Merced Sun-Star
After calls from witnesses, Merced police arrested a woman Saturday who allegedly left her 7-month-old baby alone in a car.
Police arrested Phankiem Saelee, 24, of Merced, around 5:30 p.m. after witnesses said they saw the baby in a 1984 Honda Accord, parked in a parking lot in the 1100 block of West Main Street.
Lt. Bimley West said witnesses contacted police after they heard the baby crying uncontrollably in the car. By the time officers Chris Cowings and Leon Pintabona arrived, the witnesses had already forced open one of the car's windows and removed the baby from the car, police said.
Witnesses told police the baby was sweaty and hot. An ambulance was called to check on the baby, who was taken into the custody of Merced County Child Protective Services.
Saelee allegedly left the child in the car for about 30 minutes while she went shopping, police said. She returned to the car about 15 minutes after police arrived and was booked into the John Latorraca Correctional Center. Saelee faces charges of willful cruelty and neglect of a child.
"It is totally irresponsible for a parents to leave a baby in a hot car," West said.
Saelee remains in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.
