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5-year-old carried toddler half a mile in Alaska after being left home alone, police say

Posted at 4:02 PM, Dec 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-09 16:02:16-05

A 5-year-old walked through extreme temperatures in the Alaskan terrain with an 18-month-old after authorities say they were left home alone.

The incident took place Tuesday when the temperature in Venetie, Alaska, was -31 degrees Fahrenheit (-35 degrees Celsius), according to a dispatch from the state’s Department of Public Safety. Venetie is in the northeastern section of Alaska.

The children arrived at a neighbor’s home with “cold injuries,” Alaska State Troopers said. The 5-year-old got scared when the power went out and carried the toddler about half a mile while wearing only socks and light clothing, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Related: Study: At what age can you leave your child home alone?

Julie Peter, 37, was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, the dispatch said.