TORONTO – The parents of an 11-year-old autistic boy in Anaheim, California were arrested Tuesday for allegedly keeping the child locked in a metal cage.
Police say the cage, which had a mattress and bedding in it, was similar to an extra large dog kennel and that there was room to stand inside.
It’s believed the parents used it to control the boy’s violent outbursts.
Family members tell police the times he was in it ranged from hours to days.
The boy was not in the cage when authorities entered the home Tuesday evening.
“It appeared that as he grew older his episodes of violence and outbursts were increasing and perhaps the parents utilized the cage as a tool to modify that and to contain him when that was happening,” Anaheim police Lt. Bob Dunn told The Associated Press.
The parents, who are of Vietnamese descent and speak limited English, were arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment and false imprisonment after police received an anonymous tip.
The boy and his two younger siblings appeared healthy and well nourished. They are currently in the care of child protective services.
Another family rent a room in the house and other relatives live with the boy’s family as well.
The parents have not been formally charged.
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