MARIETTA, Ga. — A 2-year-old boy died after being inside a car for too long outside of the home in unincorporated Cobb County on Tuesday evening, police said.
On Tuesday, Cobb County Police provided a brief statement on the child's death where Chief Stuart VanHoozer called the tragedy a "hot car incident."
"Unfortunately, last evening, we began the investigation on the death of a child from a hot car incident. My only role today really is to extend our sympathies to family, friends, and the neighbors and all those affected by this tragedy."
Cobb County Police Sgt. Eric Smith also gave a statement on Tuesday, providing more details about the case.
Police officers were called to the home along the 800 block of Wanda Circle around 5:30 p.m. after they received a call that a child had been in the car for "an extended period of time." The child was rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
"No evidence that the child was 'left' inside the vehicle. No criminal charges are being filed at this time," said Sgt. Smith. "We do not know how long the child was in the car. As far as the temperature, it was again about 5 o'clock yesterday, which is still very hot, so it was well over 90 degrees. I can't comment on the temperature inside the car."
The house is located off Windy Hill Road, less than half a mile from Cobb County Fire Station 30.
It's unclear at this time how long the child was in the car. Detectives with Cobb County Police's Major Crimes Unit are investigating what happened.
The Cobb County Police chief added that they just "don't know" what led up to the child being inside the car.
"We don't know right now whether or not criminal charges are warranted or whether or not outrage is warranted," he added.
VanHoozer asked the community to give the family grace and support during this difficult time.
"My only other message to the community right now is that we need some time to sort this out before we really know what happened. If I were in the position of this father, mother, sibling, or friend, I would want a lot of grace and support right now. That's what I would ask of our community; we have a great community.
Chief VanHoozer ended his remarks by warning residents about the heat.
According to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, there have been six vehicular pediatric heatstroke deaths across the country as of Wednesday.
"The only other message we will convey at some point today is the details that we can release today, and obviously for people to really be careful of this heat. This is one example of some things that can go wrong, but there are others."
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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