Wyandotte Co. deputy investigated for leaving child in car

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, Kan. - A Wyandotte County deputy is under investigation for allegedly leaving her 4-year-old daughter unattended in a car.

The deputy arrived to work at the county jail on July 6 around 6 p.m. At 6:15 p.m., a county employee walking through the garage spotted the little girl and called police.

The little girl was only alone for 15 minutes, but the Sheriff's office remains concerned. Officials pointed out that the car could have been stolen, the child could have put the car in gear, gotten out of the car or have been taken from the car. 

"Whether the ignition is going or not, do not leave your children in a vehicle unattended. That's the tip we're putting out to the community," said Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Kelli Bailiff. "Whether it's an employee of ours, whether it's anyone, please don't leave children unattended."

Investigators are examining a surveillance video and the timings of the mother's key card swipes. The Sheriff's office wants to know if the mother had done this before. 

Bailiff said it could be another week before the investigation is handed over to the prosecutors to see if any charges will be filed. 

Until then, this remains an allegation, and the mother is still able to work. The child has been taken into protective custody.