Police rescue toddler from 125-degree car in NJ; father charged

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Lakewood, New Jersey, father is charged with endangering the welfare of a child after authorities say he left his two-year-old son in a hot car for 24 minutes on Tuesday.

According to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Simcha Feldman, 34, had parked his car near the police department around 2:45 p.m. and left the child inside.

According to charging documents, the outside temperature was 95 degrees. The temperature inside the car was 125 degrees.

A police officer noticed the boy was inside the locked car and got him out using a lockout tool.

The toddler was taken to the hospital, treated and released.

Feldman's attorney says he was running errands with his son and the boy fell asleep, and the father of four forgot his son was there.

On Thursday afternoon, volunteers with Cheveirim of Central Jersey were giving out alarms that plug into your vehicle.

"You go shopping, you get to the shopping center, you shut off your car, and it says, 'Remember your kids,'" explained Lipa Ribiat.

Every time your car turns off with the device plugged in, the reminder sounds.

"It's a small device, it's easy. We're giving it out for free," said Ribiat.

The volunteers say these efforts are ongoing, as their community has faced several tragedies.

In March, a 4-month-old baby boy died after he was left in a vehicle, according to authorities.

Last July, a baby girl was found dead after she was left in a hot car for more than four hours.

Action News reached out to Feldman. He declined to comment.

His attorney added that the family is truly grateful for the police officer who acted quickly and saved the boy.