Authorities in Florida have charged a grandfather with child neglect after he allegedly left his 1-year-old granddaughter alone in a hot car at a rental car airport.
David Towner, age 62, was released on bail and directed to refrain from having contact with his grandchild. According to online court records,
Volusia Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Daytona Beach International Airport Monday after Hertz employees had found the girl in an unclaimed rental car. Authorities said that the authorities were able to identify the source of the problem.
The 1-year-old girl had been in the vehicle for about 45 minutes when workers found her, the sheriff’s office said, noting she was warm and her face was streaked with dried tears but she was breathing normally. The temperature was 80 degrees.
The child’s mother also called 911 to say she’d just found out her father, Towner, had left her daughter in the rental car, according to a transcript of the emergency call made by the mom.
Mother: “I picked my dad up at the airport and he was dropping a rental car off and … he left my daughter in the rental car at Daytona International Airport.”
The 911 operator had already been notified of the incident, authorities said.
Mother: “They will meet me at the airport. I’m moving as fast and efficiently as possible.”
Dispatcher: “Okay. Alright. Make sure you’re following all traffic laws.”
Mother: “That’s not going to happen. My baby is in the car.”
Dispatcher : “Ma’am listen to me, I will listen to you.” Take a deep breath. Pay attention to my words. I’m fairly certain that she is safe. I’m almost positive that this is the call that this is in reference to.”
The sheriff’s Office stated that Towner was cooperative and remorseful during interrogations by deputies.
“The child was scared and hot, but thankfully in good health when checked by paramedics,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.