Police: Nevada man left toddler in hot car while he gambled in casino

LAS VEGAS — A Nevada man is accused of leaving his 6-month-old son in a hot car outside a casino while he went inside to gamble, authorities said.

>> Read more trending news

Mitchell Anthony Hooks, 39, of North Las Vegas, was arrested July 16 and charged with child abuse and leaving a child in a vehicle, KLAS reported.

According to the North Las Vegas Police Department, Hooks left the child unattended in a vehicle outside the Big Horn Casino in triple-digit temperatures, according to KVVU.

The boy was found when another customer heard him crying in the car and alerted casino security, KLAS reported.

The child was in a car seat inside the car, and the window on the front driver’s side was rolled down about 4 inches, the television station reported. The other windows of the vehicle were rolled up.

According to surveillance camera video, Hooks entered the casino at 9:46 p.m. PDT, KLAS reported. Police arrived at the scene at 10:19.

The temperature outside at the time was 100 degrees, police said.

Video footage showed a police sergeant giving water to the baby in an attempt to cool him off, according to CNN.

Hooks told officers that he “made a mistake” by gambling instead of going home, KLAS reported. According to an arrest report, Hooks drove his sister to a friend’s house and then went to the casino.

“I made a mistake. I went in there and I gambled,” Hooks allegedly told police.

The child was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, KVVU reported.

On AirB98.5 FM - 80s 90s & NOW Logo
Take Us With You on the Go!

mobile apps

Everything you love about b985.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!