MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield Police detectives are investigating the death of a 5-year-old child who authorities say was left in a hot car.
According to Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann, officers responded on Thursday around 3:15 p.m. for a report of an unconscious child in the 90 block of Marion Avenue, where he was found in his mother's arms.
EMS transported the boy to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the chief said.
"Detectives are currently working the case as this appears the young boy was left in the vehicle during the extreme heat today," Bammann said.
A preliminary investigation revealed the child had been left unattended in the mother’s vehicle for an extended period of time. The temperature in Mansfield was 87 degrees at the time.
"Our hearts go out to the victim. Unfortunately, the family is involved in it," said Assistant Fire Chief Mike Carey of the Mansfield Fire Department. "It's sad. It's sad. It makes you a little upset."
Carey said to prevent tragedies like this, always check the backseat before you walk away from a car, and give yourself reminders to do so.
"Some easy points you can get into is — maybe putting something that we need every day, our phone. Put the phone in the back seat. You have to get back every day to get it out of the car each and every time you exit the car," he said.
Chief Bammann said in a press release: "Our hearts are heavy for the family of this young child. Any case involving a child carries a deep emotional impact, and this incident is no exception. I want to commend my Officers, Detectives, Dispatchers, Evidence Technician, and EMS staff for their utmost professionalism during this investigation."
No charges have been filed.
Detectives are continuing to collect all the facts of this case as they await the results of an autopsy. The case will ultimately be presented to the Richland County Prosecutor's Office to determine if any charges will be filed.
