Police: Couple barricaded their 9-year-old child in a closet so they could go to a birthday party

Two Westmoreland County parents are accused of barricading their 9-year-old son in a closet so they could attend a birthday party.Tammy Jo Waulk and Shawn Waulk, both of Unity Township, are each charged with multiple counts of false imprisonment of a minor, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. The child told police that he had been locked in a closet in his bedroom at least three times in recent weeks.According to the criminal complaint, the couple has used nails, screws, wood and a light cord string to keep the door closed.They were away at the party for about an hour and a half, police said.Both face a preliminary hearing next month.

Two Westmoreland County parents are accused of barricading their 9-year-old son in a closet so they could attend a birthday party.

Tammy Jo Waulk and Shawn Waulk, both of Unity Township, are each charged with multiple counts of false imprisonment of a minor, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.


The child told police that he had been locked in a closet in his bedroom at least three times in recent weeks.

According to the criminal complaint, the couple has used nails, screws, wood and a light cord string to keep the door closed.

They were away at the party for about an hour and a half, police said.

Both face a preliminary hearing next month.