A couple was arrested Friday morning for leaving their 11-month-old child in the back seat of a car, Gainesville Police said.
Michael R. Batton, 30, and Angelia Juanita Batton, 28, said when they arrived at Butler Plaza, their child was sleeping, and they forgot the child was in the car, according to a police report.
The couple went inside Simply Unforgetable Party Shop, leaving the child in the car, which was parked in direct sunlight with the windows rolled up, according to the report.
A witness noticed the child in the backseat and called the police at about 9:16 a.m., according to the report.
Alachua County Fire Rescue was able to get into the car and rescue the child, who was profusely sweating. The child was responsive and transported to the hospital for observation, according to the report.
The couple was not located until about 30 minutes later, according to the report. Angelia Batton told police she believed she was in the store for about ten minutes.
When questioned by police, Michael Batton could not explain why the child was left in the car and claimed the couple was inside the store for about 10 to 15 minutes, according to the report.
The couple was transported to Alachua County Jail where Michael Batton was charged with child neglect, and Angelia Batton was charged with child neglect without great bodily harm, according to the report.
Both Angelia and Michael Batton were released on their own recognizance Saturday afternoon.
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Michael Batton
Angelina Juanita Batton
