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| A two-year-old boy was rescued from a hot car in Clark County, Washington, after bystanders spotted him alone during 92-degree weather. |
A two-year-old boy was rescued from a hot vehicle in Clark County, Washington, after concerned bystanders discovered him alone inside a parked car during 92-degree weather. Authorities say the child was showing signs of heat-related distress before a deputy broke a window and pulled him to safety.
Bystanders Rushed to Help Child
Witnesses spotted the toddler strapped into a car seat inside a locked vehicle with the engine turned off. Officials said only a rear window had been left slightly open.
As temperatures climbed, several bystanders gathered around the vehicle and used their bodies to create shade, attempting to protect the child from direct sunlight while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
Deputy Breaks Window to Rescue Toddler
When a deputy from the Clark County Sheriff's Office arrived, witnesses warned that the child appeared to be fading.
Authorities said the boy was sweating heavily, unresponsive, and had his head tilted to the side. Fearing a medical emergency, Deputy Hulsey broke a window and removed the child from the vehicle.
The deputy immediately placed the toddler inside his air-conditioned patrol vehicle until paramedics arrived to evaluate him.
Child Left Alone for Several Minutes
Investigators estimate the child had been left inside the hot vehicle for approximately 16 minutes.
By the time deputies located the parents, authorities said they had been shopping inside a nearby grocery store for nearly 30 minutes. Investigators reported that another child accompanied the parents into the store while the toddler remained in the vehicle.
Parents Face Criminal Charges
The Clark County Sheriff's Office said both parents were located following the rescue.
Authorities announced that the parents could face reckless endangerment charges. Child Protective Services was also notified and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials Warn About Hot Car Dangers
Law enforcement officials are using the incident to remind the public about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
Even on moderately hot days, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Safety experts warn that children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat up significantly faster than adults.
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