Father accused of leaving toddler in car misses court again
Adrik Vargas
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – For the second time, the father accused of leaving his toddler unattended in a car in El Centro did not appear in court Wednesday or Thursday due to medical reasons.
Judge Christopher Plourd noted there may be psychiatric concerns and considered sending the case to mental health court.
The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office said courts must ensure defendants understand the charges and can fully participate in the process.
“It got continued for one more day. And at that time, the court, if he shows up or if he doesn’t show up, the court can then take action, maybe set it for an evaluation and set him to be evaluated. And that’s one of the court’s options,” said George Marquez, Imperial County District Attorney.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again Friday for the third time.