Cheyenne, Wyoming — A Wyoming father is facing a criminal charge after authorities say he repeatedly told deputies his infant son was safely asleep inside the family home, only for officers to later discover the baby locked inside a hot SUV outside the residence.
According to investigators, the alarming incident unfolded on the evening of June 16, when deputies with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an allegedly impaired man who was preparing to drive with a child in his vehicle.
When deputies arrived at the Cheyenne home shortly after 8:30 p.m., they encountered Jhadon Robert Michael Curry, who insisted his infant son was inside the house sleeping.
Deputies Couldn’t Find the Baby Inside the Home
Police say Curry repeatedly told deputies that he had “just put the baby to sleep” and even contacted the child’s mother, allegedly telling her the same thing.
However, when deputies searched the residence, they were unable to find the infant. Investigators reported finding only an empty crib in the room where Curry claimed the child was sleeping.
As concern grew, deputies expanded their search and eventually located the baby inside Curry’s Cadillac Escalade, where the child was strapped into a rear-facing car seat.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the infant was crying, sweating and appeared overheated after being left inside the locked SUV.
Authorities described the child as “very hot to the touch, like he had a fever.”
Father Allegedly Continued Insisting Baby Was Inside
Investigators say that even after deputies discovered the infant inside the vehicle, Curry continued insisting the child was inside the house.
According to court documents, he repeatedly told deputies:
“He is in there!”
He also allegedly said:
“I just put him to sleep!”
And when officers questioned him further, Curry reportedly insisted:
“He is in the house! What are you talking about?”
Authorities eventually convinced Curry to unlock the Escalade after determining he did not have the keys with him.
Once the vehicle was opened and the child was safely removed, Curry reportedly appeared surprised.
“Man, he’s in my car?” he allegedly said.
Investigation Reveals Child Was Left in Locked SUV
Deputies determined the infant had been inside the locked SUV for just over 30 minutes with all of the windows rolled up.
Investigators also reported that Curry quietly told the child’s mother he had been taking the baby to her workplace so she could breastfeed him. However, according to the affidavit, the mother denied that explanation and told deputies Curry had asked her to repeat the story.
While the outside temperature was reported to be around 75 degrees, officials noted that temperatures inside a closed vehicle can rise dramatically in a short period of time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the temperature inside a vehicle with closed windows can increase by about 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, creating dangerous conditions for children left inside.
Child Endangerment Charge Filed
Following the investigation, Curry was charged with one count of misdemeanor child endangerment. His arraignment is scheduled for July 31, according to court records.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office also listed Curry as an inmate in the county jail as of Friday.
The infant’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities were able to remove the child from the vehicle before the situation became even more serious.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think more awareness campaigns are needed to prevent children from being left inside vehicles? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.