Greenfield, Indiana – A 20-year-old Indiana man has been arrested after his toddler was found wandering alone in freezing temperatures wearing only a diaper, prompting serious neglect charges and raising concerns about child safety during extreme cold conditions.
Incident Overview
According to the Greenfield Police Department, officers responded to a disturbing call around 3 p.m. Monday at the Prairie Meadows Apartment Homes, located on the eastern edge of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. A resident reported hearing a child crying outside despite dangerously cold weather.
When officers arrived, they discovered a 2-year-old child standing alone in the snow with visible signs of cold exposure. The temperature at the time was approximately 13 degrees Fahrenheit, well below freezing.
One responding officer immediately wrapped the toddler in his coat and placed the child inside a warm police vehicle while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
Discovery and Police Response
Investigators noted that the child appeared severely cold, with skin discoloration described as deep red or purple, consistent with prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Officers also observed footprints in the snow, indicating the toddler had been walking outdoors for some time.
Those footprints reportedly extended about 750 feet through the apartment complex and led back to an apartment on Switch Grass Drive with its front door standing open.
Police announced their presence several times outside the apartment but received no response. Officers then entered the residence to conduct a welfare check.
Arrest of the Child’s Father
Inside the apartment, officers found Logan Nickolas, 20, asleep on the couch. After multiple loud announcements, Nickolas eventually woke up and identified himself as the child’s father, according to police.
Nickolas was arrested and later charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury and neglect of a dependent by placing the child in a dangerous situation, authorities confirmed.
Conditions Inside the Apartment
Court documents and police statements described concerning conditions inside the residence. Officers reported a strong smell of burnt marijuana. A baby gate was installed at the top of the stairs but was allegedly left unlatched.
Police also observed a handgun on a countertop near what appeared to be drug paraphernalia, including a plate with a cut straw. Investigators noted these details as part of the charging documentation.
Nickolas told officers he had not been using drugs and claimed he fell asleep after working late the previous night.
Conflicting Accounts From the Child’s Mother
However, the child’s mother provided a different account during a follow-up interview. She told police that Nickolas had recently been using marijuana, cocaine, and other substances, according to charging documents.
She explained that Nickolas had been staying at her home intermittently for about a week. On the day of the incident, she was at work and attempted to contact him several times by phone but received no response.
Child’s Medical Condition
Emergency medical personnel determined the toddler was suffering from severe hypothermia and frostbite, particularly affecting the child’s fingers and toes. The child was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and was later reported to be in stable condition.
Medical professionals emphasized that young children are especially vulnerable to cold exposure due to their smaller body size and limited ability to regulate body temperature.
Witness Reaction
A resident of the apartment complex described the scene as deeply upsetting.
“I saw him,” the woman said. “No pants, no shoes — just a diaper. If I can’t feel my fingers or toes, I know that baby couldn’t either. That child should have never been outside in that cold.”
She added that she immediately asked a neighbor to call 911, expressing concern that the toddler may not have eaten and had been exposed to ice and snow for an unknown period of time.
Broader Safety Concerns
Authorities say the case highlights the extreme dangers of cold weather exposure for children. Hypothermia can develop rapidly in freezing temperatures, and frostbite can cause lasting damage even after brief exposure.
Police urge caregivers to remain vigilant, ensure children are properly supervised, and secure doors and safety barriers inside the home.
What Happens Next
Nickolas remains facing multiple felony charges, and the case is expected to proceed through the Hancock County court system. Child protective services were notified and are involved in ensuring the child’s ongoing safety.
The Greenfield Police Department has not released additional details regarding custody arrangements but stated the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with concerns about child welfare or suspected neglect is encouraged to report it to local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
