On May 28 at about 6 p.m., Michigan State Police responded to Bueche’s Food World, 400 N. Ortonville Road in Groveland Township after individuals in the plaza parking lot reported a child left in a locked vehicle.
When troopers arrived they made contact with the baby’s caretaker who had been in the store shopping. The child, under 1-year-old, appeared to be happy and well according to the trooper’the outside temperature was estimated at 68 degrees.
The suspect was not arrested and had no prior convictions. She was released with the baby; however, the case was submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and Child Protective Services for review.
First Lt. Matt Bolger, of the Michigan State Police Flint Post, said charges could be filed.
‘Just take your child in the store with you,? he said. ‘Even if for just a few minutes. You just never know what could happen to the child’choking, or heat in the car could pose a risk.?
The law applies to children less than age 6 and those that are left alone or without the supervision of an individual 13 years of age or older who is not legally incapacitated.
It requires that a person who is responsible for the care or welfare of a child shall not leave that child unattended in a vehicle for a period of time that poses an unreasonable risk of harm or injury to the child or under circumstances that pose an unreasonable risk of harm or injury to the child. Violation is a 93 day / $500 misdemeanor.