A Lakewood father is facing child endangerment charges after police say he left his two-year-old son in a scorching hot car for nearly half an hour.
Authorities report that Simcha Feldman, 34, parked his vehicle near the Lakewood Police Department around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday and left his toddler locked inside. According to charging documents, it was 95 degrees outside, and temperatures inside the car climbed to 125 degrees.
A police officer noticed the child inside the locked vehicle and quickly used a lockout tool to free him. The toddler was taken to the hospital, treated, and later released.
Feldman’s attorney said the father of four had been running errands with his son, who had fallen asleep in the back seat. He said Feldman forgot his son was in the car.
Community Distributes Life-Saving Reminders
On Thursday, volunteers from Cheveirim of Central Jersey handed out free in-car alarm devices designed to prevent similar tragedies.
“You go shopping, you get to the shopping center, you shut off your car, and it says, ‘Remember your kids,’” said volunteer Lipa Ribiat.
The device plugs into the vehicle and sounds an alert every time the engine turns off.
“It’s a small device, it’s easy. We’re giving it out for free,” Ribiat added.
The group continues these efforts after facing several heartbreaking incidents in their community.
In March, a 4-month-old baby boy died after being left in a car. In July 2024, a baby girl was found dead in a vehicle after more than four hours.
No Comment from Father
Action News reached out to Feldman for comment, but he declined. His attorney said the family is deeply grateful for the officer who acted swiftly and saved the child’s life.
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