Police Investigate Panhandling Dad in Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Fresno, CA We first met Salter in January when he was asleep on the sidewalk at the corner of Blackstone and Shaw while one of the girls held a sign asking for money.

We confronted him then: "What's going on here...you've got a little girl collecting money on the street..."

During that incident Fresno Police arrested Salter on charges of public intoxication and child endangerment.

But now, 7 months later he was back, and we confronted him again: "What are you doing out here with these girls it's over 100 degrees..."

Salter muttered that it wasn't that hot out, and walked away, with the girls in tow.

He was later contacted by Police and an agent from Child Protective Services.

But Sgt. Eddie Barrios of the Fresno Police Department says no law was broken.

"Nothing he was doing was illegal; we even took CPS with us to make sure all the bases were covered." Barrios said.

Police say the children were properly clothed, had water and were not in distress. Police and CPS also visited the family home, a motel room and found it in order.

But they arrested Salter for failing to appear in court on drug driving charges last year.

The girl's mother told police she plans to keep Salter away from the girls.