A crime scene investigator and a detective carry a cage from a residence in Anaheim, Calif., in this July 1, 2014, photo.SANTA ANA, Calif. – The parents of a severely autistic boy were arrested after investigators determined the 11-year-old had been kept in a large metal cage, possibly to control his violent outbursts, authorities said Wednesday.
The cage – similar to an extra-large dog kennel – was found in the home with a mattress and other bedding inside, Anaheim police Lt. Bob Dunn said. It was roughly 6 feet tall, 5 feet long and 3 or 4 feet wide with room to stand.
The boy was not inside, but family members gave police varying accounts of how long he had been kept in it, ranging from hours to days, Dunn said.
“It appeared that as he grew older his episodes of violence and outbursts were increasing and perhaps the parents utilized the cage as a tool to modify that and to contain him when that was happening,” he said.
“Obviously, putting your child in a locked cage, even if you’re desperate for help, is not the best course of action,” Dunn said, noting there are resources available for families in that kind of situation.