Mother Arrested for Endangering Infant in Parked Car

Aisha MorrowPhoto byHillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

By Ciara Perez, Investigative Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)
Published March 14th, 2024

Tampa, FL. - In a concerning incident that unfolded over the weekend, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office took swift action by arresting a woman for leaving her four-month-old baby inside a parked car. The vehicle, discovered with its engine off, became the center of an emergency response on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Riverview, Florida.

Deputies were called to the scene at Spectrum, located at 4145 South Falkenburg Road, around 2:48 p.m., after receiving reports of an infant locked inside a vehicle. The temperature inside a car can escalate rapidly, especially without the engine running to maintain a controlled environment, posing a significant risk to anyone inside, particularly a young child.

The investigation quickly led to the identification of Aisha Morrow, 26, as the mother of the child. Morrow explained to authorities that she was compelled to leave the baby in the vehicle due to unforeseen childcare dilemmas. She recounted picking up the baby during her lunch break and then returning to work, leaving the infant unattended in the car. Officials are delving into the details to determine how long the baby was left in these perilous conditions, with estimations suggesting the duration could span up to six hours.

Miraculously, the infant was rescued and immediately taken to Tampa General Hospital, where it was confirmed that the child did not sustain any injuries from the ordeal. This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers children face when left in vehicles without supervision, particularly in the Florida heat.

Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his relief and disgust over the incident, stating, "This woman's actions are reprehensible, and this situation could have ended tragically; I am thankful that the witnesses alerted our deputies, resulting in the baby being rescued." He further emphasized the department's dedication to protecting vulnerable community members and assured that justice would be pursued for those endangering children's welfare.

Aisha Morrow now faces a charge of Child Neglect. This is not her first encounter with the law regarding child welfare; she was previously arrested in 2023 by the Tampa Police Department on charges including Child Neglect and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

As the investigation continues, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's Public Affairs Office has promised to keep the public informed of any developments. This case serves as a harrowing reminder of the responsibilities and legal obligations of caregivers to ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times.

Photo byiSkyCreations - News & Media