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Police: Gainesville man arrested after toddler found intoxicated
Marcus Allen
Allen

GAINESVILLE -- A Gainesville man was charged with child cruelty after his toddler ingested a liquor drink, police said.

 

Marcus Daniel Allen, 20, was taken into custody Saturday. He is charged with second-degree child cruelty, reckless conduct and obstruction of an officer.

 

Officers responded Saturday to a child neglect call on Swamp Cypress Trail, where Allen was found by a family member “passed out” in his bedroom, Gainesville Police said in a news release.

 

“The juvenile was lethargic and manifesting abnormal behavior,” according to the news release.  “An alert police officer noticed an alcoholic beverage that was within reach of the child.”

 

The child smelled of alcohol and was taken to the hospital. Deputy Chief Jay Parrish said it appeared to be a mixed liquor drink.

 

“The child was almost twice the legal limit for an adult driver,” Parrish said.

 

Allen allegedly attempted to flee from officers when approached at the hospital, according to the news release.

 

Allen was booked in to the Hall County Jail, where he remains.