A DeLand woman was arrested after a 3-year-old child was found left unattended in a hot car and was taken to a hospital in critical condition on Sunday afternoon, according to the DeLand Police Department.
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The child had been left in the car for about two hours, according to a press release.
DeLand police responded to a 911 call at 4:32 p.m. with the report of the unresponsive child in the 300 block of New York Avenue.
“The DeLand Fire Department and Volusia County Fire Rescue responded to the scene, where a witness had already begun administering CPR prior to the arrival of first responders,” the release stated. “The child was transported by ground to a local hospital in critical condition.”
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Latana Williams, 27, was arrested and charged with child neglect, a first-degree felony. Investigators said she had left the child in the car as she visited a nearby plasma donation center. She denied any wrongdoing, the release stated.
DeLand Police Department Capt. P. Dice said the child’s outlook appeared positive, but used the opportunity to point out the dangers of Florida’s summer heat.
“Please take this as a reminder to always check your back seats,” Dice said. “Give yourself enough time when you’re traveling so you’re not in a rush when you arrive at your destination.”
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The investigation is ongoing.