CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island father is behind bars after police say he left his 3-year-old son unattended in a hot car for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Forty-one-year-old Bunroth Chhun was charged with one count of cruelty/neglect of a child.
A passerby had alerted authorities to the crying boy Thursday afternoon. Cranston Deputy Fire Chief Paul Casey says first responders unlocked the vehicle, which was in a medical building parking lot, and freed him at about 2:20 p.m.
Casey says cars can reach 140 degrees on a 90-degree day. The child was believed to be unharmed; however, he was later transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital to be evaluated for precautionary reasons. The officers were able to make contact with the child’s mother who arrived on scene and she ultimately took custody of the child.
Chhug remains held after he was unable to make bail. It’s unclear if he has an attorney who can comment.
The Department of Children Youth and Families was notified of the incident.
