Tannersville, PA – Authorities say a 42-year-old mother from New York is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening to stab her 13-year-old daughter and abandoning the child at a closed gas station in Pennsylvania just after midnight.
According to police, Tonimarie A. Barrett was arrested over the weekend and charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child, terroristic threats, and recklessly endangering another person following the disturbing incident that unfolded early Sunday morning.
Police Respond to Abandoned Child at Turkey Hill
The Pocono Township Police Department reported that officers were dispatched around 5:19 a.m. to a Turkey Hill convenience store located in the 2700 block of Route 611 in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, after receiving a call about an abandoned child. When officers arrived, they found the 13-year-old girl alone.
Investigators later learned that Barrett and her daughter had left a residence in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, around midnight to return to their home in New Rochelle, New York — a trip of roughly 114 miles east.
Argument Escalates Into Threats
Police say Barrett stopped at a closed gas station along the way to enter directions into her GPS. However, a heated argument erupted between her and her daughter during the stop.
“A small argument ensued with the juvenile and they both exited the vehicle, during which time Barrett threatened to stab the juvenile,” the Pocono Township Police said in their statement.
Authorities allege that Barrett then drove away, leaving her daughter behind in the cold at the closed business. She later parked at another gas station in Effort, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles southwest of the Turkey Hill, where she remained until contacted by officers around 7 a.m.
Daughter’s Statement to Police
According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Pocono Record, the daughter told investigators that the argument began when Barrett demanded her iPad. The teen reportedly refused, believing her mother would destroy the device.
When the child resisted, Barrett allegedly threatened to stab her if she didn’t hand it over. The girl complied but asked to use her mother’s phone for directions, which Barrett refused.
The teen then exited the car, after which Barrett allegedly drove off, leaving her behind. She later walked several miles to the Turkey Hill convenience store where she was found by police hours later.
Police Say Mother Made No Effort to Find Her
When officers eventually located Barrett, she allegedly admitted that she did not try to find her daughter or contact police after driving away.
Investigators say Barrett claimed she left the area because her vehicle was low on oil and that she “couldn’t find the juvenile” once she realized the girl was no longer near the car.
Police arrested Barrett and transported her to the Monroe County Correctional Facility, where she awaits arraignment before a district magistrate.
Child Endangerment Penalties in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, endangering the welfare of a child is a felony offense that can carry several years in prison. When combined with terroristic threats and reckless endangerment, the penalties can increase significantly, especially in cases involving minors.
Authorities have not released the current condition of the child, but reports indicate she was safe and unharmed after being located by police.
A Growing Concern for Child Safety
Incidents like this highlight the importance of child welfare awareness and mental health support for parents. Law enforcement agencies across the country continue to urge families facing stress or conflict to seek assistance through crisis hotlines or local support services rather than resorting to harm or neglect.
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