On August 3, 2026, at approximately 10:48 a.m., officers responded to a welfare check at room 327 of the Best Western hotel. Upon arrival, it was reported that the parents had left the hotel without their two children, ages 1 year and 7 months, and 4 months.

Upon entering the room, officers found the 1-year-old male child nude and wandering around the room and bathroom, while the 4-month-old female infant was laying on a bed with no adult supervision. The children were left unattended for approximately 40 minutes.

After reviewing street cameras, it was determined that the parents had left the hotel at around 10:27 a.m. and returned at approximately 11:07 a.m. The parents were subsequently charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

A warrant for the arrest of Dakota Wallace was issued. On 9/8/2026 the City of Tonowanda apprehended Wallace on the warrant. On 9/11/2026 Wallace was extradited from Erie County in Buffalo, NY. Wallace was then brought to Judge Luther’s office and arraigned on the charges and was unable to post $20,000 bail. Wallace was then taken to Mckean County Jail. 

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.