CENTEREACH, NY – A 36-year-old father from Patchogue is facing criminal charges after police say he left his 2-year-old son unattended in a parked vehicle during extreme heat outside a Walmart in Centereach.
The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. on June 24 in the parking lot of the Centereach Mall shopping complex. According to police, the child was found strapped into a booster seat inside a 2007 Toyota Highlander. Temperatures in Suffolk County were nearing 100 degrees at the time.
A concerned passerby noticed the child alone in the vehicle and contacted authorities. Suffolk County police officers arrived quickly and were able to open the SUV using a slightly ajar window. The boy was reportedly asleep but conscious. Emergency responders transported him to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation. He was treated and listed in stable condition and is expected to be released to a family member.
The child’s father, identified as Keniarold Andre of Patchogue, was arrested at the scene and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 2. Child Protective Services has also been notified and is conducting its own investigation.
Officials emphasized the dangers of leaving children in parked vehicles, especially during hot weather. Even a few minutes in a sealed car can result in dangerously high internal temperatures, putting children at serious risk for heatstroke or worse.
Top Questions About the Centereach Walmart Hot Car Case
- Q: When and where did the incident take place?
A: The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. on June 24, 2025, in the parking lot of the Walmart located at Centereach Mall in Suffolk County, New York. - Q: Who was involved in the case?
A: The suspect is 36-year-old Keniarold Andre of Patchogue. The child involved is his 2-year-old son. - Q: How long was the child left in the car?
A: Authorities estimate the child was alone in the parked SUV for approximately 20 minutes. - Q: What were the weather conditions at the time?
A: The temperature outside was close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, creating extremely dangerous conditions inside the vehicle. - Q: What was the condition of the child when found?
A: The boy was found sleeping in a booster seat. He was conscious and later transported to Stony Brook University Hospital in stable condition. - Q: How did police rescue the child from the vehicle?
A: Officers were able to access the SUV through a slightly open window and safely remove the child from the vehicle. - Q: What charges does the father face?
A: Keniarold Andre has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. - Q: What’s the next step in the legal process?
A: Andre is scheduled to be arraigned at the First District Court in Central Islip on July 2, 2025. - Q: Was Child Protective Services notified?
A: Yes. CPS has been informed and is conducting a parallel investigation into the child’s welfare. - Q: What are the risks of leaving a child in a hot car?
A: Even on a moderately warm day, the interior of a parked car can reach lethal temperatures in minutes. Young children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, which can result in permanent injury or death.
