A DeLand toddler is in critical condition after being found unresponsive inside a parked car in the 300 block of New York Avenue on Sunday, according to police. A bystander jumped in to perform CPR while first responders rushed to the scene, and the child was taken to a nearby hospital. Investigators say the 3-year-old had been left alone in the vehicle while the caregiver was away.
Police Say Caregiver Left Child While Donating Plasma
The DeLand Police Department identified the caregiver as 27-year-old Latana Williams, who was arrested on a child neglect charge, according to FOX 35 Orlando. Officials said 911 calls started coming in around 4:30 p.m. and that Williams allegedly left the child in the car for about two hours while she went to donate plasma. When officers arrived, they found a witness already performing CPR on the child, according to police. Investigators are asking anyone who saw what happened to contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7400.
Why Minutes In A Parked Car Can Be Deadly
Vehicular heatstroke remains a stubborn and deadly problem. There were 32 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths in 2025, with an average of about 37 deaths per year, according to data compiled by NoHeatStroke.org. Safety experts point out that it does not take long for a car to become dangerous. On an 80-degree day, a closed vehicle can hit about 109 degrees in just 20 minutes, which means even a quick errand can turn into a medical emergency, per WRAL.
Legal Status And Next Steps
Williams was booked on a child neglect charge and is still being held as the investigation moves forward, according to FOX 35 Orlando. Police have renewed their call for witnesses as detectives continue to piece together a timeline of the incident. Prosecutors are expected to review the case file before deciding whether to pursue any additional charges. Authorities have not released any further updates on the child's condition or announced upcoming court dates.
