A Texas father was arrested for child endangerment after deputies discovered his child living in "concerning conditions, covered in bug bites, and showing signs of dehydration during a response to a custody dispute.
Cameron County Sheriff's deputies were called to the 32000 block of Bent Tree Avenue on Monday at approximately 1:50pm regarding a civil matter involving a child custody dispute.
The dispute allegedly began because the child was living in "questionable and concerning conditions" under the supervision of the child's father, according to Valley Central.
Javier Lopez, 29, permitted deputies access into the residence to check on the welfare of the child.
They discovered there was no running water, old trash splayed out on the floor, insect infestations such as roaches and ants, dirty diapers, and a plethora of other signs of neglect to the cleanliness and living conditions of the home.
Deputies found the child wearing a soiled diaper, covered in old and new insect bites with an untreated rash, and showing signs of dehydration.
Lopez was arrested and charged with abandoning and endangering a child with criminal negligence.
The child was released to a family member following an evaluation by Emergency Medical Services.
