A 37-year-old father from Arizona has been arrested on child abuse charges after police say he left his two-year-old son unattended in a sweltering car while he gambled inside a casino.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, where security personnel noticed the distressed toddler alone in a parked vehicle with the windows rolled up. Temperatures outside reportedly exceeded 38°C (100°F) at the time.
Dangerous Neglect
Police reports indicate the child had been left alone for approximately 30 minutes before being discovered. Security quickly intervened, removing the boy from the vehicle and calling emergency services.
The father, identified as Christopher Scholtes, was located inside the casino gambling. He allegedly told officers he didn't think he'd be gone long and believed his son would be "fine."
Medical Consequences
Paramedics examined the child at the scene and noted signs of heat distress. The toddler was transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution but was later released to child protective services.
"Leaving a child in a hot car, even for short periods, can have deadly consequences," warned Tucson Police Sergeant Maria Hawke. "The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, creating an extremely dangerous situation."
Legal Ramifications
Scholtes now faces felony charges of child abuse and endangerment. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under Arizona's strict child protection laws.
Court documents reveal this isn't Scholtes' first encounter with law enforcement, though details of prior incidents haven't been disclosed. The case has been referred to the Pima County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Child welfare authorities have assumed temporary custody of the boy while the investigation continues. The incident has reignited discussions about parental responsibility and the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
