested early Monday morning after a 911 caller reported finding their young child wandering near a road and no one at home at the residence.

Deputies of the Carter County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ibrahim Boateng, 30, and Miram Boateng, 23, both of 106 Milligan View Road, Apartment 5, Johnson City, charging each of them with one count of child abuse and neglect.

Officers responded to the apartment complex at 106 Milligan View Road around 12:15 a.m. on Monday following a 911 call reporting a small child running across the grass in front of the apartments toward the roadway. The caller, able to secure the child, promptly dialed 911 and provided refuge in his apartment, believing the child resided in apartment 5.

Deputies proceeded to apartment 5, discovering the door ajar upon arrival. After announcing themselves repeatedly and receiving no response, officers entered the apartment to find it empty. Concerned for the child’s welfare, they contacted the Department of Children’s Services (DCS).

While awaiting DCS personnel, Ibrahim Boateng and Miram Boateng returned to the apartment around 1:30 a.m., identifying themselves as the parents of the child. The couple arrived with a 1-year-old child. Ibrahim Boateng explained to officers that they had left the 2-year-old at the apartment asleep while they went to purchase formula, as the child required a specific type. They left around 10 p.m., visiting several stores unsuccessfully due to closures.

Following interviews with DCS, both children were placed in DCS custody. Deputies subsequently arrested Ibrahim Boateng and Miram Boateng, transporting them to the Carter County Detention Center.