What to Know Josephus Mills, 24, is facing four counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, three counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, and two counts of failure to rescue
Two other siblings, ages 11 and 13, were rescued when bystanders heard their cries for help
Mills’ vehicle was found submerged in the pond
Authorities on Friday recovered the jacket of an Indiana toddler who was inside a truck that plunged into a pond and was rescued by a neighbor, Indiana State Police said.
Josephus Mills, 24, is facing four counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, three counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, and two counts of failure to rescue. He also is facing preliminary charges of battery by means of a deadly weapon and resisting law enforcement after the incident on Tuesday.
Mills’ Dodge pickup truck was found submerged in the parkway pond in the town of Indianapolis. He had told a trooper he hadn’t felt too well, smelled of gas and was going to call his wife and leave, police said.
The 3-year-old was in a child safety seat in the back seat.
An officer patrolling the area saw the pickup with its lights off making a hard right turn through a parking lot. He then saw the truck slowly sinking. Neighbors heard the toddler’s cries for help, and called 911.
Two other siblings, ages 11 and 13, were rescued when bystanders heard their cries for help.
“While they were waiting for help, and was moving across the water in the back of the truck, he saw the child, and moved across the water to get her out,” Lt. Stacey Myers said during a Thursday news conference.
The injured children were taken to area hospitals.
Myers said the child’s mother was asleep at the time, while the girl’s father was asleep with the two other siblings.
Mills is being held in the Marion County Jail. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has an attorney.