El Centro Toddler Dies After Being Left Unattended in Car
EL CENTRO — A toddler left in an unattended parked car died on Monday, Aug. 18, and the child’s father was arrested for various charges related to the child’s death, according to authorities.
Around 5:30 p.m. Monday, officers from the El Centro Police Department responded to a report of a medical aid involving an unresponsive toddler near the 700 block of Woodward Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers immediately rendered lifesaving efforts, and the toddler was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center. Despite extensive efforts by officers and medical personnel, the child died.
During the course of a subsequent investigation, it was determined that the child had been left unattended inside a vehicle parked in front of the family residence for an extended period of time. The child’s father, Jose Hernandez, a 37-year-old resident of El Centro, was arrested for the child’s death.
The El Centro Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective R. Gabat at 760-352-2111, visit the El Centro Police Department in person, or reach out through our official social media platforms.