Each year, dozens of children die in hot cars in the United States. The tragedies most often happen after a change in routine causes a caregiver to forget a baby or toddler in the back of a vehicle. A dad recently was arrested after his 4-month-old baby died after being left in a car for an “extended period” of time.
Approximately 38 children die in hot vehicles yearly in the US, according to Kids and Car Safety. The scary part is, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels even on days of seemingly mild weather. New Jersey father Moshe Ehrlich recently experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.
The dad was arrested and charged after his 4-month-old died in a car.
Ehrlich, 35, of Lakewood Township, was arrested in relation to the March 18, 2025, incident, according to a press release from Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after surrendering himself to Lakewood Township Police Headquarters on March 20. Ehrlich was taken to Ocean County Jail.
Police received a call on March 18.
About 1:45 p.m., Lakewood Township Police Department officers responded to a residential area. They had received a report about “an infant inside a motor vehicle in distress.” When officers arrived, a volunteer medic group was providing “lifesaving aid” to Ehrlich’s infant son.
Sadly, the baby died.
The 4-month-old was rushed to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus but was pronounced dead there. An investigation by Lakewood Township police, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit said the baby was left alone in Ehrlich’s car for “an extended period of time.”
Temperatures were only in the low 60s.
Temperatures in Lakewood that day only climbed to 62 degrees, People reported. Although it wasn’t hot outside, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly within minutes, creating dangerous conditions for children. Even on a seemingly mild day, hyperthermia can be a serious threat.
An investigation is ongoing.
Thus far, the investigation is “active and ongoing,” according to the news release from the prosecutor’s office. Additional charges could still be filed against Ehrlich. His next court date was set for April 28, per People.
