A Long Island father was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly leaving his 2-year-old son in a hot car while he went shopping at a Walmart in Centereach. The incident occurred during record-breaking temperatures of around 100 degrees, with the child left alone in the Toyota Highlander with only a cracked window and the engine turned off.
Fortunately, a vigilant bystander noticed the child sleeping in the car and immediately called 911. Police were able to unlock the car through the window and rescue the child, who was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment. Thankfully, the boy was listed in stable condition.
The father, identified as 36-year-old Keniarold Andre, returned to the car while emergency medical technicians were checking on his son. He was subsequently arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The child is expected to be released to a family member soon.
Andre is scheduled to be arraigned at First Central District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during extreme weather conditions. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to always prioritize the safety and well-being of their children.
