Vancouver, WA – Police say a disturbing case of child and animal neglect unfolded in Vancouver after officers found five children and three dogs living inside an SUV overflowing with trash, belongings, and drug paraphernalia. All three adults connected to the case are now facing multiple felony charges.
Police Discover Children Living in Hazardous, Trash-Filled SUV
According to the Vancouver Police Department, officers responded after a caller reported seeing several children inside an SUV at a local car wash. The smallest child was described as “naked and shivering,” appearing malnourished with their bones visible.
Inside the SUV, officers found children ages 13, 11, 10, 8 and 5 living in what police described as “unsafe conditions.” The vehicle was packed with garbage and contaminated with drug residue. All of the children reportedly tested positive for fentanyl, and two also tested positive for methamphetamine.
Officials noted in their statement that “the kids had very little food available and showed clear signs of neglect.”
Parents Allegedly Lost Disabled Child’s Feeding Tube
Investigators said Natalie Gebron, 46, the mother of all five children, told police the youngest child was partially blind and deaf, had cerebral palsy, and had been fed with a bottle for more than a year because the adults had lost the child’s feeding tube.
The warrant described the living conditions as “atrocious,” noting that the children were only partially clothed. One child was observed shaking uncontrollably from the cold.
Drug Evidence Recovered at the Scene
Authorities reported that methamphetamine was found on one of the suspects, and another adult admitted fentanyl was inside the SUV. Police say the vehicle itself was filled with drug paraphernalia near items accessible to the children.
The SUV was seized, and child protective services took all five children into custody.
Three Dogs Found in Critical Condition
Police also rescued three dogs from the SUV. Two of the animals were “extremely underweight,” while the third had an untreated open tumor and “sadly needed to be put down.” Officials believe the animals had been consuming plastic due to lack of food.
Three Adults Face Multiple Charges
The adults involved were identified as:
- Natalie Gebron, 46
- Zachariah Edwards, 40
- Corleone Lewis
According to jail records, Gebron and Edwards were booked on November 19, and Lewis on November 20. Each suspect now faces nine criminal charges, including child endangerment, drug possession, and animal cruelty. Lewis also faces additional charges for resisting arrest, unlawful camping, and domestic violence.
None of the defendants has been released from custody. Court dates are set for December 18 for Lewis and December 23 for Gebron and Edwards.
A Case That Raises Serious Concerns About Child Safety
Authorities say it is fortunate that a bystander noticed the children and contacted police. Officers noted the SUV had no proper food storage, no sanitary conditions, and no safe sleeping environment. The children’s exposure to hard drugs significantly worsened the severity of the case.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about fentanyl exposure among minors, rising homelessness among families, and gaps in early intervention when children are kept isolated from schools or medical providers.
What Officials Want the Community to Know
Police emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious situations involving children. Even small observations, like a child appearing unusually thin or scared, can lead to lifesaving intervention.
As one portion of the police statement noted:
“The kids had very little food available and showed clear signs of neglect.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may follow depending on medical evaluations and forensic findings.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you witnessed a situation where children or animals appeared unsafe? What more can communities do to prevent severe neglect cases like this? Share your experiences in the comments.
