UPDATE: An Arizona father has been sentenced after leaving his four children in a stifling 124-degree locked car while he visited a porn store. Ascencio Largo, 38, was arrested in July 2023 and has spent the last four months in jail, now facing 10 years of probation.
In a shocking incident that underscores the urgent dangers of hot vehicles, police discovered Largo’s children sweating profusely and visibly distressed inside the car. Officers responded to a 911 call about the children, aged under 10, trapped in the vehicle as temperatures soared. Body-worn camera footage revealed an officer asking, “Where’s mom or dad?” as they rushed to rescue the children.
The disturbing scene unfolded at The Adult Shoppe on South 24th Street in the Crestwood neighborhood of Phoenix. Authorities reported that the car was turned off, and the windows were rolled up, significantly escalating the risk of heat-related illnesses.
“After getting all of the children out of the car, each was given water and placed in a marked patrol Tahoe with running air conditioning,” a police press release stated. The children were found to have elevated body temperatures ranging from 99.7°F to 100.4°F, indicating immediate medical attention was necessary.
During Largo’s initial court appearance, the prosecutor emphasized the perilous situation, stating, “The children were in imminent danger of death.” The judge condemned the father’s actions, highlighting the potential for a tragic outcome: “You could have exited that store to a car full of your dead children.”
Reports indicate that Largo appeared intoxicated at the time of the incident and had ignored announcements from store employees regarding the children left in the car. When confronted by police, he initially denied ownership of the vehicle but soon realized the gravity of the situation, exclaiming, “Oh s–.”
Fortunately, all four children were rescued safely and received the necessary care. This case has raised alarms about child safety and irresponsible parenting, prompting discussions about the dire consequences of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
Authorities urge parents to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety and well-being of their children, especially during extreme heat. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly ordinary situations.
As this case develops, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences regarding child safety. What happened in Phoenix is a call to action for parents everywhere to stay informed and proactive in protecting their children.
