FAIRFIELD — Chief Robert Kalamaras and the Fairfield Police Department would like to remind residents to never leave children in cars unattended.
Leaving children in cars for a prolonged period of time during extreme conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, can be deadly.
In Connecticut, it’s a crime for any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of 12 years to knowingly leave the child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety. (Sec. 53-21a.) Felony charges can also be filed against those found to have knowingly left a child unsupervised inside a car between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Fairfield Police Department reminds residents to always check to make sure no one is left inside a vehicle and to never leave children under the age of 12 in cars without supervision, even if it’s just a few minutes.
“The practice of leaving children unattended in cars is extremely dangerous as it could potentially pose a substantial risk to the child’s health and safety,” Chief Kalamaras said. “Regardless of how quickly a guardian may return to the car, children under the age of 12 should never be left alone inside vehicles, especially at night.”
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