Cleveland, Ohio – Cleveland police were called to the JACK Casino on Thursday evening after a security guard discovered a baby alone in a parked car in the casino’s parking lot.
According to authorities, the security guard noticed the infant in the backseat of a vehicle around 7:30 pm and immediately called for help. Police arrived on the scene shortly after and were able to safely rescue the child from the car.
“It’s a miracle that someone noticed the baby and alerted us,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. “Leaving a baby unattended in a vehicle is extremely dangerous, especially in the extreme heat we’ve been experiencing.”
The infant, who appeared to be unharmed, was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and is currently in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Police are now trying to locate the child’s parents or guardians to determine why the baby was left alone in the car. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the casino to try to identify who left the child in the vehicle.
“This is a serious situation and we want to make sure that the person responsible for leaving the baby in the car is held accountable,” Chief Williams added.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among casino patrons and the local community. Many are calling for stricter laws and penalties for those who leave children unattended in vehicles.
“We need to do better as a society to protect our children and ensure their safety,” said one casino patron who wished to remain anonymous. “Leaving a baby in a car is never acceptable and it’s important that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Cleveland police. In the meantime, officials are reminding the public of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during the hot summer months.