An Ormond Beach man was arrested on Thursday, nearly two weeks after his 18-month-old son died after being “left helpless” for hours in a hot truck, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, Scott Gardner, 33, left his son Sebastian in the truck for more than three hours on June 6.
During that time, Gardner got a haircut and then went to Hanky Panky’s Lounge to drink, deputies said.
According to investigators, Gardner later gave several false accounts of what happened that day.
“It was estimated by medical personnel that Sebastian’s body temperature reached 111 degrees during this tragedy,” the release reads. “The same OBPD officer who tried to revive Sebastian placed Gardner in handcuffs (on Thursday) as he was taken into custody at his mother’s home in Ormond Beach.”
Gardner now faces charges of child neglect and aggravated manslaughter. He is not bound by any bonds.
“It’s shocking and aggravating at the same time,” said Adam Haluska, who lives near the Hanky Panky’s Lounge. “You could be drinking in a different setting, like at home, instead of being selfish and going out.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Miksits, another nearby resident and father of two, described the incident as “despicable.”
“We all know it’s going in the news. Leaving kids in a car is a recipe for disaster,” Miksits said. “I wouldn’t have left my kids in the car when they were little, and I wouldn’t now, even though they’re older.”
According to the sheriff’s office, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood will hold a news conference on Friday to provide additional information about the case.
