Toddler Left Behind in Locked Rental Car at Florida Airport

The Associated Press
By The Associated Press
October 11, 2022US News
share
Toddler Left Behind in Locked Rental Car at Florida Airport
An entrance to the Daytona Beach International Airport in Daytona Beach, Fla., in February 2020. (Google Maps/Screenshot via NTD)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—A toddler was left behind accidentally in a locked rental car when it was returned by her grandfather to a central Florida airport, and she wasn’t discovered by an employee until 45 minutes later, authorities said Tuesday.

The girl, who is less than 2 years old, was found in a car in the return lot by a Hertz employee at Daytona Beach International Airport Monday evening, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

“The child was scared and hot, but thankfully in good health when checked by paramedics,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Deputies arrived to find the employee carrying the child, whose face was warm and streaked with dried tears, but was breathing normally.”

Not long after the girl was discovered, her mother called to say that her father had left her daughter accidentally in the rental car while babysitting her and that she was on her way to be reunited with her daughter, the sheriff’s office said.

The grandfather was charged with one count of child neglect.

The grandfather “was remorseful and cooperative with deputies,” the sheriff’s office said.

Volusia County Sheriff's car
A Volusia County Sheriff’s car at the Daytona Beach International Airport in Daytona Beach, Fla., in February 2020. (Google Maps/Screenshot via NTD)
ntd newsletter icon
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email.
Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Comments