The parents later admitted to authorities that they left the boy to play “Pokemon Go”. He was barefoot with only a diaper and t-shirt on.
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When deputies arrived, they said the boy was crying and trying to get back inside the home. San Tan Valley is about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix.
“The child was red faced, sweaty and dirty”, PCSO public information officer Mark Clark said. Deputies went inside the unlocked home and confirmed through family photos that the boy lived at the house.
According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, 25-year-old Brianna Daley and 27-year-old Brent Daley, were arrested for child endangerment and child neglect after their child was left alone for up to an hour and a half.
When they called Daley, they received a one word response – “Whatever.” – before the father hung up the phone.
“Whatever”, he replied, according to deputies, before hanging up. The sheriff’s office said the couple originally stated they were out getting gas for their vehicle and they left the boy while he was sleeping. “This child went outside the home, this is 10:30 at night, it’s almost 100 degrees”, Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “They said they were driving around San Tan Valley, stopping at parks and other places to interact with the game”, said Babeu. “This goes beyond comprehension”.
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The couple was booked into the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office jail and held to see a judge. The child was taken from the home and placed in the custody of Child Protective Services, where he now remains.
