Father Arrested for Leaving 6-Year-Old Son in Hot Car While Shopping

Incident Overview

• 🎯 A Colorado father, Michael Clohessy, visiting his son in New Mexico, was arrested for allegedly leaving his 6-year-old son in a locked, hot car for over 20 minutes while he shopped at Walmart.
• 🌡️ The incident occurred when outdoor temperatures reached 80°F, with car interiors capable of soaring above 100°F.

Father's Reaction and Justification

• 🎭 Clohessy appeared defensive and unremorseful during police interactions, claiming he didn't realize it was illegal.
• 💡 He stated he cracked the windows and intended to surprise the boy's mother with an oil change, using her car.
• 🤷‍♂️ When questioned, he admitted to locking the car and taking the keys specifically because it was Albuquerque, acknowledging a level of danger.

Child's Well-being and Witness Accounts

• 😟 Witnesses and security personnel noticed the boy in the car for an extended period.
• 🔴 Upon discovery, the child was red-faced, and police estimated he was in the car for approximately 20 minutes, though the father claimed 10-15 minutes.
• 💧 The child stated he was okay, had played video games, and didn't want water or to go into the store.

Legal Ramifications and Prior Offenses

• ⚖️ Clohessy faces a child abuse charge for the incident.
• 🚨 He was also dealing with unrelated drug charges in Colorado and is currently serving a four-year prison sentence, with the earliest release in 2027.
• 🗣️ Police confirmed with the on-call district attorney that an arrest for child abuse was warranted based on the circumstances.

Mother's Testimony and Custody Details

• 📞 The child's mother, who is the ex-partner of Clohessy, confirmed he was using her vehicle during his visitation.
• 👨‍👦 She stated they have 50/50 legal custody, with her having more physical custody.
• ⚠️ She also mentioned Clohessy's unrelated drug trafficking charges in Colorado and his upcoming sentencing.