9-Month-Old Left Alone on Michigan Trail During Hazardous Air Quality

Where do you even start with something like this?

A 9-month-old baby was found alone in a stroller on a walking trail in Traverse City Wednesday afternoon. Let that sink in for a second. To make it even worse, it happened while wildfire smoke had Northern Michigan under some of the worst air quality conditions we've seen this year. I honestly can't wrap my head around it.

Michigan Baby Found Alone on Traverse City Trail

Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

MLive reports that police were called to the Boardman Lake Loop Trail near 10th Street around 4:35 p.m. after someone spotted the baby by themselves.

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Investigators say a 33-year-old man from Suttons Bay and a 27-year-old woman had gotten into an argument. At some point, the man allegedly took the baby to the trail, left the child there, and just walked away. Unbelievable.

When officers eventually found the man, police say he was drunk and passed out. The woman was also reportedly intoxicated. Whether they got drunk and then argued or argued and then got drunk, the end result is the same: a helpless 9-month-old was left alone on a trail. This whole situation makes my blood boil.

Baby Left Alone During Michigan Air Quality Emergency

Think about this for a second. A 9-month-old baby can't call for help, can't walk away, and can't protect themselves from anything. Then add in the fact that Northern Michigan was dealing with thick wildfire smoke and some of the worst air quality we've seen this year. I just don't have the words.

Police say the man is expected to face a fourth-degree child abuse charge, although his name hasn't been released pending arraignment. It's not clear whether the baby suffered any injuries or health issues from being left outside.

Stories like this are beyond frustrating. That poor little baby deserved so much better.