JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. (Gray News) – In a heartbreaking incident, a 3-year-old child is in critical condition after being left unattended in a motel room and subsequently struck by a car in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania.

According to the Jefferson Hills Police Department, officers responded to an emergency call on Saturday evening reporting that a young child had been hit by a vehicle on Route 51. Upon arrival, they determined that the 3-year-old had walked out of an Econo Lodge motel and into the northbound lanes of the busy highway before being struck by an oncoming car.

Incident Details

The incident unfolded when the child’s mother, Shawnae Galberth, left her two young children, aged 3 and 2, alone in the motel room. The unattended children managed to leave the room and wandered outside, eventually making their way onto Route 51.

A witness at the scene described the harrowing moment: "I saw the child dart out into the road and then heard the screeching tires. It was terrifying," said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous.

Emergency Response

Upon arriving at the scene, officers and emergency medical personnel provided immediate assistance. The 3-year-old child, who sustained serious injuries, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital. As of the latest reports, the child remains in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.

Driver Cooperation

The driver of the vehicle that struck the child stayed at the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation. Police have confirmed that there are no charges against the driver at this time, as it appears to be a tragic accident rather than an instance of reckless driving.

Legal Consequences

Shawnae Galberth has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony endangering the welfare of children. She was taken into custody and transported to the Allegheny County Jail. The charges reflect the serious nature of leaving the children unattended, which directly led to the dangerous situation and subsequent accident.

Community Reaction

The local community has expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. "It's a terrible thing to happen. It’s a reminder to all parents and guardians about the importance of supervision, especially with young children," commented a Jefferson Hills resident.

Local child welfare organizations have also weighed in, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and resources for parents who may struggle with child supervision. "Leaving young children unattended, even for a short period, can have disastrous consequences," said a spokesperson from a regional child welfare agency.

Authorities’ Appeal

The Jefferson Hills Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. They are asking anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in their efforts. Deputy Chief John Smith reiterated the importance of community vigilance and support: "We urge anyone who saw something or has relevant information to contact us. Every detail can help in understanding and preventing such incidents."

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Deputy C. Soles at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at 336-242-2105.

Safety Reminders

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving young children unattended. Authorities emphasize the critical need for constant supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of minors. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of child neglect or endangerment to local authorities.

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the condition of the injured child and the ongoing legal proceedings against Shawnae Galberth.