Investigators say Daycare worker failed to evacuate kids during fire

James Carpenter faces 27 counts of child neglect, investigators say he admits to drinking on the job

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – Yesterday in Cleveland, Little Lambs Daycare caught fire while children were napping inside.

The fire was quickly visible to those in nearby businesses.

“Basically, it was a pretty crazy situation that was going down. I heard a bunch of commotion in the gym, and we all ran out and saw a huge fire, so obviously we called 911 and got the fire department down here,” said Brian Criddle, a witness to the fire.

As you can see behind me, the fire damage was serious, but luckily no one was hurt.

“I’m just thankful that there was no one really around the fire and no children at the daycare were hurt and no one in general was hurt.”

Following this incident, daycare employee James Carpenter has been charged with 27 counts of child neglect.

According to a police affidavit obtained by News 12, Carpenter failed to evacuate the children while the building was burning, and was observed to be intoxicated when speaking to police.

After waiving his Miranda Rights, Carpenter admitted to having several drinks that morning, and multiple open cans of beer were found inside the daycare.