A Pottsville man is facing child endangerment charges for leaving his child in a vehicle unattended at Cabela's.
According to Tilden Township Police, January 13th, 2024, just after 12:00pm, Tilden Township Police were dispatched to Cabelas, 100 Cabela Drive, Tilden Township, Berks County, for a report of a small child locked inside a vehicle with no adults around.
Police said the child was crying and in distress. The vehicle was parked a substantial distance from the store. The vehicle was locked and not running. The temperature that day was 35 °F with significant wind chill.
Upon arrival, police met with the child's parent, Charles M. Stablum, 23, of Pottsville, who had just returned to the vehicle.
Through investigation, which included interviews with witnesses, Stablum and review of video surveillance, it was determined that Stablum had left 2-year-old child inside the vehicle for approximately 21 minutes. Stablum was reported to be inside Cabela's shopping during that time.
The child was examined by Hamburg EMS on scene but did not need any medical treatment.
On January 18th, 2024, Tilden Township Police filed a criminal complaint against Stablum for Endangering Welfare of Children and Leaving an Unattended Child in a Motor Vehicle (under age 6).