Toddler found walking along Government Way; father arrested

HAYDEN — The father of a two-year-old boy is in Kootenai County Jail after the toddler was found early Saturday morning walking along the roadway without shoes or socks and in pajamas.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report about the boy and found the child with a dirty face, shivering and cold to the touch, according to a news release from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. The outdoor temperature was 47 degrees.

“The child had attempted to cross Government Way to see the ‘Tonka trucks,’ which were large pieces of construction equipment across the street,” said the news release.

Deputies located the boy’s father, Castulo P. Costilla, in a nearby apartment. The front door was allegedly open and Costilla was passed out on the couch.

Costilla reportedly told the deputies he’d been using methamphetamine, had been awake for two days, consumed heavy amounts of alcohol the night before and smoked marijuana before falling asleep.

Deputies allegedly found meth in the apartment within reach of the little boy and next to several toys.

Investigators also reported finding a loaded handgun stored under a bed in the apartment, placed there without the consent of the apartment owner.

Deputies took possession of the firearm at the request of the person renting the apartment.

Based on the investigation, Costilla was arrested and faces charges of felony injury to child, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, illegal possession of prescription medication and possession of paraphernalia.

Costilla’s criminal history includes two previous injury to child charges in 2011 and 2012. He also has numerous probation violation convictions, felony drug charges and an arrest in 2014 for domestic battery. Costilla has also had previous felony charges out of California and Arizona.

“Thanks to the citizen that reported seeing the child, and the deputies’ quick response, the child is now safe and has been released to other family members,” the release said.