July 13, 2025

Chattanooga Man Arrested for Felony Child Neglect

News Summary

Derek Seretean is facing charges of felony child neglect after his non-verbal, autistic son was found naked and running in traffic. The alarming incident occurred near a McDonald’s on Highway 58. Witnesses helped redirect the child, while authorities discovered unsafe living conditions at home. The Department of Children’s Services is involved, as this is not their first encounter with the family, highlighting the ongoing concerns about parental responsibilities for children with special needs.

Chattanooga Man Arrested for Felony Child Neglect After Autistic Son Found Naked and Running in Traffic

A Chattanooga man, Derek Seretean, is facing felony child neglect charges after his non-verbal, autistic son was discovered naked and running in traffic near a McDonald’s on Highway 58. This alarming incident raises serious concerns about the safety and welfare of the child.

The event unfolded when Seretean, who was working in the attic of their home, noticed that his son was missing from their yard. It was reported that the child was unaccounted for approximately 20 minutes before Seretean alerted the police. The circumstances of this neglect have led to serious legal repercussions for Seretean.

Witnesses at the McDonald’s played a crucial role in the child’s safety during this chaotic moment. They helped redirect the child away from the busy highway and quickly provided clothing before law enforcement arrived. At the time, it was noted that heavy rain was falling, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Upon arrival at Seretean’s residence, local law enforcement officers observed concerning conditions. They found construction equipment and power tools strewn about within reach of the child, suggesting a hazardous living environment. Furthermore, the only sleeping arrangement for Seretean and his son was a single mattress located on the floor of the garage, a place that may not be suitable for a child, particularly one with special needs.

The severity of the incident led the Department of Children’s Services to intervene. It was revealed that this was not their first encounter with the family; a case had previously been opened against Seretean due to ongoing concerns about the child’s tendency to wander away. The authorities cited this pattern as an indicator of potential neglect and failure to provide a safe living situation.

Currently, Derek Seretean is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail. He faces serious charges that could have lasting impacts on both his legal standing and his relationship with his son. The situation has not only drawn law enforcement’s attention but also highlights broader issues surrounding parental responsibilities, especially for children with special needs.

This case has sparked discussions about the necessary support and resources available to families with children on the autism spectrum, particularly in ensuring their safety within the home and community. The involvement of child protective services indicates a need for continual monitoring and supportive services to assist families in navigating such challenges.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the future remains uncertain for both Derek Seretean and his son, underscoring the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of child neglect. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with parenthood and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for children, particularly those who may require additional care and attention.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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