Ohio Dad Leaves ‘Shivering’ 1-Year-Old Alone in Freezing Car While He Shops at Aldi, Police Say

SOLON, OHIO — A 28-year-old Ohio father is facing a child endangerment charge after police say he left his shivering, crying 1-year-old alone inside a cold car while he went shopping at a local Aldi — a situation witnesses described as “unacceptable” and dangerous for the infant.

Officers Found the Baby Crying and “Shaking” in the Cold Car

According to the Solon Police Department, officers were called to the Aldi parking lot on Som Center Road around 3 p.m. on Nov. 14 after a witness reported a baby left alone in a parked vehicle. When officers arrived, they immediately heard loud crying coming from a black Mercedes sedan.

Using a lock-out tool, police opened the vehicle and found the boy strapped into his car seat, visibly distressed.

“The kid was literally shivering,” one officer said in body-camera footage.

Another responding officer added:

“Yeah, that’s totally unacceptable. I mean, that’s literally a baby.”

The outside temperature was roughly 40 degrees, and officers noted the car was turned off and no heat was running.

Paramedics evaluated the child at the scene and confirmed he appeared cold but stable.

A Witness Waited Beside the Car, Shocked No Adult Returned

A mother who had parked nearby was the one who called police, telling officers she stood by the crying baby for several minutes hoping a parent would return.

“The baby is crying. It’s been a while,” she told officers.

She stayed until police arrived because she said the situation felt dangerous and urgent.

Inside the vehicle, officers noted the windows were cracked only about an inch — far from enough to keep a child safe or warm.

Father Walked Out of Aldi Saying He “Couldn’t Hold His Son and the Groceries”

Just as medics arrived, Dazhawn Richardson, the child’s father, exited Aldi and told police the baby was his. He appeared upset and immediately acknowledged he made a serious mistake.

Richardson told officers he didn’t have change for a grocery cart and felt he couldn’t carry the groceries and hold his son at the same time. He also said he had recently donated blood and his arm hurt, making it harder to carry the child.

The explanation didn’t convince police.

“Oh he should be [crying], absolutely,” one officer said after medics reported Richardson was visibly emotional in the ambulance.

Authorities estimate the child was left alone in the cold car for at least 15 minutes.

Richardson repeatedly told officers he understood his actions were “stupid” and that he placed his son in danger.

Police Issue Child-Endangerment Citation; CPS Notified

Though officers noted that CPS could become involved, Richardson was ultimately issued a child endangerment citation and allowed to accompany his son in the ambulance for further medical evaluation.

Court dates for Richardson were not immediately released, but the case has prompted renewed conversations about winter safety, child supervision, and how quickly a cold vehicle can become dangerous for infants.

Parents are reminded that even brief errands can put a child at risk when temperatures drop. For more safety-focused local coverage and community news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.