Father arrested after baby rescued from locked car in extreme heat
- On June 17, police in Corona, California rescued a three-month-old baby trapped in a locked car.
- The vehicle's internal temperature reached 110 degrees while the outdoor temperature was 96 degrees.
- Authorities are warning the public about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.
In California, a concerning incident involving a three-month-old baby unfolded on June 17, when local police were called to respond to a situation concerning an infant trapped in a locked car. The temperatures outside were around 96 degrees Fahrenheit, but the internal temperature of the vehicle soared to an alarming 110 degrees, according to the Corona Fire Department’s thermo-device readings. Upon arrival, officers observed the baby alone in the backseat while the engine was off and the windows were rolled up. Realizing the urgency of the situation, they took swift action to rescue the infant. Using a baton, one of the police officers broke the driver’s side window to gain access to the locked car. After clearing the broken glass and unlocking the door, the officers were able to reach the distressed infant, who was in immediate danger due to the overbearing heat. Video footage shared by the Corona Police Department captured this intense moment, showcasing their determination to save the child. After gently lifting the baby from the vehicle, an officer took a moment to comfort the infant by patting their back, ensuring that the baby felt secure after the rescue. Following this heroic effort, the officers discovered that the baby's father had inside a nearby post office at the time. Subsequently, the father was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment, and authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Fortunately, after evaluation at a local hospital, the baby was reported to be in stable condition and recovering well after the distressing experience. The situation highlighted a critical public safety issue, prompting local authorities to issue warnings regarding the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Authorities noted that even a short period of time alone in a parked car during warm weather can lead to severe heat-related complications for young children, with temperatures inside vehicles rising significantly in a matter of minutes. To drive the message home, the police department urged the community to never leave children unattended in cars and emphasized the necessity of keeping vehicles locked to prevent children from entering on their own. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unattended minors in vehicles, especially during hot weather, and aims to raise awareness about the responsibility of adult caregivers in safeguarding their children against such preventable dangers.