Baby left in hot car as mother found inside casino

Bensalem, PA — A 14-month-old child was rescued from a locked vehicle in a casino parking lot after being left alone for more than two hours in warm conditions, leading to the arrest of the child’s mother.

Officers responded around 8:53 p.m. April 14 to Parx Casino after receiving a report of an unattended child inside a vehicle.

When police arrived, they found the toddler in the backseat of a locked car that was not running, with the windows closed. Authorities said the child appeared to be sweating as temperatures were in the mid-80s.

Officers gained entry into the vehicle and safely removed the child. Emergency medical services transported the child to St. Mary Medical Center for evaluation before being released to the father.

Investigators determined the child had been left in the vehicle around 6:28 p.m. The mother, identified as 37-year-old Leola Dualuqua of Willingboro, New Jersey, was later located inside the casino.

Toddler left in hot car at parx casino as mother found gambling inside — Photo: toddler left in hot car at parx casino as mother found gambling inside

Police said she was actively gambling at the time.

Dualuqua was taken into custody and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and leaving a child in an unattended motor vehicle.

She was arraigned and remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $25,000 bail.

Parx Casino security assisted officers during the response and investigation.

────────────────────────────────

Key Points

Toddler found alone in locked car at casino parking lot
Child left for more than two hours in warm temperatures
Mother arrested and charged with child endangerment

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News