Tragic Incident: Mother Faces Felony Charges After Child Left in Sweltering Car

DELAND, Fla. – A distressing incident unfolded Sunday afternoon when a 3-year-old was urgently transported to the hospital in critical condition after being left alone in a sweltering car for about two hours, according to DeLand Police.

The alarm was raised when a 911 call reported an unresponsive child inside a car parked on New York Avenue. By the time emergency responders from both the police and Volusia County Fire Rescue arrived, a passerby had already begun administering CPR to the child.

Mother Arrested After Plasma Donation Visit

Preliminary findings from the police investigation indicated that 27-year-old Latana Williams had left the child in her car while she spent approximately two hours at a nearby plasma donation center, as stated by DeLand Police.

Following the incident, Williams was taken into custody and faces charges of child neglect, classified as a first-degree felony. She has denied any misconduct.

Child’s Outlook Described as Positive

Captain P. Dice, who was present at the scene, reported that the child’s condition seemed to be improving.

“Please take this as a reminder to always check your back seats,” Dice said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7400.