april.thompson@wreg.com
(Millington, TN 7/6/2009) - Sunday afternoon the drainage ditch behind the Millington Walmart was full of water.
Five year old Federico Barajas was playing and slipped in.
"The water rose. He fell into the retention pond. When the water rose it created a rapid situation and he went through the drain pipe." says Millington Police Chief Ray Douglas.
The drain water carried the little boy several feet before he landed in a nearby ditch.
Neighbors say it's a place kid can easily fall.
"At least put some barrier where these kids can't get in it. This water was high yesterday." says neighbor Rebecca Parks.
The drainage pipe is Walmart property.
In a phone statement, Walmart says it is 'deeply saddened by the accident and is working with the city and law enforcement to determine how it happened and will evaluate how to move forward.'
The owner of the trailer park says he is also willing to do what's needed to make things safe.
Meanwhile police say the case is still open. They are talking to Federico's parents and to the Department of Human Services to determine if the five year old was unattended when he lost his life.
"Know where your children are, watch your kids." says Chief Douglas.
- Five year old drowns in Millington behind Walmart
- Police investigating how it happened
- Neighbors call for better security around drainage ditch
(Millington, TN 7/6/2009) - Sunday afternoon the drainage ditch behind the Millington Walmart was full of water.
Five year old Federico Barajas was playing and slipped in.
"The water rose. He fell into the retention pond. When the water rose it created a rapid situation and he went through the drain pipe." says Millington Police Chief Ray Douglas.
The drain water carried the little boy several feet before he landed in a nearby ditch.
Neighbors say it's a place kid can easily fall.
"At least put some barrier where these kids can't get in it. This water was high yesterday." says neighbor Rebecca Parks.
The drainage pipe is Walmart property.
In a phone statement, Walmart says it is 'deeply saddened by the accident and is working with the city and law enforcement to determine how it happened and will evaluate how to move forward.'
The owner of the trailer park says he is also willing to do what's needed to make things safe.
Meanwhile police say the case is still open. They are talking to Federico's parents and to the Department of Human Services to determine if the five year old was unattended when he lost his life.
"Know where your children are, watch your kids." says Chief Douglas.
