A Louisiana woman, Artasia Viges, 24, is currently in custody after allegedly falsely reporting the kidnapping of her young son last week in Eunice. The incident unfolded when Viges called authorities around 1 a.m. on Nov. 5 to report the alleged abduction of her son near U.S. 190 and Industrial Road.
According to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, Viges claimed that while she was changing a flat tire on the roadside, individuals in an older model truck took her son. However, upon arrival at the scene, deputies discovered the child alone in a parking lot with abrasions to his knees.
The child, whose age was not disclosed, informed police that his mother had actually 'run him over' and abandoned him on the side of the road. He was promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Juvenile detectives were called in to investigate due to the conflicting statements provided by the child and his mother. Subsequent interviews with Viges revealed that the child was not kidnapped but left unattended on a major roadway and allowed to wander off.
The sheriff's office disclosed that the incident stemmed from a disagreement between the mother and child, escalating due to the child's tantrum. When Viges pulled over the car, her son reportedly exited the vehicle prematurely, resulting in knee injuries as he was not properly restrained.
Viges admitted to not pursuing her son and eventually losing sight of him. As a result, she now faces charges of cruelty to juveniles, child desertion, and false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety. She is currently being held at the St. Landry Parish Jail on a $200,000 bond.
