Posted on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 8:52 a.m.
4-year-old left alone in SUV, Ypsilanti police say
By Lee Higgins
A 4-year-old girl was left alone in a vehicle for 25 minutes Friday at a state Department of Human Services office on Center Street, an Ypsilanti police incident log said.
The girl's grandmother told police she left her in the vehicle "because she thought she would be right back" and didn't "realize there was a long line," according to the log.
The girl was found sleeping in the back seat of an Isuzu Rodeo at about 9:44 a.m. She was turned over to her mother, the log said.
No charges have been filed.
Comments
Grand Marquis de Sade
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:06 p.m.
To the person who thinks a 4 year old can exercise the judgment required to react to those situations... are you serious? This is a toddler who was raised by a person whose judgement is obviously severely lacking. Do you really think this idiot has trained this child properly? Let's get real. I'd be willing to bet this kid is still in diapers because this woman is completely derelict as a parent. While I wouldn't put this incident on the same level as that woman in Southfield leaving her kids to die in what was basically an oven on a 90 degree day while she "got her nails did" this should call into question this person's fitness to be a parent. Jesus Christ Almighty why on earth would I even have to argue this point? By the way people why has nobody mentioned that the Community Mental Health office is right around the corner? There are, quite literally, crazy people milling around that building at all hours of the day. Unbelievable.
ypsigirl
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 2:40 p.m.
How could ANYONE justify leaving a 4 year old child alone in a vehicle? I have a 9 year old and NEVER leave him alone in the car. There is NOTHING worth the life of my child to leave him alone. This is just common sense. This is child endangerment. The same parent would probably leave the child alone at home and go to the store or anywhere. This child is not safe with this person. I certainly hope the authorities investigate and intervene in this case. The clientel alone in and out of this area is reason enough NOT to leave a child alone in a car around there.
happyone
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 10:45 a.m.
proud parent you could not have said it better:] some people just dont have A clue and way to much time on there hand's ( pata )
Rosie
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 : 10:47 a.m.
When that child wakes up and doesn't know where she is she could get out of the car and wander into the street or throughout the neighborhood. This building is just off of Michigan Ave. so the child could end up wandering into busy traffic. Or a stranger could knock on the window and ask the child to open the door. Even four year olds that are taught about strangers sometimes still can't tell when a person is a dangerous stranger. I believe it was in the last year that a woman went into a gas station and left her child(ren) in the car. When she came out her car had been stolen with her children in it. I believe it happened in Ypsilanti. I won't bother to address the ridiculous comments of pata. I think proudparent did a good job.
proudparent
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 : 5:01 p.m.
Patrick, you sound ridiculous. What do you mean, a 4 yr old is old enough not to choke. A 4 yr old knows an emergency when one arises. Please tell me you don't have children! And yes, worse case scenarioes happen everyday, people do get car jacked regularly. Luckily it didn't happen to this car with this child in it. 4 yr olds need security and guidance, most kids under the age of 11 still do. Maybe you need a parenting class. Choking doesn't have an age requirement!
Ignatz
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 6:34 p.m.
Child abandonment isn't criminal? How about child endangerment?
treetowncartel
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:31 p.m.
One thing to walk up to an ATM and the car is in view the whole time, going into a building is completely different.
dading dont delete me bro
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 11:37 a.m.
it's not criminal behavior, it's just stupidital behavior
theodynus
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 11:30 a.m.
Let's see... A 4 year old is old enough to open the car door if it needs to get out because of an emergency, but also old enough to know to stay put unless it's an emergency. It's old enough not to choke on something. Friday was not a hot day, either. What's the worst case scenario, and how likely is it? A bad guy could come and steal the car, but IMO, you're probably just as likely to get carjacked when mom is in the car, too. And the probability of that is probably much lower than dying in a car wreck on the way to the store in the first place. Not seeing how this is criminal behavior.
djm12652
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 11:25 a.m.
And now...grandmother of the year recipient? The key here is that the grandmother "thought". We all know this is not true...she wasn't thinking...at least about the welfare of the child.
fosho09
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 10:01 a.m.
When will people learn?....all that for some food stamps...wow.