BARRON COUNTY — Cumberland police investigated a residence after receiving reports about the welfare of several young children and concerns about drug use and illegal firearms in the home, according to a press release from the Cumberland Police Department.
PRESS RELEASE
On August 28, 2026, the Cumberland Police Department, with assistance from the Barron County Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a welfare investigation at a residence in the City of Cumberland after receiving information regarding the living conditions and welfare of several children residing in the home. Information was obtained regarding the possibility of drug use in the home as well as illegal firearms in the home.
During the investigation, officers entered the residence and observed conditions that raised significant concerns regarding the health, safety, and welfare of the children. Officers reported the residence was extremely cluttered and unsanitary, with garbage, dirty dishes, spoiled or discarded food, human waste, and insects throughout the home. Officers further located suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and other items associated with drug use inside the residence.
Several children were located at the residence. Officers documented concerns regarding their cleanliness, access to appropriate food, sleeping arrangements, and the overall level of care and supervision being provided. The investigation also revealed concerns that some of the children had been left without appropriate adult supervision for extended periods of time. The children's ages ranged from less than one to five years of age.
Due to the conditions observed, Barron County Health and Human Services became involved to ensure the immediate safety and welfare of the children. All the children were removed from the residence.
Because this investigation involves minor children, the Cumberland Police Department will not be releasing the names of the children or the adults involved at this time.
The Cumberland Police Department is releasing this information due to the multiple inquiries regarding the amount of law enforcement presence in the area of Elm Street and 3rd Avenue on this date.
No further information will be released at this time.
—Per Chief Heather Wolfe
Last Update: Aug 31, 2026 11:23 am CDT
