On Sunday, August 9, 2015, Florida police arrested a mother after witnesses reported to the police that she left two young children in the back of her SUV while she was drinking in a bar. According to NBC News, the mother, April King, 35, was arrested in Apopka, Florida, on suspicion of child neglect. Police said that King was seen at Frogger's bar by the general manager and four other people just before 1pm on Sunday. Despite being spotted by multiple people, King denied that she was there, and told police that she only left the children in the car for a brief moment, while she went into an AT&T store.
King was interview by the police and after she was described as lethargic and slurring her speech. Officers also said that while she was being questioned by the police, her 4-year-old son was seen blowing into a breathalyzer that was required to start the car. King said she had only had the interlock device for two days. Police then reported that King spent a considerable amount of time avoiding blowing. The children were unharmed and cleared by paramedics at the scene, and King was arrested on the spot.
Every year, children die from being left alone in dangerously hot cars. According to the Kids and Cars Organization, on average, 38 children die in hot cars each year from heat-related deaths. Even if you are a very responsible parent, sometimes you can unknowingly leave them in a vehicle for too long, which can result in injury or death. When the windows are closed, the car acts just like a greenhouse. Light from the sun comes through the glass windows and is absorbed by the seats, dashboards, steering wheel, and other areas. Children generally have a lower tolerance of heat than adults. Even when children are left for a short amount of time, it can be very dangerous and cause serious injury.
If you or your children are ever injured in a car from heat-related issues, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury accidents. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.