A Florida father is facing serious accusations after allegedly leaving his 18-month-old son to die in a hot car while he went for a haircut and a drink. Scott Allen Gardner, 33, is said to have locked little Sebastian inside a truck when he stopped at the Hanky Punky lounge in Ormond Beach on June 6.
Reports indicate that the toddler was left alone in the vehicle for more than three hours, enduring extreme heat, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Medical professionals estimated that the baby’s body temperature reached a deadly 111 degrees during that time.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures on Sebastian, but unfortunately, he did not survive his injuries.
Authorities believe Gardner is accountable for his son’s death while he spent the day relaxing in the Ormond by the Sea area, which is about eight miles north of Daytona Beach. Allegedly, Gardner misled police regarding the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.
He was arrested last Thursday after officers tracked him down to his mother’s residence. Gardner has been charged with manslaughter and aggravated child neglect, which has resulted in serious harm to a minor.
He is currently held in the Volusia County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Body camera footage captured the moment Gardner was taken into custody in an enclosed porch area. As officers worked to revive Sebastian, one of them placed Gardner in handcuffs. While being led away, two individuals outside the house expressed their feelings for him, to which he replied, “I love you guys,” before being told to stay quiet by an officer.
