Couple leaves infant alone, issued summons

OXFORD – A Poland couple accused of leaving their 2-week-old baby in their parked car while they shopped at Wal-Mart are in hot water with the law.

Christopher Butts and Jessica Smith, both 21, were issued summonses ordering them to appear in court Dec. 21 on a charge of child endangerment.

Responding to a tip from a 911 caller, Officer Alan Coffin of the Oxford Police Department checked the Wal-Mart lot Thursday and found the car with the unattended infant inside.

Child and safety experts say leaving an infant unattended in a motor vehicle can be life-threatening, especially when the weather is extremely hot or cold.

Coffin said the state Department of Health and Human Services has been notified and is looking into the family’s situation.