News Summary
Shreveport is reeling from two alarming incidents of child desertion involving women who left young children unattended in distressing circumstances. Following a troubling case at the 81st Street Early Childhood Education Center, where a three-year-old was found alone, and another incident involving a mother abandoning her five children at home, local authorities are emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in child safety. As the community processes these events, the well-being of children comes to the forefront of discussions among parents and officials alike.
Shreveport Residents Shocked as Two Women Arrested for Child Desertion
Tragic Incidents Spark Concerns Over Child Safety
Shreveport has been shaken by two separate incidents involving child desertion, leading to the arrests of two women who allegedly left young children unattended in troubling situations. As parents, friends, and neighbors grapple with the implications, local authorities are emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting our children.
Classroom Desertion Raises Alarm
On February 14, 2025, two women were taken into custody after a three-year-old child was found abandoned in a classroom at the 81st Street Early Childhood Education Center in Shreveport on February 11, 2025. Positioned in the 8100 block of Fairfield Avenue, the center was supposed to be a haven for preschool children, but it became the scene of an alarming oversight when a concerned mother discovered her son alone after the center had closed for the day.
Responding to the mother’s concerns, the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) quickly launched an investigation, led by their Juvenile Crimes detectives. With a child so young, investigators highlighted just how vulnerable he was, noting that his limited abilities made it difficult for him to keep himself safe in potentially dangerous situations. Thankfully, local authorities recognized the urgency of the matter and have received praise for their swift response.
In a statement, SPD expressed gratitude to the Caddo Parish School Board for their prompt cooperation, underscoring the critical role that community collaboration plays in ensuring the safety of children.
Multiple Counts of Desertion in Another Disturbing Case
In a separate and equally troubling incident, Leanisha Broom is facing a slew of charges after allegedly abandoning her five children at home without supervision for two whole days. The unfolding drama began on February 15, 2025, when a worried family member reported that Broom could not be located, prompting police intervention.
When officers arrived at the home on Virginia Avenue, they found Broom’s children—aged 6, 4, 3, 1, and just 5 months—home alone. The eldest child, displaying incredible maturity at such a young age, informed the police that their mother had briefly stopped by on the morning of February 13 to drop off a breakfast biscuit from McDonald’s before leaving once again.
To complicate matters further, Broom had active bench warrants for three previous counts of child desertion from as far back as 2023, in addition to another charge from 2021. It was revealed that the U.S. Marshals had attempted to arrest her earlier in the week, but the efforts were unsuccessful as Broom was nowhere to be found.
As authorities worked to rectify the situation, Child Protective Services stepped in and placed the children in the care of a family member while investigations continued. Upon finally being located, Broom was arrested on February 17, 2025, and is now facing a staggering five new charges of child desertion.
Community in Turmoil
These incidents have left the Shreveport community in a state of shock and concern as many ponder how such situations could occur so close to home. Local parents are undoubtedly reflecting on the importance of ensuring proper supervision and care for children, as well as the necessity for accountability in maintaining child safety.
As these cases continue to unfold, one thing is certain: the safety and well-being of children remain a top priority, and the community is reminded to stay alert and proactive to protect its youngest members.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport School Incident Raises Safety Concerns
Two Women Arrested for Allegedly Deserting Child in Shreveport
Shock and Concern in Shreveport Following Disturbing Preschool Incident
Safety Concerns Arise After Child Left Alone in Shreveport Classroom
Incident at Shreveport School Raises Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- KSLA News
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KTBS News
- Google Search: Shreveport Child Desertion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Desertion
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
