Firefighters Find 6-Year-Old Home Alone in Bethesda

BETHESDA, Md. - Fire officials say they have found a six-year-old girl home alone while responding to a report of smoke coming out of an apartment in Bethesda.

Authorities say the incident occurred at around 7:20 p.m. in the 6400 block of Rock Forest Drive. Investigators say the girl was attempting to cook something in a toaster, causing it to smoke and setting off an alarm inside the apartment. A neighbor found the girl wandering in the hallway and called the fire department.

"We were able to locate the mother and the mother has responded to the police station in order to meet with us. We also have brought the six-year-old with us to the police station," said Capt. Marcus Jones of Montgomery County Police.

The mother has been charged with leaving an unattended child. She has also been given a criminal citation. Capt. Jones says she could face more charges.