CMS mom says her 5-year-old non-verbal autistic child left school campus during recess, was found by stranger

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte-Mecklenburg parent is demanding accountability after her 5-year-old nonverbal autistic son escaped from an elementary school playground.

Trinity Taylor says her son Sage walked off campus during recess at Long Creek Elementary School on Tuesday, September 17. Taylor claims the school principal called her after the fact, revealing a community member found the kindergartner and safely returned him. The mother estimates her nonverbal son was unaccounted for by staff for at least 30 minutes. Taylor says CMS officials refuse to provide timelines, citing an ongoing confidential investigation.

Taylor says, “I think we need to take a bigger agenda and acknowledging the school safety because if a 5-year-old is able to walk off campus, imagine who can walk on campus.”

Taylor revealed she contacted Huntersville Police to file an official incident report. We reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for statement; they have not gotten back to us.