Franklinton police arrested a Washington Parish woman on drug charges Saturday, after officers initially responded to a report of a child left alone in a car.

According to information released by the Franklinton Police Department, officers were dispatched Saturday to a “child alone in a vehicle” complaint in the 1900 block of Washington St. Officers located the vehicle and observed a young child in a car seat; the vehicle was not secure and was running.

A short time later, officers were approached by Shawna Brooke Cassidy, 25, who told them that the vehicle was hers and she had gone into a business for only a minute.

According to the FPD, witnesses in the area reported it had been approximately 20 minutes before officers were called, and Cassidy was arrested for child desertion.

During the investigation, FPD officers received permission to search Cassidy’s vehicle, where they reportedly located drug paraphernalia, including syringes and narcotics. Cassidy also allegedly confessed to using methamphetamine.

The child was turned over to a family member and the incident reported to the Department of Children and Family Services for follow up.

Along with child desertion, Cassidy was also charged with possession of Schedule II drugs (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule III drugs (Suboxone) and theft by shoplifting under $100.

Cassidy was taken to the Washington Parish Jail and booked on additional outstanding warrants.