Naugatuck, Connecticut – The Naugatuck Police Department has announced the arrest of a woman after two children were found playing near the roadway in cold weather.

According to an NPD statement, officers responded to a report of two children found unsupervised and wandering near Cross Street around noon on January 18, 2025.

Police say concerned citizens called authorities after witnessing the children, aged 2 and 4, playing near the roadway in cold weather wearing only onesie pajamas.

At the scene, officers were flagged down by good Samaritans who had intervened to protect the children. NPD says officers canvassed the area and found a garage door wide open.

No one was present at the residence, according to NPD. Police say the children’s caregiver, Carol Peynado, was found and admitted to leaving the children unsupervised for several hours while she went to work.

Both children are reportedly in good physical health, but one child allegedly showed signs of soiled clothing and neglect. 54-year-old Carol Peynado was arrested for two counts of Risky of Injury to a Minor, two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, and two counts of Cruelty to Persons.

Peynado was being held on a $50,000 bond and appeared in court on January 21.