Louisiana Mom Abandons Son, Falsely Reports Kidnapping, Sheriff Says

Now, this is a true crime story you don’t hear about every day: a Louisiana mother’s alleged decision to abandon her child on a highway in the middle of the night has led to her arrest. According to authorities, 24-year-old Artasia Q. Viges was taken into custody after leaving her young son by the roadside and then falsely reporting him as kidnapped.

The Incident: False Kidnapping Report Sparks Investigation

According to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on November 5, 2024, to a reported kidnapping near U.S. 190 and Industrial Road in Eunice, Louisiana. Viges told authorities that “individuals in an older model truck” had kidnapped her son as she tended to a flat tire. This initial report prompted an urgent response from authorities, who were prepared for a potential abduction.

Initial Investigation: Child’s Statements and Evidence Uncover the Truth

When deputies arrived, they found Viges’ young son in the parking lot of Heinen Medical Clinic, with abrasions on his knees. The child disclosed to deputies that his mother had “run him over” and abandoned him on the roadside, sparking immediate concerns for his welfare. Authorities transported him to a hospital for treatment while they launched a deeper investigation into the situation.

A Dangerous Reaction to a Tantrum: What Really Happened

Through their investigation, detectives uncovered a troubling reality: there had been no kidnapping. Instead, an argument between Viges and her son reportedly escalated into the child throwing a tantrum. During this conflict, Viges allegedly pulled her vehicle over on the highway, and her son—who was not properly restrained—exited the car before it came to a stop, injuring his knees, as reported by Law & Crime.

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Rather than securing her son or seeking help, Viges reportedly left him behind, allowing the boy to run off into the night along a major highway. Detectives revealed that she admitted to not attempting to retrieve him and eventually lost sight of him as he disappeared into the darkness.

Sheriff’s Office Statement: “Bizarre Reaction” to Child’s Tantrum

In a statement on the case, the Sheriff’s Office described Viges’ actions as a “bizarre reaction” to a child’s tantrum. They reported that Viges chose to leave her son unattended by the side of the highway, further endangering him by not attempting to locate him once he ran off. Authorities highlighted the serious risk posed to the young child due to his mother’s decision to abandon him on the roadside.

Full Statement From St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office:

FALSE YOUNG CHILD KIDNAPPING COMPLAINT RESULTS IN MOTHER BEING ARRESTED

On November 5, 2024 at about 1:00 am, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a kidnapping of a young child at the area of U.S. 190 and Industrial Road in Eunice. The mother, Artasia Quantaya Viges, reported that individuals in an older model truck had kidnapped her son as she was parked on the roadway attending to a deflated tire.

Almost immediately upon arriving on scene, deputies learned that the unattended child was found by citizens on the parking lot of Heinen Medical Clinic with abrasion injuries to his knees. The child stated to officers that his mother “ran him over” and left him on the side of the road. The child was transported to the nearby hospital for treatment.

With this vast disparity in statements, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detectives were called in to investigate. A subsequent interview with Artasia Viges revealed the awful truth; there was no kidnapping and a young child was left unattended along a major roadway and allowed to run off in the night.

What started as a disagreement between a mother and a child became a bizarre reaction to the child having a tantrum. As the mother pulled the car over, the child, obviously not properly restrained, bailed out of the car before it came to a stop, resulting in the injuries to the child’s knees.

The mother chose to leave the child out of the car, allowing him to run off in the dark, along major roadways. The mother admitted to detectives that she did not attempt to go after him and ultimately lost sight of him.

These grievous actions led to the arrest of Artasia Viges on the listed charges. Anyone with additional information about this crime is encouraged to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-948-6516.

Charges Filed and Ongoing Investigation

Viges was subsequently arrested and charged with cruelty to juveniles, child desertion, and false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety. She remains in the St. Landry Parish Jail, with her bond set at $200,000. Authorities continue to investigate and encourage anyone with further information to contact the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-948-6516.

This case serves as a powerful reminder of the serious responsibilities parents hold and has sparked community concerns about child safety.

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