A father in Pennsylvania is facing several charges after allegedly running away and abandoning his 3-month-old daughter in a store when he was accused of shoplifting.
According to reports, late in the evening on January 18, a man with an infant and two other adults went to a Walmart store in Philadelphia. While they were there, the group allegedly picked up items and tried to leave the store without paying for them.
Store security noticed the three suspected thieves, and when they tried to confront them about the allegedly stolen goods, they fled from the premises. The 2-month-old’s father reportedly left her behind at the store.
The authorities were notified, and police, in addition to Philadelphia Fire Department paramedics, went to the location. Though she did not appear injured, the paramedics took the child to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital for a medical assessment. The police tracked down the baby’s mother, who was not involved in the situation, and when her daughter was released from the hospital in good condition, she was able to take her home.
It was reported that the police spent a week investigating the case before they identified the man that they believed abandoned the child.
On January 26, the suspect turned himself in at the Philadelphia Police Department. He is facing preliminary charges of endangering the welfare of a child, retail theft, criminal conspiracy, and recklessly endangering another person. He was booked into the Delaware County George Hill Correctional Facility in lieu of a $300,000 bond. According to court records, he was assigned a public defender.
The man has a preliminary hearing scheduled on February 8.
The other suspects have not yet been located, and the investigation is still ongoing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.