Durham Regional Police are considering whether to lay charges against a mother who left her 11-day-old infant under a blanket in a parked van on Thursday.
Several people walking in downtown Port Perry called police after they heard the baby girl crying in the vehicle on Queen Street. The weather was in the mid-30s with the humidex.
The passersby opened the unlocked sliding doors of the van and took the baby out from her car seat, police said.
Paramedics were called and the infant was taken to a nearby hospital. An examination showed no permanent injuries, and doctors said she will be fine.
Police said the baby had been in the van for more than 10 minutes. Her mother had been shopping at a nearby store with her two other small children, aged four and six, investigators said.
Police are continuing their investigation and considering charging the 36-year-old Scugog Township mother, who isn't being named to protect the identity of the child. The Children's Aid Society is also investigating.
Police are reminding parents not to leave their children or pets alone inside vehicles on sunny and hot days as temperatures can soar quickly and cause serious injury and even death.
