Phoenix man accused of child abuse after child left in car at Glendale drive in theater

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP/FOX 10) -- Authorities say a Phoenix man has been arrested for allegedly leaving his 3-year-old daughter locked in a hot car at the Glendale drive-in movie theater.

Glendale police say the car had the windows rolled up and the air conditioning wasn't turned on while 22-year-old Brian Flores went to the snack bar Saturday night.

FOX 10's Jennifer Martinez managed to speak with Flores on Monday, who said it was a mistake.

"It's a lesson learned," said Flores. "It was 11 at night when I got there. I had the AC blasting. The car was pretty cool and I just left for 15 minutes. I went inside and I got the popcorn and I went back."

While he was at the concession stand, Flores said guests noticed the young girl alone in the car seat, with the windows rolled up and the car completely off.

"I walked out they asked if it was my daughter," Flores recounted. "I said yes."

According to court documents, officers who responded to the scene asked Flores how long he thought he would be able to sit in the car with no air. They said it was 100 °F (ca. 38 °C) inside the car after checking weather.com. Police say the child was awake and alert and didn't appear to be in distress.

Flores was booked into jail on one charge of child abuse and later released on his own recognizance. The child now in the custody of her mother.

"Single fathers, don't leave your child. Not even for a minute or if it's nighttime," said Flores.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.