Report of missing children in Dale City ends up with arrest for child neglect

**INCIDENTS**

Commercial Burglary – On October 22 at 2:43AM, Prince William County Police officers responded to the 5-Twelve store located at 4116 Dale Blvd in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate an alarm. When officers arrived, the front door was found damaged. A police K-9 checked the business. No suspect(s) was located. An undisclosed amount of money was reported missing.

**ARRESTS**

Felony Child Neglect – On October 21 at 3:17PM, Prince William County Police officers responded to a residence located in the 14700 block of Birchdale Ave in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate two missing children. The caller reported to police that two children, whom she has custody of, did not return home after leaving the residence earlier that morning. The investigation revealed both children, ages 8 and 11, left their residence on Birchdale around 8:30AM. One of children returned to the home around 11:30AM before leaving again. The caller was unaware of the children’s whereabouts. Multiple officers canvassed the neighborhood and eventually located both children unharmed around 6:00PM at a playground in the area of Brook Dr and Benton St. When officers checked the residence initially, the conditions inside the home were deplorable and unkempt. Following the investigation, the caller, identified as Marilyn Caroline MORTON, was arrested.
Arrested on October 21:
Marilyn Caroline MORTON, 53, of the 14700 block of Birchdale Ave in Woodbridge
Charged with felony child neglect
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

**END**

Anyone with information regarding the incidents listed in this report is asked to contact Prince William Crime Solvers anonymously by calling 703-670-3700 or 1-866-411-TIPS, texting “PWC” plus your tip to 274637, submitting a WebTip, or by using the app for Android or iPhone. YOU COULD EARN UP TO A $1,000 CASH REWARD IF THE INFORMATION LEADS TO AN ARREST.