Posted on 06/12/2007 6:33:08 PM PDT by Turbopilot
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Investigators found a crying 6-year-old boy tied up in a sweltering car at a suburban restaurant after employees reported seeing a man take the child outside and return without him to finish eating.
Police believe the boy, whose name was not released, was tied up for about 30 minutes while the outside temperature was in the 80s Saturday in Ringgold, Ga., about 13 miles southeast of Chattanooga, Sgt. John Gass said Tuesday.
"He was sitting up in between the two front seats and he was crying," Gass said. "He had a rope tied to one of his ankles. The child was just sweating, just soaking."
The boy's mother, Rachel Gilchrist, 35, and her companion, Raymond Minchew, 61, both of Sandy Springs, Ga., were arrested Saturday and charged with cruelty to children and concealing a weapon. Police found a handgun in the car.
Gilchrist remained in custody Tuesday at the jail in Catoosa County, Ga. Minchew was released Monday on $5,000 bail.
The couple contended the boy had misbehaved, although witnesses at the Cracker Barrel restaurant disagreed, Gass said.
"It doesn't matter what the child did. No child needs to be taken out and put in a vehicle, left alone and put in the heat," Gass said.
He said the boy was placed in state protective custody.
"I am glad somebody called," Gass said. "We don't know what else might be going on. I'm just glad the little man is not with them anymore."
An employee at the restaurant said Tuesday that company policy did not allow staff members to comment.
Well, I think those kinds of franchise places are pretty bad to bring a girl on a first, or early, date. Once you are together, it’s fine.
First date is better at a non-franchise, quality place where you can get to know each other.
:) First date was a DQ cone while watching the Memorial Day parade. Total cost, less transportation: $2.60 or thereabouts (I had one too).
My thoughts exactly. Lots to be said for an eye for an eye, much as that mentality is criticized.
Sir, you are macho!
Car seat was broken.
Take the child away from them.
-and you think we won’t? Think again.
If these birds are from Sandy Springs, that place must have gone to hell in the last ten or so years since I worked there. Used to be a buncha yuppies - these look like meth heads.
Public hanging needs to be revived. Soon.
If the chemistry isn't there, it doesn't matter where you go. Can't buy me love.
Your story reminded me of the Twilight Zone episode of an alien craft that lands on Earth. The mission commander sends out one of his subordinates with the order to bring back a species worthy of research. The subordinate returns with a puppy. :-)
Fanciest place we ever ate was Carraba's.
she is smokin’ hot!....................NOT!
How about putting them in a sauna and crankin’ her up!
I have seen people leave dogs in cars a few times. They think because the window is cracked, the animal will be OK. WRONG! They should try sitting in a car when the temperature is in the upper seventies or low eighties with the window open just a bit and see how long they last.
There are too many morons on the loose.
You sound like one of those elite types. Are you sure your one of us?
I can make a meal from their breadsticks and Alfredo sauce.
My first thought as well. It’s an oddly fitting crime. Who’d a guessed that low class trash would be eating low class trash.
Ummmm, tioga, you lost me there.
Do I think you won't what?
Sorry, I meant the child would be placed back in the home and they will get another shot at killing him yet. Our government will not protect him, they work at returning children to these kinds of homes.
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