Phoenix, AZ – Four children were left in a parked car that reached 124 degrees while their father, Ascencio Largo, visited an adult store. Largo, 38, was sentenced this week to four months in jail and 10 years of probation following an incident in July.
Largo was arrested on eight felony counts after a passerby reported the children inside the vehicle. Police arrived to find the car turned off and the windows rolled up, immediately recognizing the danger posed to the children.
After rescuing the children, officers provided water and placed them in a marked patrol SUV with air conditioning to cool down. The children, all under the age of 10, exhibited signs of heat distress, with body temperatures ranging from 99.7 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
During a court hearing, a prosecutor remarked on the immediate risk of death in this scenario. The judge noted the severity of the situation, critiquing Largo for his actions, stating he could have exited the store to discover his children had died.
Reports indicated that Largo appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident and had not responded to multiple announcements by store employees about the parked car. Emergency responders noted that the children were visibly suffering, sweating profusely and exhibiting red skin.
Largo attempted to exit the store through a back door when questioned by officers. His initial denial that the car belonged to him changed when he encountered emergency vehicles surrounding the Nissan.
The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially in extreme heat.