South Jordan mom cited for neglect for allowing child to walk to school

Like every school in the district, Monte Vista has a "safe walking route" it suggests for students. It recommends that Noah cross the street with a crossing guard near the school, then walk on the east side of 2700 West until he reaches his street, Talbot said. But Talbot has instructed her son to walk on the west side of the street because the east side has no sidewalk for long stretches and she feels a sidewalk is safer. However, that means her son has to cross without a crossing guard at another location.

Talbot said the Friday incident worried her young son, who thought he was in trouble when the police officer picked him up. Now he feels responsible for his mom's ticket.

"He doesn't want his mommy to get in trouble," she said. "He was so upset."

Talbot has a younger child at home and an older child with cerebral palsy, and while she said she could drive Noah from school, she would rather he walk and walk safely.

"These are some serious charges. ... I can't be a Girl Scout leader. I can't work at a day care," she said. "I am just so frustrated."

e-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com