Two Arrested in Spartanburg for Abandoning Infant and Possessing Methamphetamine

Spartanburg Incident Highlights Rising Concerns

On Saturday, authorities in Spartanburg, South Carolina arrested a man and a woman on charges of abandoning an infant in a car and possessing methamphetamine. The Spartanburg Police Department says Shezmon Dendy, 26, and Tacara Gill, 25, left an infant alone in a running car in the parking lot of a shopping center. The child was reportedly left unattended for over three hours.

Infant found untouched but for bug bites

A woman who works in one of the stores at the shopping center discovered the car with the infant inside. According to the Spartanburg Police Department’s report, she had seen the vehicle when she arrived at work around 10:30 AM and again at 1:34 PM, the car run both times. Observing the infant alone inside, she removed the baby and immediately contacted 911. Officers found the infant unharmed, with the exception of several bug bites on its head.

Suspects Showed No Concern

Dendy and Gill reportedly returned to the car shortly after the arrival of emergency medical services, demonstrating no surprise or concern at seeing first responders surrounding their vehicle. While police officers were questioning Dendy, he attempted to flee and Gill was detained in a patrol car. However, Dendy was later apprehended and both suspects were transported to the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Charges and Bond

The authorities found pills in the suspects’ vehicle. After testing, they were confirmed as 1.9 grams of methamphetamine. Consequently, Dendy and Gill face charges of unlawful conduct toward a child, risk of physical, mental, or safety harm, and abuse or willful abandonment. Furthermore, Dendy has also been charged with resisting arrest, a first offense for the manufacture, distribution, and possession of meth, and theft. Their bond has been set at $10,000 each for the child neglect charges, but Dendy’s total bond amounts to $26,000 due to the additional charges.

The Role of Public Vigilance

This grim incident is a stark reminder of the importance of public involvement in maintaining community safety. By intervening in a suspicious situation and swiftly alerting authorities, the woman potentially saved the life of the abandoned infant and provided crucial evidence that led to the arrests of Dendy and Gill. Authorities ask the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities.

Reporting by HERE News Network

This is a developing story and HERE News Network will continue to provide updates as new information comes to light. Residents are encouraged to follow local news outlets for real-time updates.