Florida Man Accused of Leaving Toddler in Hot Car to Get a Haircut and Drink

A Florida man faces charges after allegedly leaving his 18-month-old son inside a scorching vehicle for over three hours while he went for a haircut and stopped at a bar. Temperatures outside had soared to 92°F (33°C).

The incident occurred on June 6 in Ormond Beach, where authorities say Scott Allen Gardner, 33, locked his young son, Sebastian, in the hot truck as he relaxed at Hanky Panky’s Lounge. The child’s body temperature was estimated to have reached a deadly 111°F (44°C). Despite efforts by medical personnel to revive him, Sebastian succumbed to his injuries.

Law enforcement reports indicate Gardner initially gave false accounts to police concerning the events. He was later tracked to his mother’s home, where he was detained. Bodycam footage shows officers apprehending him inside a porch area, before he was taken into custody.

Gardner was booked into Volusia County Jail on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, with a bond set at $100,000. During arrest, he was searched and taken into custody amid warnings from officers that he would not be released soon.

Police confirmed that Gardner was seen enjoying a day in the nearby neighborhood of Ormond-by-the-Sea while his child was in the vehicle. Authorities also released footage capturing the arrest process, including bodycam recordings that show officers detaining Gardner.

As Gardner was led away, passersby could be heard calling out their support, expressing love for him despite the gravity of the situation. The case has sparked widespread concern over neglect and the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles during extreme heat.