Ereka Thomas arrested after baby left alone in car

Mother tells deputies she left car to use restroom

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – A mother is facing charges of child neglect after she left her baby alone in a car for nearly 30 minutes in an unstrapped car seat, deputies say.

Ereka Thomas, 20,faced a bond court judge Thursday morning. The judge set her bond at $1,000, but she will be held on probation violation for a prior grand theft charge, until she sees a judge for that case.

The 17-month-old boy was found in a car that was left with its engine running along West Sample Road in Deerfield Beach on Wednesday.

Thomas told deputies she left the car for a short time to use the restroom, and was looking for work at WorkForce One.

The child was not hurt. He is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Thomas' father is on his way to South Florida from Alabama. A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 Thursday afternoon to determine where the baby will stay and with who.


About the Authors:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.