A man is facing child abuse and shoplifting charges after allegedly leaving his young cousins behind while he robbed a Peoria Walmart.
Peoria Police arrested 18-year-old Jourdyn Ford when he was spotted just a half mile from the store, located near 79th and Peoria avenues, after the February 13 robbery.
Police say they located the stolen merchandise, worth about $100, in a nearby desert field.
When police returned to the Walmart, they were told that employees had found three children left alone in the store. After multiple public announcements, they were unable to locate the children's guardian.
It was later determined that the children -- two 1-year-old twins in a stroller, and a 7-year-old -- were under the care of Ford, who was babysitting his cousins.
Ford reportedly told police that he went there with the kids to steal food for them and other items for himself.
After taking some items, he ran out the fire exit with a basket full of merchandise. He allegedly told police that he left the 7-year-old in charge saying, "He's old enough and knows to take the twins home if he was left alone."
Store employees found the children unharmed.
Ford has been charged with shoplifting and child abuse.
