Three-month-old infant dies after being left alone in car

HOUSTON, TX – August 8, 2023 – Houston police were called to the Harris Center Southeast Community Service Center at 5901 Long Dr. at 3:25 p.m. after a three-month-old male infant was found unresponsive. The child was later transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the infant had been left unattended in a vehicle. The details surrounding the incident, including how long the child was left in the vehicle and whether the windows were up or down, are still being investigated. Surveillance video is being reviewed, and the police are working on establishing a timeline of events.

The mother, who was visiting the center with another child, and the father, who returned to the scene, are both cooperating with detectives and providing statements.

At a press briefing, an official from the Houston Police Department reiterated the importance of never leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a moment. He emphasized that even with a window rolled down, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly become life-threatening, especially for infants or young children whose body temperature rises swiftly.

“Never leave a child unattended, and there should be zero tolerance for death in the city. In my opinion, that’s avoidable,” he stated.

The cause of death is still to be determined, and potential charges will depend on the autopsy report and the findings of the ongoing investigation. The incident has prompted a renewed warning to the public about the grave risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during the summer months.

This is a tragic and heartbreaking incident, and the community is urged to take all precautions to ensure the safety of children. The investigation is continuing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.