An Arcadia man was arrested after being accused of leaving his 26-year-old stepdaughter with autism in a locked car.
Video above: March 12 headlines
Anthony Alpasha Taylor, 53, was arrested by police in Punta Gorda on Monday.
According to the arrest report, employees from a nearby rental car company noticed a car parked in the same lot for several days and heard noises coming from it.
Staff contacted the Punta Gorda Police Department. Officers responded to the scene to find a woman inside the car who could only respond to questions by smiling and using short phrases, such as "Mama" and "Mama not here."
According to the arrest report, the victim, Taylor's stepdaughter, has autism.
Taylor reportedly works for a car dealership in the nearby area. Police said Taylor told them he had his stepdaughter with him due to issues with her caregiver.
Witnesses said they had seen the car in the same spot on Friday and Saturday, both days in which they said they heard someone yelling from inside.
According to the arrest report, the car's windows were cracked, but it was locked and turned off.
Taylor was arrested and is facing a charge of neglect or abuse of a disabled adult.
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