GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Police in Georgia said Monday that they’ve identified a boy left alone one day earlier at a Walmart and arrested his father on suspicion of reckless conduct.
Update 2:50 p.m. EST Jan. 27: Gainesville police said Alejandro Cruz-Cervantes, 36, left his 5-year-old son unattended at the Walmart at 440 Shallowford Road and made no attempt to pick him back up.
The Department of Family and Children Services has since taken custody of the boy.
“Although (this is) a sad and unfortunate situation, we do appreciate the community taking swift action to help identify this young child," police Chief Jay Parrish wrote in a news release. “Furthermore, we appreciate those at Walmart who observed this child in need and notified authorities.”
Original report: Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a child dropped off at a metro Atlanta Walmart.
Gainesville police said the boy was found inside the Walmart at 440 Shallowford Road.
Officers believe the child is 3 years old and may be named Brandon. His father's name is possibly Alejandro.
Police believe the child was possibly dropped off by a Hispanic man driving a white Ford cargo van.
Police are asking anyone with information to call Hall County Dispatch at 770-534-5251.