Julie A Beers: Boynton Beach mother arrested for child neglect, police say

A Boynton Beach mother faces charges after police say they found her smelling of alcohol and unresponsive next to a large outdoor trash can and her child nearby underneath palm fronds and trash.

Police say three people told them that they saw a woman stumble through a parking lot with her child on Monday.

Officers began looking for the pair and one found them about 8:45 p.m., in the 2000 block of South Federal Highway.

The officer said the woman, identified as 42-year-old Julie A Beers, appeared to be sleeping behind a Dumpster. She smelled of alcohol, was slurring her speech, had bloodshot eyes and was unable to stand without assistance, police said.

A child's backpack was nearby with one and a half empty bottles of vodka, according to an affidavit.

Police say the child was covered in dirt, urine, and feces and said she had not eaten all day.

Beers was arrested and charged with child neglect.

The child was placed in the care of a relative.