A Michigan father is facing serious child abuse charges after authorities say his 13-month-old son was discovered alone inside a vehicle that had been towed and placed in an impound lot.
Police say Orlander Murnell Linson Jr. has been charged with child abuse by leaving a child in a vehicle resulting in physical harm, as well as second-degree child abuse. Investigators allege the child was left inside the car before it was towed for being illegally parked and blocking a residential driveway.
According to authorities, the situation unfolded after officers began searching for a reported missing child. During the investigation, police traced the vehicle associated with the child to a local tow yard where the car had been taken earlier in the day.
When officers arrived at the impound lot and searched the vehicle, they reportedly found the toddler crying in the back seat. Emergency responders were called to the scene, and the child was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Officials said the toddler was later listed in stable condition.
Investigators are working to determine how long the child had been left in the vehicle before it was towed and whether weather conditions or other factors may have contributed to the child’s injuries.
Linson was taken into custody and is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. Court proceedings are expected to determine the next steps in the case as prosecutors pursue the charges.
Authorities also used the incident to remind parents and caregivers of the serious dangers associated with leaving young children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
