EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 1-year-old child was found inside an unattended car outside a Walmart near Socorro, according to the Socorro Police Department.
At approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, an officer working an off-duty assignment at the Walmart in the 13900 block of Horizon Boulevard was approached by an employee. The employee informed the officer that a young child had been left alone in a running vehicle.
Photos courtesy of FitFam.
Viral photos of the scene showed multiple officers and emergency service vehicles surrounding the vehicle outside the Walmart. In one photo, the child is seen buckled into their car seat and alone in the vehicle.
The officer immediately located the baby and requested assistance from emergency medical personnel and the Horizon City Police Department.
The child was evaluated at the scene and no arrests were made, according to Socorro PD.
“The investigation will be presented through the appropriate non-arrest process for consideration of a charge of abandoning or endangering a child with intent to return,” according to the police department.
Socorro PD is the leading agency in the investigation. Since the case involves a minor and remains pending, no identifying or additional investigative information will be released at this time, SPD said.
“This incident serves as an important reminder that young children should never be left unattended inside a vehicle, even when the vehicle is running. Circumstances can change quickly, and a young child may be unable to protect themselves or seek help,” according to the police department.
KTSM 9 News Anchor and Meteorologist Monica Cortez shares that this week, El Paso and the surrounding area will be experiencing hot days, with temperatures reaching 105 to 107.
“We appreciate the Walmart employee who recognized a potentially dangerous situation and immediately alerted our officer. Looking out for one another and reporting safety concerns can make a critical difference,” Socorro Police Department Chief Robert Rojas said.