Police in Florida have apprehended a father who they believe is responsible for the death of his 18-month-old son after leaving him “helpless in a hot truck” for more than three hours while he got a haircut and went drinking at a local bar, according to police.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department arrested 33-year-old Scott Allen Gardner on Thursday and charged him with aggravated homicide of a child and child negligence inflicting serious bodily damage, according to a statement.
“Gardner is responsible for the death of his 18-month-old son Sebastian, who was left helpless in a hot truck for more than 3 hours on the afternoon of Friday, June 6, while Gardner got a haircut and then went drinking inside Hanky Panky’s Lounge,” authorities said.
Gardner also provided various false tales of what happened that day while he was being investigated by police, officials said.
“It was estimated by medical personnel that Sebastian’s body temperature reached 111 degrees during this tragedy,” police said. “The same OBPD officer who tried to revive Sebastian placed Gardner in handcuffs today as he was taken into custody at his mother’s home in Ormond Beach.”
Officials said they will release more information about the probe on Friday and that it is presently continuing.