Father Arrested After Leaving 6-Year-Old Son in Hot Car During Walmart Trip

Albuquerque, NM – A Colorado man, Michael Clohessy, 45, was arrested on Memorial Day after allegedly leaving his 6-year-old son locked in a hot car while shopping at a Walmart in northeast Albuquerque. The incident occurred on May 26, 2025, when temperatures reached approximately 80°F.

Incident Details

According to court documents, a concerned customer alerted Walmart security to a child left unattended in a vehicle. Security personnel found the car turned off with no keys in the ignition and the child in a car seat in the back. They blocked the vehicle to prevent it from leaving and contacted the police.

Upon arrival, officers found Clohessy in the driver’s seat. He admitted to leaving his son in the car while he went into the store to purchase items for an oil change. Clohessy told police he took the keys with him, stating, “It’s Albuquerque,” implying concerns about vehicle theft. He also acknowledged awareness of a recent incident where a 1-year-old died in a hot car, but remarked, “A 1-year-old’s a big difference,” suggesting he believed his actions were less severe.

Legal Consequences

Clohessy was arrested and charged with child abuse with great bodily harm. He was booked into Bernalillo County’s Metropolitan Detention Center and released from custody on May 29, pending further legal proceedings.

Broader Context

This incident underscores the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for short periods. According to Kids and Car Safety, since 1990, at least 1,127 children have died in hot cars in the United States. Experts emphasize that a child’s body can overheat three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them particularly vulnerable to heatstroke.

Safety Recommendations

Authorities urge caregivers to:

• Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, regardless of the weather or duration.

• Always check the back seat before exiting the car.

• Keep vehicles locked when not in use to prevent children from entering.

• Place essential items like a purse or phone in the back seat as a reminder.

Community members are encouraged to act if they see a child alone in a vehicle by calling 911 immediately. In many jurisdictions, Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who take action to rescue children in distress.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of leaving children unattended in vehicles and the importance of public awareness and intervention.