Babysitter Allegedly Found Drunk, High While Watching Over an Arlington Child

ARLINGTON, MA — A babysitter was allegedly found drunk and high attempting to enter the wrong house on Egerton Road in Arlington while watching over a three-year-old Arlington boy Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

Police say that a resident noticed a woman later identified as Susan M. Devereaux, 51, of Medford stumbling around the roadway with a three-year-old boy in tow. Officers later located Devereaux and determined that she was attempting to enter the wrong house.

Police were able to contact the boy's mother and reunite her with her son, who was unharmed. Police later determined that the babysitter had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages and taken prescription drugs earlier in the day.

"We commend the caller who reported this dangerous situation," Chief Frederick Ryan said in a statement. "What matters most is that the young child was not harmed."

Police say that the mother had informed them that she hired Devereaux using Care.com, and that she had used Devereaux as a babysitter several times through Care.com and later by reaching out and paying her directly.

"I urge everyone to take all possible extra steps you can take while screening a potential babysitter or caregiver. A reference or a website's background check should only be one component of a larger vetting process," Chief Frederick Ryan said. "Never rely solely on one reference or a single report."

Police decided to file charges after consulting with the Department of Children and Families, following the filing of a mandatory report. Devereaux is set to be arraigned at a later date in Cambridge District Court, according to police.

Editor's Note: This story was derived from information provided by the Arlington Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.

Image via Shutterstock.