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Man accused of neglect after girl, 6, found running alone near Largo pond

 
Published Oct. 17, 2014

LARGO — A 23-year-old man is accused of child neglect after a 6-year-old in his care was found wandering alone near a retention pond Thursday night, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Francisco Romero of Largo allegedly told deputies he had been playing video games and did not know the girl had left. A roommate told Romero the girl was missing about 1:30 a.m. Friday, authorities said.

Romero called the girl's mother, according to deputies, who returned to the home at 13474 Adams Circle, where the girl had been. She called police while on her way back.

Deputies responded and told her neighbors had found the girl around 8 p.m., running around the pond with her Chihauha, and efforts were already under way to identify her and return her home.