Mom wanted for locking son out in cold surrenders to police

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police in Delaware County say a mother who allegedly locked her mentally impaired son outside in freezing temperatures has surrendered.

34-year-old Karima Tolbert was taken into custody Friday evening on a charge of recklessly endangering another person.

The charges stem from an incident that happened last week. Police say Tolbert locked her 18-year-old mentally impaired son out of house in freezing temperatures when wind chills hit 2 degrees.

Upper Darby Police say Tolbert kicked her son out because he didn't wear the right pants to school.

Neighbors found the intellectually disabled teen on the front porch last Wednesday.

Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood says, "He's shaking uncontrollably. He's cold, he's got a real light jacket on... that's it."

Police say the boy has the intellect of a 10-year-old. He simply didn't know what to do but bang on the door.

When police responded, Tolbert answered through the screen door.

Chitwood explains that Tolbert allegedly said, "'I'm not letting the police in my house and I'm not letting my son in my house. I don't want him here. I put him out and he's staying out.'"

After reviewing the facts, police decided to charge her with reckless endangerment.

An arrest warrant was issued, but Tolbert refused to answer the door for officers.

So police turned to Twitter Friday morning to expose her.

Neighbors describe Tolbert as a troublemaker and are appalled by the allegations.

Joann Derrick says, "That's very sad - very, very sad. I can't believe someone would do that."

Police say the boy refused treatment and is doing well now. He is now staying with an aunt.