Father Accused of Leaving 4-Month-Old Daughter Alone in Running Car to Enter Downtown Bar

A Tennessee father is facing child neglect charges after allegedly leaving his 4-month-old daughter alone in the front seat of a running car while he went to a popular downtown Nashville bar, according to police.

Jordan Hayley, 25, was reportedly outside Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar on Broadway when officers responded to an argument between him and the baby’s mother on Sunday. The woman told police that Hayley was supposed to be caring for their daughter, but she had no idea where the infant was.

According to an arrest affidavit, Hayley allegedly told officers that the baby was with her maternal grandmother. However, the mother disputed that explanation, prompting officers to investigate further.

Police subsequently located Hayley’s vehicle parked nearby with its engine running. Inside, they discovered the 4-month-old girl alone in the front seat, secured in a car seat that was reportedly facing the wrong direction. Authorities described the surrounding entertainment district as a heavily trafficked area frequented by disorderly and intoxicated individuals.

Fortunately, the infant was found unharmed and was returned to her mother’s custody. Hayley was arrested and charged with child neglect involving a child aged 8 or younger and leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle, according to court records.

His bond was set at $5,000 for the child neglect charge and $1,500 for the unattended-child charge. A court review was scheduled for Friday, October 23. The case remains a reminder of the serious safety risks that can arise when an infant is left unattended, even for a seemingly brief period.

Source: Law&Crime