Toddler Dies After Being Left in Vehicle; Father Arrested in El Centro

EL CENTRO — On Monday evening El Centro Police responded to a report of an unresponsive toddler near the 700 block of Woodward Avenue.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on August 18, officers arrived at the scene and immediately began lifesaving efforts before the child was transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center. Despite extensive attempts by both officers and medical staff, the toddler was pronounced dead.

According to investigators, the child had been left unattended inside a vehicle parked in front of the family’s residence for an extended period of time. Authorities arrested the child’s father, Jose Hernandez, 37, of El Centro, on multiple charges related to the child’s death.

The El Centro Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective R. Gabat at (760) 352-2111, visit the department in person, or provide information through the agency’s official social media platforms.