VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 33-year-old father is in custody on suspicion of leaving his young child in a hot truck for more than three hours, causing him to die.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, on June 6, Scott Gardner allegedly left his 18-month-old son in the car while he went to get a haircut before drinking at Hanky Panky’s Lounge. Medical personnel determined that the toddler’s body temperature had reached 111 degrees.
According to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Gardner went outside to investigate the bartender’s car after it was hit, but he did not check in on his child, WKMG-TV reports.
Gardner reportedly drove home and then dialed 911. An Ormond Beach Police Department officer tried to revive the victim, but he died.
Gardner allegedly returned to the bar hours after his child was pronounced dead. Chitwood reportedly stated, “He picks up his mother, and they return to Hanky Panky’s for a few more cocktails.” I do not believe there is a penalty on Earth that could ever be appropriate for the crime that occurred here. It absolutely shocks the conscience that this could even happen.”
Gardner, according to the sheriff’s office, made a number of false statements about what occurred that day. He was arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect resulting in great bodily harm.
