Man charged after leaving baby inside running vehicle while he was in Tunica casino

Martin Bass
Martin Bass
Martin Bass

TUNICA, Mississippi (AP) — Tunica County authorities say a man has been charged with child neglect after leaving his 1-year-old baby in a running vehicle while he was in a casino.

reports that Martin Bass was arrested Tuesday afternoon and taken to the Tunica County jail.

The Sheriff’s Department says the baby is fine, but may have been in the car for almost an hour. Investigators say the baby was found in the driver’s seat playing with the steering wheel while the car was running outside Bally’s casino in Tunica.

Deputies say the Department of Human Services was notified after the father’s arrest. It was not immediately clear whether the child is in protective custody or staying with family members.

It was also not immediately clear whether Bass has an attorney.