Dad left young kids in car while gambling at Sands Casino, police say

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Lehigh Valley father is behind bars after authorities say he locked his young children in his car while he gambled.

Bethlehem Police found the children, ages 1, 5 and 8, in the parking lot of the Sands Casino Wednesday morning.

Their father, 30-year-old Maurice Cook of Easton, was seen on surveillance video inside the casino playing blackjack.

According to WFMZ-TV, police located Cook, escorted him to the car and arrested him for endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment.

The children were said to be in good condition after the incident and are now in the custody of Cook's family.