Daijiworld Media Network- Phoenix

Phoenix, Jul 29: In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across the United States, a 38-year-old man was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, for allegedly leaving his four minor children inside a locked, non-air-conditioned car in scorching heat while he visited a sex shop for nearly an hour.

The accused, identified as Ascencio Largo, reportedly left the children — aged 2, 3, 4, and 7 — inside the parked vehicle as the temperature outside soared to 106 degrees Fahrenheit (around 41 degrees Celsius). According to Phoenix Police, the vehicle was turned off and its windows rolled up, causing temperatures inside to spike to a dangerous 125 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 51.6 degrees Celsius).

Responding to multiple distress calls from concerned bystanders, officers rushed to the parking lot near 24th Street and Madison Street and found the children showing visible signs of heat distress — profuse sweating, red skin, and discoloration.

"Officers quickly gained entry into the vehicle and secured the children," a Phoenix Police spokesperson said. The rescued children were immediately shifted to a police SUV with air-conditioning and given water to rehydrate.

After a brief search of nearby premises, officers located Largo inside an adult store. He had allegedly entered the shop nearly an hour earlier and initially denied owning the car in question. Authorities also observed signs of alcohol on Largo’s breath and discovered that his vehicle lacked a court-mandated ignition interlock device.

Maricopa County Commissioner Jane McLaughlin expressed dismay, stating, “Anyone who grew up in Arizona knows the fatal consequences of leaving children or pets in locked vehicles.”

Largo has since been arrested and is facing four counts of child abuse and four counts of endangerment. The children have been taken into protective custody while investigations continue.