INDIANAPOLIS -- A 1-year-old boy was found safe after wandering away from his home on Indianapolis' south side, but his mother was arrested Monday on a felony neglect of a dependent charge.

The toddler was found in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Stop 11 Road, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

With temperatures in the mid-40s, police said they think the boy, clad only in pajamas, had been outside for as much as two hours.

He was taken to St. Francis Hospital, but was released after doctors there determined he suffered no lasting effects.

Other children in the complex found the boy in a cul-de-sac more than two blocks from home and just a few feet from the five-lane road nearby.

"He was back in the court, just standing in the middle of the court," said a woman who only wanted to be identified as Nora.

Lisa Morrall, who lives in the complex, took the toddler to safety while police looked for his missing mother.

"In this day and age, it's frightening. I don't know what the situation is with the parents," Morrall said. "It's a sad situation."

In addition to medical personnel, police called in caseworkers from Child Protective Services after hearing that the boy had wandered away at least twice before.

"We were able to find out where the child goes by contacting the apartment manager of the complex," said Indianapolis police Officer Paul Humphrey. "They were able to tell us that this was the third time she knows of that this child has been out of the house and located on their property."

A short time later, police found the boy's mother -- Rachel Mathews (pictured), 20 -- who they said had apparently been out looking for her son.

Police arrested her after determining that she hadn't called 911 to alert authorities that the child was missing.

"I don't want to say anything really. Just back the [expletive] up," Mathews said when asked about the incident.

If convicted, Mathews could face up to three years in prison. CPS workers will determine if the boy can be released to his father.