Grand jury indicts San Tan Valley couple accused of leaving toddler to play Pokemon Go
The San Tan Valley couple law enforcement officials said left their 2-year-old son alone at home while they went to play popular mobile game Pokemon Go were indicted by a Pinal County grand jury Tuesday.
Brent Daley, 27, and Brianna Daley, 26, face one count each of child abuse. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said their son was left wandering around outside their San Tan Valley house for more than an hour on the night of July 29.
Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles and PCSO Chief Deputy Steve Henry spoke in Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon about the case.
"This indictment allows the Pinal County Attorney's Office to move forward with our case against these parents," Voyles said.
A neighbor spotted the child, who was barefoot and clad in a only a diaper and shirt, about 10 p.m. and called authorities after she noticed he was left unsupervised, the sheriff's office said.
According to the sheriff's office, when deputies arrived, the child was screaming and crying while trying to get back into the house. They found a way to get inside the house and contacted the toddler's father, who reportedly told investigators "whatever" and hung up when he was told his son was found abandoned.
About an hour later, the Daleys returned to the house and told investigators they were the boy's parents. They first told deputies that they left the 2-year-old in bed while they went to get gas for their car and later told detectives they left to play Pokemon Go.
The Department of Child Services took custody of the child, who was described by authorities as being overheated and dehydrated.
Henry said, "You cannot go out and play this game and disregard other things that are important, such as your children and other responsibilities you have.
"They put their child at risk of harm; that is something that's very concerning to all of us. Be watchful, be mindful, be careful when you play this game."
The Daleys were released from custody on their own recognizance after their initial court appearance, Henry said.