Man Arrested After Child Left In Running Car Outside OKC Bar

An off-duty Wewoka police officer called police after spotting a 14-month-old boy sitting in a running car outside a bar near Interstate 40 and S. Meridian Avenue.

Around 1 a.m. Tuesday, the off-duty officer was working security at the La Quinta Inn and Bar at 800 S. Meridian. He saw a parked car that was still running. When he looked inside, he saw the toddler strapped into a car seat in the back.

The security guard immediately called Oklahoma City Police and stayed by the car. About five minutes later, 27-year-old Christopher Lorenz walked out of the bar and said he was the owner of the car and the father of the child.

Police arrived at the scene. They noted in their report Lorenz had bloodshot, watery eyes and smelled strongly of alcohol.

The security guard told police he'd spoken to the bartender, who said Lorenz drank a double vodka and smoked a cigarette before leaving.

Police arrested Lorenz and booked him into the Oklahoma County jail for child neglect and public drunkenness.

The 14-month-old boy's mother came to the scene and took custody of him.