TOT FOUND INTOXICATED WAS ALLOWED TO DRINK

The mother of a 16-month-old boy who was legally drunk when he tumbled
down a flight of stairs at an apartment complex saw the toddler take
sips of vodka and gin, according to authorities.

Latreece Deane, 33, of Euless later told authorities, "He wants what
his mama wants. What am I supposed to do about it?"

She also demanded to know whether she was "supposed to just stop
drinking because her son keeps taking her drink," state Child
Protective Services case worker Lisa Lambert said in court documents.

Deane, who was arrested Sunday and charged with injury to a child, was
half-clothed, intoxicated and unconscious when police showed up at her
apartment late Saturday night.

The toddler's blood-alcohol level was .126 percent. State law sets
0.08 percent as the level of intoxication necessary to charge a
motorist with driving while intoxicated.

The woman's three other children -- a 13-year-old boy and two sisters,
ages 12 and 15 -- also were intoxicated when police arrived at the
complex about 16 miles northwest of Dallas.

The 13-year-old's blood alcohol content was .160, and cocaine was
detected in his system, according to court files.

The two boys were taken to a hospital and released. The girls were not
drunk enough to require medical attention, according to court documents.

All four children are in the custody of Child Protective
Services.