Two Grand Portage men came to the rescue of a cold frightened little girl they found stranded alongside Highway 61, keeping her safe and warm until authorities arrived.
The six year old was rescued on Thursday, December 10.
Daniel Deschampe Sr. and Delwyn Wilson found the child standing barefoot alongside the highway. Her mother, who lives in Wisconsin, had abandoned the girl without proper winter clothing, leaving her without a jacket, shoes, socks or hat.
Deschampe and Wilson gave the little girl a pair of socks.
Responders arrived to find the two men keeping the six year old warm in their vehicle.
Cook County Sheriff Deputies took emergency custody of the child, and through investigation, were able to locate the mother. The mother was arrested and held in Cook County jail until appearing in court on Monday, December 14.
Cook County Public Health and Human Services assisted with the child’s care. The case is still under investigation, but drugs are not suspected at this time.
According to Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen, “The quick and decisive actions of the two men led to a positive outcome for this child. Thanks to Daniel and Delwyn, and all who stepped in to assist this child in a great time of need.”
Over the weekend, the father of the child picked her up and took her home to be with family.
Charges filed
Local authorities said the woman who abandoned her child along side Highway 61 told them that God had instructed her to leave her little girl alongside the highway in order to save her.
Jaydin Danielle Pankow, the 39-year-old Waupaca, Wisconsin, mom faces felony charges of neglect and endangerment of a child. She appeared in District Court in Grand Marais on Monday and was ordered by Judge Michael Cuzzo to undergo a competency evaluation, with a review hearing scheduled for February 22.
Pankow was arrested by authorities while she was driving a blue van east on Highway 61. She allegedly told her child, “Have faith and God bless you.”
If Pankow is convicted of the crime she is charged with she is looking at five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
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