A disturbing incident occurred on Long Island, where a father, Keniarold Andre, allegedly left his 2-year-old son in a car for approximately 20 minutes while he went shopping at Walmart. This reckless act took place during a scorching hot day with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees.
The toddler was left inside a Toyota Highlander with only a small crack in the window and the engine turned off in a Walmart parking lot in Centereach. Thankfully, a vigilant passerby noticed the child sleeping in the car and immediately called 911 for help.
Upon arrival, the Suffolk County Police Department managed to unlock the car through the window and rescue the young boy. As emergency medical technicians were attending to the child, Andre returned to the vehicle and was subsequently arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The toddler was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital for medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have indicated that the child will soon be released into the care of a family member.
Keniarold Andre is scheduled to appear for arraignment at First Central District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday to face the charges brought against him. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during extreme weather conditions.
