Ohio Mother Arrested for Child Endangerment in Freezing Casino Parking Lot Incident

Ohio woman faces charges for allegedly leaving children in freezing conditions at Hollywood Casino Toledo. (Photo Credit: Lucas County Correctional Facility)

Ohio Mother Arrested for Allegedly Leaving Children in Freezing Car Outside Casino

A 22-year-old Ohio woman, Shaneja Gamble, faces charges of child endangerment after allegedly leaving her children unattended in a freezing parking lot at the Hollywood Casino Toledo. The incident occurred on January 5 when security personnel discovered two young children alone in an unlocked, non-running vehicle in the casino's parking structure.

According to the arrest affidavit, the temperature that day in Toledo was 26°F. Security guards promptly alerted an off-duty Toledo Police Department officer, who located Gamble and arrested her. The children’s ages and current condition remain undisclosed, as does information on who is now caring for them.

While the affidavit did not specify what Gamble was doing at the time, court documents reveal she was booked into the Lucas County Corrections Center the same day. Gamble was arraigned on January 6, where she entered a not guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge of endangering children and creating a substantial risk to their health or safety. She was released on her own recognizance, and her next court date has yet to be scheduled.

This case echoes similar recent incidents. For example, a couple in Brooklyn was accused of leaving their 6-year-old in a parked car outside a Pennsylvania casino in late December amid freezing temperatures. Another mother in Florida allegedly left her baby unattended at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood during the same week.

Authorities and child safety advocates emphasize the serious risks associated with leaving children alone in freezing conditions, highlighting the importance of prioritizing their safety in all circumstances.

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