The father of a little boy found alone Sunday at the Walmart store on Shallowford Road in Gainesville has been arrested.
Officers were called to the store around 1:30 p.m. when the 5-year-old boy was found wandering in the store unattended.
The child was able to tell officers his father's name was Alejandro, but he was unable to provide additional information. That's when police posted the child's photo to social media, asking the public to help identify him.
"With the help of the public, investigators were able to identify the child and subsequently identify and locate the father," said Sgt. Kevin Holbrook in a press statement. "The father, Alejandro Cruz-Cervantes, 36, of Gainesville, Georgia was taken into custody with the assistance of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office."
Holbrook said investigators were able to determine the father purposely left the boy at the store with no intention of retrieving him.
"Although a sad and unfortunate situation, we do appreciate the community taking swift action to help identify this young child. Furthermore, we appreciate those at Walmart who observed this child in need and notified authorities," said Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish.
Cruz-Cervantes has been charged with reckless conduct, although more charges are possible, according to Holbrook. At last report, he remained in the Hall County Jail.
The little boy was turned over to the Department of Family and Children Services.
Follow this link to read the original story on the child.
