A 3-year-old infant was found dead after being left in a hot car, according to CBS. Why the infant was left in the car unattended is still not known but an autopsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death, according to the Houston Police Department.
CBS reports that the infant was initially found by the mother, who was inside a mental health clinic with another 4-year-old child at Long Drive between Griggs Road and the South Loop. But the outlet also reports that the mother was not at the scene when authorities first arrived after being notified of an unresponsive child. The story has not been pieced together.
At a conference after the incident, Houston Police Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir said that the baby was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Both parents of the infant boy are reportedly cooperating with the investigation, which will also determine whether the situation was accidental or intentional. It is not clear whether charges will be pressed at this time, but Bashir assured that any potential charges will be made after the investigation and autopsy report shows.
Police say that they received the call to meet with the fire department at 3:25 p.m., nearly three and a half hours after the mother walked into the clinic. Bashir said that there is no moment that a child should be left unattended inside a car, especially in the summer heat. He also offered his condolences to the infant’s parents and thanked the nurses and other officers who did what they could to save the child.
Bashir went on to say that there should not be a single child that dies this way. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that an estimated 40 children a year die from being left inside a car.
