Imagine walking through a parking lot and hearing a baby crying alone inside a locked car. That's exactly what happened in Solon, Ohio. A 1-year-old was found shivering in a Mercedes while officers searched for the missing parent. The father would later admit he left the child behind because he couldn't find a quarter for a shopping cart. But was that a simple mistake or something far more serious? Stay with us because this case takes a dramatic turn the moment police arrive. >> Did you call? Just give me 1 second. Hey buddy. Do you mind giving me a a statement? Are you Are you okay for now? >> I'm I'm upset and I just don't want to cause a scene. It's probably not even going to go well. They're probably going to be very upset that >> Um or I can even just >> It's >> grab a phone number. Did you give dispatch your phone number? Yeah, that's a baby. That's definitely should not be in there. Absolutely not. >> I mean, you can't do I understand the I get it. I'm a mom. I get that you >> No, that's totally unacceptable. That's literally a baby. >> you argue? >> That No, that's literally a baby. Mhm. >> Does he not understand? >> Um that's okay. You gave dispatch your phone number, right? Okay, do you mind if I take it? Just in case. >> When they arrived, they found a baby crying in the back seat of a black Mercedes. The windows were slightly down, but no adult was anywhere nearby. After speaking to the caller, the officers attempted to use a lockout tool to open the door and reach the child. >> Literally baby in the car by itself. >> Are you sure? >> No. >> Okay. >> They're getting cited, so. >> We have filed charges, I think. >> Um probably wouldn't wouldn't hurt. >> I think >> Go ahead. >> He never >> He never really responded. Just due to the fact that the child was crying, I have no idea how long he's been here. >> Of course. >> That's it. That's it. The two of us we can leave together. >> And I'm going to buy >> Yeah. >> Hello. Hi. Hi. I know. It's okay. >> One trial left. >> How are you? >> One trial left. >> In service till 3:00 a.m. >> You doing okay? We're just here to help you. I know. It's okay. Hi, buddy. What's your name? What's your name? Huh? Mom. Something the owner doesn't won't answer the phone. It's the car owner. I'm going to pull the plates. Okay. Hi, buddy. It's okay. You're okay. >> Moments later, medics arrived and checked on the baby to make sure there were no medical concerns. >> What's up? We have no idea how long this baby's been in here by itself, obviously cold, I'm assuming cuz he's shaking. >> Okay. >> The owner of the store is looking for an appearance Looking up to picture now. I'm going to the store. >> Hey, buddy. Hi. What's going on? Hi. >> Dispatch, I need a check on >> You got my cell number? Smells like weed in here. >> Smells like weed. Obviously, the car is not running. >> Um >> It was locked. Yeah, that's what I was going to say. >> Got He's just taking the car seat >> Oh, yeah. He's trying to >> I unbuckle them out of there. >> Okay. >> Oh, okay. I'll just take >> If you want >> Come here. I was in a nice you know what I mean. He's a little cold. He looks cold. I unlocked it. When the yeah, windows were all cracked. >> As officers began searching for the parent, they moved toward the store. But before they got inside, a man approached them and identified himself as the child's father. >> What's that? >> Hey, is something something happened? >> Is that your car? >> Yeah, my son. >> Oh, that's your son? >> Yeah, I just came in. I was only going to be a minute. >> Do you have an idea on you? >> Yes. >> Hey Wilson, I got the father outside. >> He was crying. I didn't have a quarter for the the and I couldn't hold him. >> 131 radio. >> Hey. >> Orion. >> How old is your son? >> He is about to be two. >> Well, your your son's not in there right now. >> him in the ambulance. >> I mean, do you realize like you literally left a one-year-old in the car not running, windows open. It's 40° outside. >> I realize that. >> No, it's pretty stupid is what it is. Okay? >> Yeah, it's very stupid. >> Yeah, I mean >> I was I was >> Like you weren't in there. We've been here for at least 5 minutes. >> I was waiting in the uh >> No, we've been here for at least 5 minutes. It's totally unacceptable. >> It totally is. It totally is. It totally is. >> I mean, what were you thinking? >> I really thought that cuz I was only getting a few items and I couldn't hold them. >> Is is the child's mother around? >> Uh she's up the street. At work. >> Where does she work? Do you know? >> She works she's cleaning clinic, but she works at home right now. >> No, they're checking him out right now. Is that your biological Is that your biological son? >> Do you have any other kids? >> Just me and his mom. Just the mom and him. >> I mean, really, that's child endangerment. And they could call social services, have your kid taken overnight. Like, this is a big deal. This isn't when in for a minute. >> No, I'm not taking it light at all. I'm >> I mean, why didn't you leave your kid at home with mom? >> Cuz she's at work and I was trying to help her today. >> you don't have a quarter to get a cart? >> No, I'm >> can't carry your kid? >> I already I went in in the first time and I came back and I couldn't do it. Cuz I donate the plasma, so my right arm is like like my veins are >> to donate, but you don't have 45 cents to get back? Can't go ask for change? Get a cart, put the kid in the cart, and then go shopping and get your quarter back? No, that just doesn't make sense. >> It doesn't. >> a $1,000 phone, an expensive car, like >> Trust me. >> bad. Like, your kid was literally shivering in the car seat. >> Okay. >> Like, you're out here wearing a winter jacket and a hoodie. >> Yeah, when we first left, it was >> Dude, it doesn't It is literally a kid. It is wintertime. Your Your windows are cracked. It's 40° outside. He's 1 years old. I get he's wearing a jacket, but like They're checking him out right now. Yeah. >> He told officers he had left the baby in the car because he couldn't find a quarter for a shopping cart and couldn't carry the child while shopping. Officers spoke with him about the situation and ultimately took action. >> What's your phone number, sir? >> Okay. Um, what's the child's name? Okay. All right, here's your copy of this is for child endangerment. You have to appear in court December 3rd. Report will be on file and children family services will be notified, okay? Do you have any questions? >> Um, what if the children's home children family and child services, what is that? >> Well, you're being charged with child endangerment, so they're going to be notified of the situation. Can't leave a baby in the car. Yeah, but what are they What's the So, they're going to explain to me what they're going to do? Yeah. They'll they'll they'll be in contact with you. All right? Also, quit smoking weed in the car. >> In the end, the child was found safe, but the father was charged with child endangerment and ordered to appear in court. The key issue wasn't whether he intended harm. It was whether leaving a 1-year-old alone in a cold, unlocked risk environment created a substantial danger. Cases like this remind us how quickly a single decision can become a criminal matter. If you found this courtroom breakdown insightful, hit that like button, share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more shocking legal and true crime cases.