NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A disturbing scene is unfolding at busy intersections in Middle Tennessee: panhandlers are bringing young children dangerously close to traffic while begging for money.

Officers call it risky behavior and WSMV4 Investigates captured multiple cases in and around Nashville.

On a Monday in April, Officer Alceus of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department responded to the I-40 West exit at White Bridge Road. His body camera captured a two-year-old girl standing on the side of the road, just feet from several lanes of traffic exiting the interstate.

The girl was with two adult women who appeared to be begging.

“It is dangerous for her to be on the road,” Ofc. Alceus tells the women. “You have your two-year-old son here while you beg. That’s a big no, no. “She can run down the street and they can run over her.”

In August, WSMV4 Investigates found a man, woman and child at the same location.

“Do you think that’s safe?” WSMV4 host Amanda Hara asked the man as he walked from car to car asking for money. He told her, “It’s not your problem.”

Is there anything state investigators and local police should do? A WSMV4 investigates Monday night at 6 p.m.

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