Couple Arrested After Leaving Three Children in an Unattended Vehicle
Patchogue, NY - March 2nd, 2014 - Suffolk County Police today arrested a couple who left their three young children unattended in a running, unlocked car while shopping in Patchogue.
Fifth Precinct Police Officer Marc Sforza responded to a 6:22 p.m. call in which a witness reported young children crying in an unattended vehicle that was parked in Gateway Plaza parking lot located at 499 Sunrise Highway North Service Road. Upon arrival, Officer Sforza observed a 6-month-old boy, a 5-year-old girl, and an 8-year-old boy, in a 2012 Hyundai Accent that was unlocked and running. The children had been in the vehicle approximately one hour before the parents returned from shopping at Marshalls which is located within the shopping center. The outside temperature was approximately 31 degrees at the time of the incident.
Donald Hayes, 33, and Sarah Hayes, 34, both of 15 Terrace Lane, Patchogue, were arrested and charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Both are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on March 3.
A notification will be made to Suffolk County Department of Social Services Child Protective Services Bureau.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Incident: Couple Arrested After Leaving Three Children in an Unattended Vehicle
Location: Gateway Plaza, 499 Sunrise Highway North Service Road, Patchogue
Date/Time: Sunday, March 2, 2014 at approximately 5:30 p.m.