Minot Couple Collared for Child Neglect after Shoplifting Call

Minot, ND (KEYZ)  A Minot couple is arrested after a relatively minor shoplifting call early Tuesday night, exposed a potentially dangerous case of child neglect. 24 year old Chase Rath and his 21 year old companion Savvanna Knudsen were breezing through the Marketplace Foods store on South Broadway, allegedly eating products they'd taken off the shelves as they wound thorough the aisles.   Upon getting to the front of the store, the couple admitted to the staff they had no money to pay for what they had eaten, and promptly left, walking to the parking lot.

Not too long after the police arrived, and found the couple, still in the parking lot.  After a few questions, officers were led to a car Rath said he had driven to the store, and locked inside was a toddler, who had been left in the cold vehicle for about 15 minutes in what officers says was sub zero temps outside.

Rath was charged with DUI, False Report to an Officer, and Neglect of a Child while Knudson was busted for Neglect of a Child. Both were transported to the Ward County Jail and a family friend took custody of the child.