Scott County Couple Arrested After Toddler Found Inside Parked Car

Oneida, TN (201-05-16) A Scott County couple has been arrested on child neglect charges after the pair allegedly left two small children unattended in a parked car.

Amanda L. Parton, 23, of Huntsville and Eric D. Gibson, 19, of Pioneer were arrested last week following an investigation into a complaint two small children had been left alone inside a hot car in the parking lot of Tobes’ Motel. According to an arrest warrant filed by Patrolman Michael Blaker of the Oneida Police Department, he, while following up on a complaint of unattended children in the parking lot of Tobes’ Motel last Wednesday, discovered two young, restrained children in the back seat of a 1998 Ford passenger car.

Officer Blaker immediately opened the doors of the vehicle to allow the children, a 4-month old female and a 2-year-old male, the opportunity to cool off. The car’s windows, Blaker noted, were fully closed when he arrived. At the time of the incident, approximately 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the outside ambient temperature was around 93 degrees.

Meanwhile, Parton and Gibson reportedly exited a nearby motel room.

The Scott County Ambulance Service was called to the scene to evaluate the children, who were described as appearing exhausted and sweating profusely. Paramedics determined the youngest victim was slightly dehydrated, but otherwise both were unharmed.

Officer Blaker, accompanied by fellow Officer William Angel, escorted the couple to the Oneida Police Department. The Department of Children’s Services was contacted. As result, Parton reportedly agreed it was in the best interest of the children they be turned over to a grandparent.

Parton and Gibson were arrested and both charged with aggravated child neglect and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle.