Cleveland police were called to the JACK Casino on Friday afternoon after reports of a baby being left alone in a parked car in the casino’s parking lot. The infant, estimated to be around 6 months old, was found by a passerby who noticed the child crying in a car seat without any adults present.
Authorities arrived at the scene and quickly located the vehicle, which was parked in a remote section of the lot. The car’s windows were rolled up, and the engine was turned off, leaving the baby inside in sweltering temperatures as the sun beat down on the vehicle.
Concerned for the child’s safety, officers immediately broke the window to retrieve the infant and bring them to safety. The baby was visibly distressed and sweating profusely, but otherwise appeared to be in good health. Paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the child and provide any necessary medical attention.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the car had been parked in the lot for at least an hour before the baby was discovered. The driver of the vehicle was nowhere to be found, and casino security cameras did not capture any footage of an adult leaving the car with the child.
Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area in an effort to identify the person responsible for leaving the baby unattended. They are also working to determine the relationship between the child and the individual who left them in the car.
In the meantime, the baby has been placed in the care of Child Protective Services while the investigation continues. Cleveland police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the vulnerable infant.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather. Authorities are reminding parents and caregivers to always keep a close eye on young children and never leave them alone in a car, even for a brief period of time.