‘Could have been worse’: Laundromat workers rescue toddler found running naked overnight in Nashville

The child was found alone near a road at about 2 a.m.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) — A toddler found running naked on Dickerson Pike early Wednesday morning was rescued by laundromat workers who were closing up for the night.

The child, who appeared to be 2 or 3 years old, was spotted at about 2 a.m. in front of Soap Opry Laundry. Workers said the boy was running down the street without shoes or clothing.

“Little boy completely naked running down the street no shoes,” a worker said in a voice call to her manager.

One worker said she asked the child if he was OK.

“He says, ‘Yeah I want my mommy,’” she said.

The worker said she kept asking him where his mother was, but he said he didn’t know.

Monique Miller, who manages the Soap Opry Laundry, said her two workers were finishing their shift later than usual when they looked out the window and saw the boy.

“He was partially in the road so if there was a crazy driver drunk driver it could have been worse,” Miller said. “I’ve been emotional since.”

Miller said a man walking by was able to pick up the boy. One worker brought him inside and gave him clothes and something to drink while another called police.

“As god as my witness I never seen officers come so quickly in my life,” a worker said.

The boy was taken to the East Precinct. Police said his parents called 911 hours later when they woke up and discovered he was missing.

A police spokesperson said detectives are investigating the incident, “although no charges are anticipated.”

“The fact that he’s just saying I want my mommy I want my mommy what was he going through,” Miller said. “I just was heartbroken. I’m glad he’s ok.”

The child has been reunited with his parents. The Department of Children’s Services said it is also investigating.