Rochester woman arrested for alleged abuse after child runs away from home

A Rochester woman is facing felony charges after allegedly striking a child. After the alleged abuse the child ran away from home and was later found at a homeless shelter in Indianapolis. 

According to a probable cause affidavit, Jerri Harris, 38, of Rochester, alerted authorities on May 7, to report that a child in her care ran away from home and purchased a bus ticket to Indianapolis. Harris stated a relative received a voicemail from the juvenile, who told them they were staying in Indianapolis, doing ok and not returning home. It was also noted the child had necessary medications they failed to take with them, prompting officers to request a Silver Alert for the child. 

Later that day on May 7, the was found in downtown Indianapolis after a concerned citizen recognized them from the Silver Alert issued. 

It was discovered the was had been staying at a homeless shelter in Indianapolis, providing a false identity and age to the staff at the shelter. The staff also told police the child had arrived at the shelter with a facial wound near their mouth. The child told officers they ran away from Harris on May 5, after she punched them in the face. The child was later able to released into the care of relatives. 

When Harris was later questioned about why she waited to report the child missing she stated she feared being in trouble due to being on probation and claimed she didn't want to get the child in trouble with the law as well. 

Harris was arrested and charged with domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and neglect of a dependent, both Level 6 Felonies.