HARRIS COUNTY, Texas-- A 2-year-old boy died Thursday after his family found him in a hot car in northwest Harris County.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. outside a home in the 13000 block of Dentwood.
Investigators estimated that it was 122 degrees inside the car when the boy’s father found him on the floor of the back seat. The family tried CPR and then called 911. The toddler died at Northwest Medical Center.
According to detectives, the child was from Canada. He was staying with his parents at a relative’s home for a family reunion.
Seven adults and two children had gone to the grocery store in one SUV. When they arrived home, investigators said the adults were dealing with a child who was autistic and needed special attention. Detectives said they forgot about the toddler, who was in the back in a car seat.
Neighbors of the victim’s family said it was an unfortunate incident that happened to good people.
“Yes it’s against the law for a lot of things, but then there is also something else called an accident,” said neighbor W. Angelo McDaniels. “This was an accident, a tragedy and a lot of time we want to play judge and jury, but these are human people who hurt and bleed.”
Investigators said the parents will probably not face charges, but the case will likely go to a grand jury.
“It’s a sad thing,” said Brenda Perry, another neighbor. “Make sure you check on your family members. If you have small kids make sure you check the back of your car. Check the house. We can’t allow this to happen every summer to our children.”
