Child is recovering.
A 14-month old boy, left in a hot car by his grandfather, is recovering. Thankfully, someone spotted the little boy and called for help.
Around 9 a.m. Tuesday, the temperature was already approaching 100 degrees in Phoenix and when rescuers pulled the child out this SUV, witnesses could see the effects of the heat.
Last week was actually the deadliest week ever for children left in hot cars. Eight children across the country died from heat stroke, but today's did not.
"The child was crying visibility, shaking. The child's clothing was soaked in sweat," says Sgt. Mike Todd, Phoenix Police Dept
The child's grandfather left the 14-month-old in the car while he shopped at a thrift store near 32nd Street and Chandler in Ahwatukee, according to police.
Another shopper heard the baby crying from inside the SUV and called for help.
"It is hot out here. The baby could have died, he was in there for 20 minutes," says witness Lee Tiburzi.
He told police he simply forgot the baby was in the car, and realized he'd forgotten about the child when he saw the fire engines in the parking lot.
"No air. Windows rolled up. We could have been facing a very tragic situation," says Sgt. Todd.
Thankfully, the child is ok. The grandfather was not arrested but he got an earful from some angry parents.
"I told him that he doesn't deserve to have that child. I told him shame on you, you don't deserve custody of that child," says witness Stephanie Tiburzi.
The grandfather was cited for child neglect which is a misdemeanor. Police contacted CPS and the child was released to his grandmother.
