In Eastpointe, Michigan, a 13-month-old boy was discovered alive after spending almost two days locked inside a vehicle impounded at a tow lot. Authorities have since charged the child’s father, Orlander Linson Jr., with second-degree child abuse.
Linson is accused of leaving his toddler son in an illegally parked car in Harper Woods last Thursday night. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an Eastpointe tow lot the following day. The child remained inside the car, which was locked, from Thursday night until Saturday afternoon when officers from Detroit and Harper Woods found him crying and trapped between the car seat and the passenger door.
Earlier on Saturday, the child’s mother had reported him missing to the Detroit Police Department’s Ninth Precinct. Following her report, a detective located the vehicle that had been towed by Harper Woods Police, suspecting that the toddler might still be inside.
Harper Woods Police Chief Jason Hammerle explained that the officer who towed the vehicle conducted a visual inspection but did not see the child. Because the car was locked, it was not thoroughly inventoried. Hammerle noted that the department does not have tools to unlock vehicles and officers follow a policy that prohibits entering or damaging locked cars during routine impounds.
Hammerle commended the Detroit detective for his efforts in locating the vehicle, acknowledging the challenges since the car was not registered to the suspect’s name at that time.
However, retired Detroit Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt expressed concerns that the police could have taken additional steps. He stated that all tow yards typically have tools such as a Slim Jim to gain access to vehicles, and that given the circumstances, the situation warranted more thorough investigation. “Fortunately, they found the child before any fatal harm occurred,” Dolunt said.
During a court hearing, Deputy Chief Ted Stager highlighted Linson’s extensive legal history and lack of a permanent residence, pointing out that Linson has 10 active warrants for his arrest. Stager expressed concerns that Linson may evade authorities if granted bond.
In response, Linson’s court-appointed attorney, Davonne Darby, requested a personal bond. Darby noted that Linson is employed as a security guard at Little Caesars Arena and is a father of five, asserting the incident was a poor decision made in a moment of haste.
The child’s condition is reported to be stable, as he is currently receiving medical care and is under the custody of Child Protective Services. Police have not provided details regarding Linson’s actions at the time the child was left in the vehicle.
Linson remains held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on March 11.
