Two parents were arrested after police say their four children were discovered living in a home that was in deplorable condition.
On Thursday the Division of Family Services reported an abuse case to New Castle County Police. The DFS told police it happened over the weekend at a home on the unit block of Hickman Road in Claymont, Delaware.
During the incident, Lucinda Bolinger, 43, allegedly struck her 8-year-old son in the face causing him to hit his head against a bed post, bruising his right eye, after he refused to go to bed. Her husband, Kevin Bolinger, 38, was away at the time visiting family members, according to investigators. Police also say that the couple's 7-year-old son was suffering from multiple bug bites on his body.
Police and a DFS case worker smelled a strong odor of urine when they arrived at the house, according to investigators. Police also say they found trash, cat feces and food scattered across the home. Investigators say a New Castle County Code Enforcement officer also responded and condemned the home, deeming it unfit for children to live in. Finally, police learned a 4-year-old and 5-year-old child were also living inside the home. All four children were taken to AI DuPont Hospital where they were all medically cleared with no additional injuries noted. They have been temporarily placed with a family member.
Both parents were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Lucinda was also charged with assault in the third degree. She was arraigned and released on $4,000 unsecured bond. Her husband was released on his own recognizance.
