New Jersey Father Charged After Toddler Was Found Alone Inside Parked Van in Bernards
A 50-year-old New Jersey man is facing a child endangerment charge after police said he left his 15-month-old son alone inside a parked van for about 40 minutes in Bernards last month.
According to Bernards police, the incident happened on the afternoon of June 9 at Fellowship Village, a senior living community on Fellowship Road. Authorities said a staff member at the facility noticed the young child alone inside the vehicle and immediately called 911 shortly before 3 p.m.
Police identified the accused as Syed R. Zaidi, 50, of Somerville. Following the investigation, he was charged with child endangerment. Court records show Zaidi was taken to the Somerset County Jail after being charged and was released after a court hearing the next day.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and evaluated the 15-month-old child. Police said the toddler was not seriously injured.
Court records also show that Zaidi is scheduled to appear for a pre-indictment conference on July 24 as the criminal case moves through the legal process.
The incident took place on a day when temperatures in Somerset County reached the low 80s, according to the information provided by authorities.
At this stage, the charge remains an allegation, and the case will continue through the court system. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident have not been released by law enforcement.
The investigation remains based on the information provided by Bernards police and court records. No further information has been announced regarding the case or any additional legal proceedings beyond the scheduled court conference.
Sources
- Bernards Township Police Department
- Somerset County Court Records
