DELAND, Fla. – A three-year-old child is in critical condition after being left alone in a sweltering car for around two hours on Sunday afternoon, according to DeLand Police.
The incident came to light when a 911 call reported an unresponsive child inside a parked vehicle on New York Avenue. By the time police and Volusia County Fire Rescue teams arrived, a bystander had already started performing CPR.
Mother Arrested After Plasma Donation Visit
Initial investigations suggest that 27-year-old Latana Williams left the child in her car while she visited a nearby plasma donation center, as stated by DeLand Police.
Authorities have arrested Williams, charging her with child neglect, which is classified as a first-degree felony. Williams has denied any wrongdoing.
Child’s Outlook Described as Positive
Captain P. Dice, who was on the scene, reported that the child’s prognosis seemed promising.
“This serves as a crucial reminder to always check your back seats,” Dice advised.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7400.
