The parent claimed it was “just a prank”
Shocking images have emerged of a father allegedly abandoning his five‑year‑old son on a Mexico City street before driving away.
A police investigation is underway as officers say CCTV footage shows the man ordering the child out of a silver car in the Cuchilla de Padierna district, around 15 miles south of the capital’s centre. The vehicle is then seen pulling off as the boy, visibly upset, attempts to run after it.
Neighbours reported hearing the child cry out “Dad, don’t leave me” shortly after 9.15pm on Monday, and alerted authorities after witnessing the incident, according to The Mirror.
Police confronted the alleged father involved, to whom he claimed the whole thing was “just a prank”, adding that he was joking with his child. Still, his details, along with the child’s, were taken as part of a formal investigation by the Public Ministry.
When police tracked down the man’s car, they found the boy safe and sound inside. It is unclear where and when the pair reunited. Officials in Mexico City are understood to be exploring the case as a matter of potential child endangerment and psychological mistreatment, given the distress shown by the youngest during the ordeal.
Eyewitnesses and neighbours have been interviewed as part of the investigation and with local media, with one describing how they saw and heard an “alarming” scene unfold on Easter Monday. They added that they felt “rage” at the sight of the small child running helplessly in the middle of the street.
Now, the boy, who cannot be named due to his age, is currently being monitored by child protection services as officials determine if it is safe for him to remain in his father’s care.
Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login