DELAND, Fla. – A 3-year-old child was rushed to a hospital in critical condition Sunday afternoon after being left unattended in a hot car for approximately two hours, DeLand police said.
A caller dialed 911 to report that the child was unresponsive inside a vehicle parked in a parking lot on New York Avenue. A witness had already begun CPR by the time police and Volusia County Fire Rescue arrived on scene.
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Mother arrested after plasma donation visit
A preliminary investigation revealed that 27-year-old Latana Williams had left the child in her vehicle for approximately two hours while visiting a nearby plasma donation center, according to a statement from DeLand Police.
Officers took Williams into custody. She was charged with child neglect, a first-degree felony. Williams denied any wrongdoing.
Child’s outlook described as positive
Captain P. Dice, who responded to the scene, said the child’s outlook appeared positive.
“Please take this as a reminder to always check your back seats,” Dice said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7400.